People v. Rhodes

*932 ¶ 1 In September 2016, a jury found defendant, Julian Chrisean Rhodes, guilty of delivering a controlled substance within 1000 feet of a church. 720 ILCS 570/407(b)(2) (West 2016). The trial court sentenced defendant to eight years in prison and imposed various fines and fees.

¶ 2 Defendant appeals, arguing (1) the trial court failed to ensure the jury understood and accepted the Illinois Supreme Court Rule 431(b) (eff. July 1, 2012) principles, (2) the prosecutor committed misconduct during closing argument, (3) the trial court erred by failing to conduct a hearing on his pro se claim of…