People v. Watkins

Following revocation of his probation, defendant was sentenced to one to five years upon a conviction of forgery. This Court reversed from the bench during oral argument.

The petition for revocation alleged that defendant failed to report to the probation officer and was absent from the State. The record discloses that at the hearing on revocation, defendant’s appointed counsel stated:

“The defendant wishes to admit, Your Honor, to the violations as set forth in both of the reports of the probation officer.”

The court then imposed sentence following a short statement in mitigation by counsel.

In…