People v. Langley

A Champaign County jury convicted defendant Lawrence Langley of aggravated battery of a child. (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1989, ch. 38, par. 12—4.3(a).) After a sentencing hearing at which defendant appeared pro se, he was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment. He appeals, arguing he was denied his sixth amendment right to discharge his privately retained counsel during trial. He also contends his waiver of counsel at the sentencing hearing violated the sixth amendment because the trial judge did not properly admonish him. The court was not bound to permit defendant to discharge his counsel during the…