People v. Harston

Mr. PRESIDING JUSTICE THOMAS J. MORAN

delivered the opinion of the court:

Jury verdicts found defendant guüty of attempt armed robbery and aggravated battery. While many issues are raised on appeal, we find it necessary to consider only whether denial of defendant’s motion for a substitution of judge amounted to reversible error.

On February 9, 1972, defendant was arraigned without counsel. The court, on behalf of defendant, entered pleas of not guilty to the charges, appointed the public defender and stated, “Your case will be set for March 13th for disposition. Do you understand that?”…