Mitchell v. the People

Per Curiam :

Petitioner, imprisoned in the Illinois State Penitentiary, under a life sentence for the crime of murder, seeks release from that sentence under the Post-Conviction Hearing Act. (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1951, chap. 38, pars. 826-832.) He contends that his three counsel, who were selected and retained by him, were incompetent; wherefore, he conceives that he has been denied due process of law.

Ordinarily, a defendant who retains counsel of his own selection is responsible if that counsel does not faithfully serve his interest. Any other rule would put a premium upon pretended incompetence…