People v. Crowe

Following a bench trial, defendant, John Crowe, was found guilty of first degree murder and sentenced to 50 years’ imprisonment. On appeal, defendant contends the trial court erred in granting the State’s motion to disqualify defense counsel, thereby depriving defendant of his sixth amendment right to counsel of choice. This court has jurisdiction pursuant to Supreme Court Rule 603 (134 Ill. 2d R. 603). For the reasons set forth below, we reverse and remand for a new trial.

Background

On January 28, 1998, defendant, John Crowe, his brother, Stephen Crowe, Carlos Sanchez, Shane Masini, and…