People v. Lavas

After a jury trial, James Lavas (defendant) was convicted of aggravated battery and battery. He was found not guilty on two counts of armed robbery, two counts of armed violence, and three additional counts of aggravated battery. Defendant was sentenced to four years for aggravated battery and “up to one year” for battery, to run concurrently. Defendant appeals.

In their testimony, the two complainants corroborated each other on most important points. Both testified they were walking home together from a “gay disco” at about 3 a.m. on February 23, 1980. Complainant Lindblad testified he had…