People v. Smith

On September 23, 1988, defendant Earsley Smith, following a trial in absentia, was found guilty by a jury sitting in the circuit court of Champaign County of the offenses of aggravated battery and resisting a peace officer, in violation of sections 12 — 4(b)(6) and 31 — 1, respectively, of the Criminal Code of 1961 (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1987, ch. 38, pars. 12 — 4(b)(6), 31 — 1). He was subsequently placed on probation for each offense. He now appeals.

On July 11, 1988, defendant was charged by information with two counts of aggravated battery and one count of resisting a police officer. The…