People v. Sanders

The defendant, Emmitt Sanders, pied guilty to a charge of first degree murder (720 ILCS 5/9—1(a)(1) (West 1994)) in exchange for a sentencing cap of 45 years. Following a sentencing hearing, the trial court imposed the maximum term of 45 years’ imprisonment. The defendant’s motion to withdraw his guilty plea was denied. On appeal, the defendant contends that: (1) he was entitled to a fitness hearing because he was taking medication for asthma at the time of his guilty plea; and (2) his sentence was excessive. We affirm.

At the guilty plea hearing, the trial judge questioned the defendant about…