People v. Hardin

The defendant, Tommy O. Hardin, was represented at trial by an assistant public defender. He was represented in postconviction proceedings by another assistant public defender. His postconviction attorney argued that his trial attorney was ineffective. The sole issue in this case is whether the simple fact that both attorneys were employed by the Du Page County public defender’s office necessitated an inquiry by the circuit court of Du Page County into a potential conflict of interest. The appellate court refused to remand for such an inquiry and affirmed the dismissal of the defendant’s…