People v. Williams

Defendant, Chester Williams, appeals from the order of the Cook County circuit court which dismissed his pro se petition for relief under the Illinois Post-Conviction Hearing Act (the Act). (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1985, ch. 38, par. 122 — 1 et seq.). On appeal, defendant argues that the trial court’s failure to make explicit factual findings and legal conclusions in a written order of dismissal amounted to reversible error.

For the reasons set forth below, we reverse and remand.

Background

Defendant’s pro se post-conviction petition, filed May 15, 1984, alleged in substance that the Illinois Supreme…