Opinion ID: 2003542
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Ex Parte Memorandum

Text: Defendant next argues that the circuit court considered improper evidence during sentencing. Specifically, defendant claims that the sentencing judge improperly considered a memorandum from an employee of the Sangamon County sheriff's department and that defense counsel was unaware of this memorandum. Essentially, defendant argues that the sentencing judge's consideration of this memorandum violates due process. The memorandum in question was prepared by Lieutenant Sam Huston, an administrator at the county jail. Huston was informed by an inmate that defendant was planning to disrupt the courtroom following sentencing. Huston stated that the staff at the county jail had observed increased hostility and apprehension from defendant and that defendant was prone to violent outbursts. Huston recommended that defendant be restrained in handcuffs with a security belt and leg irons during sentencing. Huston also asked that observers in the courtroom submit to a metal detector examination and that a small courtroom be used for the proceedings. At the time of sentencing, Supreme Court Rule 61(c)(16), which addressed ex parte communications, provided in part: A judge should not accept in any case briefs, documents or written communications intended or calculated to influence his action unless the contents are promptly made known to all parties. (107 Ill.2d R. 61(c)(16).) According to the memorandum, Huston made his recommendations to the judge after discussing the matter with the State's Attorney's office. The memorandum also indicates that a copy was sent to the State's Attorney's office but not to defense counsel. In his deposition, defense counsel stated that he never received a copy of the memorandum. The memorandum is clearly an administrative document seeking the sentencing judge's approval for security precautions at the sentencing hearing. It was not submitted as information to be considered in sentencing. As the State correctly notes, a trial judge is responsible for determining what physical restraints are needed to maintain order and to protect the safety of individuals in the courtroom. ( People v. Boose (1977), 66 Ill.2d 261, 266, 5 Ill.Dec. 832, 362 N.E.2d 303; In re Staley (1977), 67 Ill.2d 33, 37-38, 7 Ill.Dec. 85, 364 N.E.2d 72.) Under former Rule 61, however, defense counsel should have received prompt notice and an opportunity to respond. Defendant has not made a substantial showing that his right to due process was violated. ( Cf. People v. Nelson (1974), 58 Ill.2d 61, 317 N.E.2d 31 (evidentiary hearing held on serious allegation that trial judge had a private meeting with the prosecutor and a key witness, from which the defendant and his attorney were excluded).) It is well established that where a sentencing hearing is conducted before the trial judge instead of a jury, the trial judge is presumed to consider only competent and relevant evidence in determining sentence. ( People v. Morgan (1986), 112 Ill.2d 111, 144, 97 Ill.Dec. 430, 492 N.E.2d 1303; see also People v. Griffith (1994), 158 Ill.2d 476, 497-98, 199 Ill.Dec. 715, 634 N.E.2d 1069; People v. Johnson (1992), 149 Ill.2d 118, 153, 171 Ill.Dec. 401, 594 N.E.2d 253; People v. Eddmonds (1984), 101 Ill.2d 44, 66, 77 Ill.Dec. 724, 461 N.E.2d 347.) At no point did the sentencing judge refer to the memorandum or, in any way, indicate that it influenced his sentencing decision. Neither did the prosecutor refer to this memorandum at any point during sentencing. The express findings of the sentencing judge contained in the record show that the judge considered only the proper statutory factors in aggravation and mitigation. Defendant has offered nothing to support his allegation that the sentencing judge improperly considered the memorandum for sentencing purposes.