People v. Willis

Defendant, age 16 at time of offense, was tried as an adult under Illinois Juvenile Court Act, which mandates automatic transfer to criminal court of 15- and 16-year-olds charged with certain Class X felonies. Defendant failed to show that mandatory transfer is unconstitutional. Defendant was proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, based on evidence of record. State's closing arguments were not outside bounds of reasonable argument based on evidence, or as invited. Court erred by failing to conduct appropriate preliminary inquiry under Krankel to evaluate posttrial claims of ineffective assistance of trial counsel. (NEVILLE and PUCINSKI, concurring.)