People v. Alksnis

Thomas Alksnis was convicted of residential burglary after a jury trial and sentenced to 20 years in prison. He raises multiple issues on appeal, from jury selection to sentencing. We affirm.

Before trial, defendant challenged several jurors for cause. He challenged prospective juror Leslie Hyland because she and her father had been victims of crimes. The challenge was denied. Defendant’s counsel then used a peremptory challenge to excuse Hyland. Subsequently, defendant told his attorney he did not want to use his last peremptory challenge on Hyland. Defendant’s counsel moved to withdraw that…