People v. Stevens

Defendant was convicted, after bench trial, of aggravated criminal sexual assault. Court properly admitted other-crimes evidence as to sexual assault of another female victim six years prior, as both offenses were sufficiently factually similar under balancing test weighing prejudicial impact and probative value of evidence. Court properly allowed State to cross-examine Defendant as to events occurring with previous victim, and did not thereby violate his right against self-incrimination, because it properly discredited Defendant's testimony, was probative of his intent and motive, and impeached his claim of consent. (GORDON and REYES, concurring.)