People v. Staple 

Defendant was convicted of aggravated battery of police officer and of obstructing justice. Defendant moved for continuance, to retain private counsel, on date of trial. Court was within its discretion in denying motion; Defendant admitted she had not hired substitute counsel, and did not allege counsel was ready, willing, and able to help her; and admitted she had decided to substitute counsel only the morning of trial; and continuance would have been prejudicial as defense witness had been transported from DOC to testify. Court could thus reasonably conclude that motion was made solely for purpose of delay. No error in court reciting four Zehr principles to jury venire and inquiring about jurors' understanding and acceptance of principles in small groups, as instructions were clear and specific, and in small groups court repeated the principles and asked them whether they understood and would abide by the principles. (MYERSCOUGH and POPE, concurring.)