People v. Hicks

In this appeal we are asked to resolve a conflict among the districts of our appellate court with respect to whether the trial court may impose an extended-term sentence for a felony conviction, where that felony conviction was enhanced from a misdemeanor because of the accused’s previous criminal convictions.

I

In February 1992, defendant, Tazell Hicks, attempted to leave a Unique Thrift Store with retail merchandise for which he had not paid. His efforts were thwarted by a security guard who apprehended defendant as he reached the exit to the store. The property taken by defendant was worth…