People v. Dillard

The petitioner, Phillip Dillard, appeals from the dismissal of his petition for post-conviction relief. The petition was based on an allegation of ineffective assistance of counsel. The petitioner contends on appeal that dismissal was improper because the issues contained in the petition could not have been raised on direct appeal.

Following a jury trial, the petitioner was convicted of home invasion, rape, and armed robbery. The trial court sentenced him to concurrent terms of 60 years’ imprisonment. After his conviction was affirmed on direct appeal, People v. Dillard (1985), 136 Ill. App.…