People v. Briones

Following a jury trial, the defendant, Brandon Briones, was convicted of criminal damage to property (720 ILCS 5/21 — l(l)(a) (West 2002)) and sentenced to two years in prison. On appeal, the defendant argues that he was denied the effective assistance of counsel. We reverse and remand.

FACTS

On May 30, 2002, the State charged the defendant by an amended information with criminal damage to property worth more than $300 (720 ILCS 5/21 — l(l)(a), (2) (West 2002)) and aggravated discharge of a firearm (720 ILCS 5/24 — 1.2(a)(1) (West 2002)).

At the defendant’s jury trial, the State presented the…