People v. Brown

Defendant was charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance (heroin) with intent to deliver. (HI. Rev. Stat. 1985, ch. 561lz, par. 1401(c).) After a jury trial, defendant was convicted of unlawful possession of heroin (111. Rev. Stat. 1985, ch. BGVz, par. 1402) and was sentenced to 36 months’ imprisonment, ordered to pay costs, a fine, and to reimburse the county $500 for the cost of his public defender. Defendant argues that it was error for the State to cross-examine him about the details of a prior offense, that he was denied a fair trial when the prosecutor in rebuttal…