People v. Tate

Following a jury trial, defendant Grover Tate was convicted of first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder and sentenced to concurrent 40- and 30-year prison terms, respectively. His convictions and sentences were affirmed on direct appeal. People v. Tate, 253 Ill: App. 3d 1107 (1993) (unpublished order under Supreme Court Rule 23). Defendant subsequently filed a pro se postconviction petition, and counsel was appointed to assist him. On the State’s motion, defendant’s petition was dismissed without an evidentiary hearing. Defendant appeals from that dismissal, contending that trial…