People v. Morales

Following a jury trial, defendant was convicted of first degree murder, solicitation to commit murder for hire, and conspiracy to commit murder. Defendant waived a jury for the sentencing phase of trial, where he was found eligible for the death penalty. The trial court found mitigating factors to preclude the imposition of the death penalty and sentenced defendant to natural fife imprisonment without the possibility of parole. Defendant now appeals, arguing that (1) his counsel had a conflict of interest in representing both defendant and a witness against him; (2) the trial court erred in…