People v. Neal

This case comes to us in an unusual procedural posture. On May 25, 1994, after a jury trial in the circuit court of Macon County, defendant Andre J. Neal was convicted of three counts of attempt (first degree murder) (720 ILCS 5/8—4, 9—1(a)(1) (West 1992)). On July 11, 1994, the court sentenced defendant to three consecutive terms of 10 years’ imprisonment. On July 14, 1994, the office of the State Appellate Defender (OSAD) was appointed to represent defendant. On August 2, 1994, defendant filed a pro se motion to reduce sentence evidently unbeknownst to OSAD. On August 9, 1994, a notice of…