People v. Johnson

Mr. PRESIDING JUSTICE McNAMARA

delivered the opinion of the court:

Along with Robert Douglas (not involved in this appeal), defendant, William Johnson, was charged with two counts of armed robbery. Douglas’ motion for a severance was granted. After a bench trial, defendant was found guilty of the crimes charged, and was sentenced to 7 to 15 years, the sentences to run concurrently.

The issues presented are whether defendant’s absence from the trial denied him due process; whether the court erred in denying defendant’s motion for a substitution of counsel; whether the court properly denied…