People v. Simmons

(Court opinion corrected 9/17/19.) Defendant, age 21 at time of hearing, was charged with 1 count of armed robbery with a firearm. Court denied his motion for bail pending trial. Defendant filed motion for review of bail denial, pursuant to Supreme Court Rule 604( c). Court properly considered circumstances that Defendant “only” pointed a gun at unarmed victim’s waist and his co-offender pointed a gun at victim’s head, while victim was returning home from work. Minimum sentence of 21 years was substantial motivation to flee; and Defendant’s inculpatory statement to police weighed heavily in favor of conviction. Denial of bail was not arbitrary, fanciful or unreasonable.  (CUNNINGHAM and CONNORS, concurring.)