People v. Morgan

In the present appeal, we consider the constitutionality of the attempt statute (720 ILCS 5/8 — 4 (West 2000)), as amended by Public Act 91 — 404 (Pub. Act 91 — 404, § 5, eff. January 1, 2000). Public Act 91 — 404 amended the sentencing provisions of the offense of attempted first degree murder by adding what has been referred to as the “15-20-25 to life” provisions. The circuit court of Sangamon County ruled that the attempt statute, as amended, is unconstitutional because the “15-20-25 to life” sentencing provisions mandate penalties for the offense of attempted first degree murder that…