People v. Ruiz

The State appeals from an order of the circuit court of Cook County granting defendant, Luis Ruiz, relief under the Post-Conviction Hearing Act (Act) (725 ILCS 5/122 — 1 et seq. (West 1992)). The circuit court vacated defendant’s death sentence and ordered a new sentencing hearing, concluding that defendant had been denied effective assistance of counsel at his original capital sentencing hearing. "Because the post-conviction proceedings involve a judgment imposing the death penalty, the State’s appeal lies directly to this court.” People v. Mack, 167 Ill. 2d 525, 528 (1995); 134 Ill. 2d R.…