Defendant, age 17 at time of offense, was convicted of murder and sentenced to 75 years. The "mere possibility" that Defendant may earn enough good-conduct credit to complete his sentence after serving 37.5 years is not a meaningful opportunity for release based on maturity and rehabilitation. The 75-year sentence is a de facto life sentence. Sentencing court failed to consider Defendant's age and age-related characteristics or determined that he was a juvenile whose crimes reflect permanent incorrigibility. Court did not consider whether Defendant was pressured or otherwise influenced by his father and the other older men that he joined in committing the murder. Court did not consider his prospects for rehabilitation. (GORDON and BURKE, concurring.)
Illinois Appellate Court
Criminal Court
Juvenile Sentencing