People v. Johnson

Illinois Appellate Court
Criminal Court
Ineffective Assistance of Counsel
Citation
Case Number: 
2020 IL App (3d) 160675
Decision Date: 
Monday, July 13, 2020
District: 
3d Dist.
Division/County: 
Peoria Co.
Holding: 
Vacated and remanded.
Justice: 
O'BRIEN

Defendant was convicted, after jury trial, of armed robbery. Defense counsel rendered deficient performance when he mistakenly failed to request vital DNA testing. That error caused prejudice to Defendant, as a negative DNA test would likely have resulted in an acquittal on the armed robbery charge. A defendant need only show that a negative DNA result would probably change the outcome of trial to establish prejudice. (HOLDRIDGE, concurring; SCHMIDT, dissenting.)