People v. Blanton

In December 2007, a jury found defendant, Craig J. Blanton, guilty of armed robbery (720 ILCS 5/18 — 2(a)(2) (West 2006)) and aggravated robbery (720 ILCS 5/18 — 5(a) (West 2006)). In January 2008, the trial court vacated the aggravated-robbery conviction under the one-act, one-crime rule and sentenced defendant to 25 years’ imprisonment for armed robbery. Defendant appealed, arguing (1) the sentence for armed robbery violated the proportionate-penalties clause of the Illinois Constitution (Ill. Const. 1970, art. I, §11), (2) the trial court failed to comply with Illinois Supreme Court Rule…