People v. Sykes

Originally the defendant was charged with the felony of theft from person, but immediately before trial the State reduced the charge to the misdemeanor of theft of property not exceeding $150 in value. Defendant’s attorney entered a plea of not guilty and waived trial by jury for him. Defendant was found guilty by the court and sentenced to serve four months at the Illinois State Farm in Vandalia. He contends on appeal that he did not knowingly and understandingly waive his right to a jury trial and that his identity as the person who committed the crime was not proven beyond a reasonable…