People v. George

Defendant, John E. George, was found guilty of forgery following a jury trial in the Circuit Court of Du Page County and was subsequently sentenced to 3 years, 180 days, in the custody of the Illinois Department of Corrections with credit for time served. He appeals contending that his right of access to the courts was denied when, as a pro se pretrial detainee, his access to legal research materials was restricted by the trial court.

Defendant’s first trial on the forgery charge resulted in a mistrial. Prior to retrial, defense counsel became ill and withdrew. The defendant refused an offer…