People v. Barner

Defendant John Barner was convicted by a jury of aggravated criminal sexual assault. 720 ILCS 5/12 — 14(a)(2) (West 1998). He represented himself at trial and testified in his own behalf. He was sentenced to natural life imprisonment. Defendant appeals, arguing: (1) the State distorted the burden of proof in its rebuttal closing argument; and (2) he was denied a fair trial when the trial court allowed the State to impeach him with his earlier conviction of failure to register under the Sex Offender Registration Act (Act) (730 ILCS 150/1 et seq. (West 1998)). We affirm.

G.W., the victim,…