People v. Harper

In August 1995, defendant, Nathaniel Harper, entered a partially negotiated guilty plea to first degree murder (720 ILCS 5/9 — 1(a)(2) (West 1994)). The trial court sentenced defendant to 50 years’ imprisonment. Defendant appeals, arguing (1) his trial counsel did not file the required Supreme Court Rule 604(d) certificate (145 Ill. 2d R. 604(d)) and (2) the trial court did not properly admonish him pursuant to Supreme Court Rule 605(b) (145 Ill. 2d R. 605(b)). Defendant asks this court to remand the cause to allow compliance with Rule 604(d) and to require proper Rule 605(b) admonishments.…