People v. Whittaker

After a bench trial, defendant, Larry Whittaker, was convicted of armed robbery (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1987, ch. 38, par. 18—2), armed violence (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1987, ch. 38, par. 33A—2), and aggravated battery (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1987, ch. 38, par. 12—4) and sentenced to six years in prison. On appeal, he contends that he was denied effective assistance by his privately retained counsel. We affirm.

At trial, the State waived opening statement, the defense reserved its statement, and the State then called its first witness, Donald Koehler, the complainant. Koehler testified that at about 8:30 p.m. on…