People v. Kohl

The resolution of this appeal depends on what the definition of “metal knuckles” is.1 According to the State, an item consisting of a 31/2-inch-long, U/a-inch-wide knife blade, two metal finger loops, and additional smaller blades is a set of metal knuckles. The trial court accepted this interpretation, and accordingly it found defendant, Anthony W. Kohl, guilty of being a felon in possession of a per se unlawful weapon under sections 24 — 1.1(a) and 24 — 1(a)(1) of the Criminal Code of 1961 (Code) (720 ILCS 5/24 — 1.1(a), 24 — 1(a)(1) (West 2002)). Kohl appeals, and we reverse.

I. BACKGROUND

In…