People v. Holmes

Defendant, Gregory Holmes, appeals his convictions of driving under the influence of alcohol (625 ILCS 5/11 — 501(a)(2) (West 1994)) and improper lane usage (625 ILCS 5/11 — 709(a) (West 1994)). Defendant argues that his convictions must be reversed and the cause remanded for a new trial because the trial court erred in refusing to (1) permit defendant to offer evidence that venue was improper; and (2) instruct the jury regarding the State’s burden of proving venue.

In order to resolve the issues raised in this appeal, we must determine whether Public Act 89 — 288 (Act), effective August 11,…