People v. Johnson

Unhappy with the outcome of a two-on-two basketball game, defendant got a gun and shot his opponent. Injured, the opponent lived.

Defendant was charged with armed violence, attempted murder, and aggravated battery.

There was a jury trial. After defendant had heard the testimony of five State’s witnesses, he withdrew his plea of not guilty and pleaded guilty to armed violence and aggravated battery. The attempted murder charge was dismissed as agreed.

A factual basis was given. It was clear; defendant had fired only once.

The circuit court of St. Clair County honored the plea agreement and…