Opinion ID: 2996211
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Defense Counsel’s Conduct at Sentencing and

Text: His ARDC Status After his conviction, a Presentence Investigation Report (“PSR”) concluded that Hardamon was responsible for twenty ounces of crack cocaine, which he transported to Alton in September 1996, by relying on information from Theodora Overton. Hardamon’s attorney made only general objections to this conclusion and did not call Overton to the stand to challenge her statements. After questioning defense counsel for failing to make specific objections, the district court adopted the determinations set out in the PSR and sentenced Hardamon to life in prison. Finally, prior to the trial, the Supreme Court of Illinois had placed Hardamon’s trial attorney on probationary status, pursuant to a petition filed by the Administrator of the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission (ARDC). In Re: Russell Prince Arnold, IL Disp. Op. M.R. 12891 (Ill. Sup. Ct. 1996). Affidavits from Hardamon and his father state that Hardamon’s attorney did not disclose his probationary status to Hardamon prior to trial. 8 No. 01-3909