People v. Smolley

¶ 1 Defendant Martize M. Smolley was charged with first degree murder and unlawful possession of a firearm when he was 15 years old. He was automatically transferred to adult court, where a bench trial was held. Defendant was convicted of two counts of felony murder and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm. Defendant was originally sentenced to natural life in prison but received a new sentencing hearing, where the trial court sentenced him to a total of 65 years' imprisonment. Defendant appeals, arguing that he is entitled to a discretionary transfer hearing and a new sentencing…