People v. Hampton

Following a jury trial, defendant, Fredrick Hampton, was convicted of the unlawful use of a weapon by a felon (720 ILCS 5/24 — 1.1(a) (West 2002)). Defendant appeals, contending that the evidence was insufficient to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that he knew a weapon was in the car he was driving. We reverse.

I. BACKGROUND

On April 11, 2002, Officer Todd Edwards stopped a maroon Honda because its temporary registration was expired. Defendant, who was the driver, gave Edwards an Illinois identification card and a receipt for insurance showing that a payment was due. Edwards thought that…