People v. Collins

Robert E. Collins was convicted of theft with a prior theft conviction, following a trial by jury in absentia. He was sentenced to two years in the Department of Corrections with credit for four days previously served. He appeals from his conviction and sentence. We affirm.

Collins asserts: (1) The statute that permits the trial in absentia of defendants who wilfully absent themselves from their trials (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1981, ch. 38, par. 115 — 4.1(a)) is unconstitutional; (2) the State did not meet its burden of establishing his wilful absence from his trial; (3) the trial court acted…