People v. Burhans

Illinois Appellate Court
Criminal Court
Expert Witness
Citation
Case Number: 
2016 IL App (3d) 140462
Decision Date: 
Wednesday, July 27, 2016
District: 
3d Dist.
Division/County: 
Tazewell Co.
Holding: 
Affirmed.
Justice: 
O'BRIEN

Defendant was convicted of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child and aggravated criminal sexual abuse. State's expert testimony, even though admitted improperly without proper foundation, was harmless error. Expert's testimony did not show that Defendant had committed alleged crimes, but only showed potential reasons why victim did not display physical abnormalities several days later. Victim's testimony, along with DNA evidence, overwhelmingly supported convictions. (CARTER and SCHMIDT, concurring.)