People v. Swanson

The defendant, John L. Swanson, appeals from an order of the circuit court of Du Page County dismissing his petition for post-conviction relief as patently without merit. We reverse.

The defendant pied guilty to one count of aggravated criminal sexual assault. After hearing a factual basis for the plea, the trial court accepted the plea and sentenced the defendant to 18 years in prison. Thereafter, the defendant’s court-appointed counsel informed the court that the defendant wanted counsel to file a notice of appeal. Defense counsel then filed a motion to reconsider the defendant’s sentence.…