People v. Watkins

Pursuant to a plea negotiation, defendant, Ronald L. Watkins, pleaded guilty to one count of retail theft (720 ILCS 5/16A — 10(a) (West 1998)) in case No. 98 — CF—1246 (’98 offense) and to one count of retail theft in case No. 99 — CF—749 (’99 offense). Defendant was sentenced to two consecutive three-year terms of imprisonment. Thereafter, defendant filed motions to vacate the pleas and to reconsider the sentences, which were subsequently denied. Defendant contends on appeal that the sentences (1) are improperly enhanced; (2) violate Apprendi v. New Jersey, 530 U.S. 466, 147 L. Ed. 2d 435,…