People v. Szymanski

Following a jury trial, the defendant, Brian Szymanski, was convicted of the offense of forgery (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1989, ch. 38, par. 17—3(a)(1)). He was sentenced to probation for a term of two years and was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $500. The defendant raises two issues on appeal: (1) whether he is entitled to a new trial or, in the alternative, an evidentiary hearing, because of evidence of jury misconduct; and (2) whether improper argument by the prosecutor deprived him of a fair trial. We affirm.

The defendant was charged by indictment with the offenses of forgery (Ill.…