People v. Peoples

Defendant Michael Peoples appeals from an order of the circuit court granting the State’s motion to dismiss his petition for relief under the Post-Conviction Hearing Act (Act) (725 ILCS 5/122 — 1 et seq. (West 2000)). On appeal, defendant contends the dismissal must be reversed and the case remanded because the record fails to affirmatively show that defendant’s appointed counsel complied with the requirements of Supreme Court Rule 651(c). 134 Ill. 2d R. 651(c). We reverse and remand with directions.

At the bench trial, Officer Stoll’s testimony established that on the evening of March 16,…