People v. Giffin

Defendant was found guilty of being an armed habitual criminal and unlawful use of a weapon and sentenced to eight years. On direct appeal, defendant argued that the trial court erred when it granted defendant’s demand for a speedy trial over defense counsel’s objections and that he was denied a fair trial as a result of hearsay statements that were improperly admitted into evidence. The appellate court affirmed, finding that it was not an error for the trial court to grant defendant’s demand for a speedy trial even when defense counsel represented a need for additional time to prepare for trial so long as the trial court ensured the defendant understood the consequences of his request and where the record showed defendant was well represented at trial. The appellate court further held the complained-of testimony was properly admitted. (LAVIN and COBBS, concurring)