People v. Link

Following a jury trial, defendant James E. Link was convicted of driving while his license was revoked (625 ILCS 5/6—303 (West 1996)). Because of the defendant’s driving record, the present offense constituted a Class 4 felony. 625 ILCS 5/6—303(d) (West 1996). He was sentenced in absentia to six years’ imprisonment. The defendant then filed a posttrial motion alleging that: (1) he was entitled to a new sentencing hearing because he was not "willfully” absent from sentencing; and (2) his sentence was excessive. Following a hearing, the defendant’s motion was denied. The defendant appeals from…