Court Opinion

ID: 9406402
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-06-30 20:05:41.121157+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T17:20:30.710167
License: Public Domain

2023 IL App (1st) 220706 -U
                                           No. 1-22-0706
                                      Order filed June 30, 2023
                                                                                       Sixth Division

 NOTICE: This order was filed under Supreme Court Rule 23 and is not precedent except in the
 limited circumstances allowed under Rule 23(e)(1).
 ______________________________________________________________________________
                                              IN THE
                                  APPELLATE COURT OF ILLINOIS
                                         FIRST DISTRICT
 ______________________________________________________________________________
 THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS,                          )   Appeal from the
                                                               )   Circuit Court of
          Respondent-Appellee,                                 )   Cook County.
                                                               )
     v.                                                        )   No. 11 CR 06287
                                                               )
 JOE ROSADO,                                                   )   Honorable
                                                               )   Joseph M. Claps,
          Petitioner-Appellant.                                )   Judge, presiding.

          JUSTICE C.A. WALKER delivered the judgment of the court.
          Presiding Justice Mikva and Justice Oden Johnson concurred in the judgment.

                                             ORDER

¶1     Held: The trial court’s judgment is reversed where defendant makes a substantial
       showing of unreasonable assistance of postconviction counsel.

¶2        Petitioner-Appellant Joe Rosado appeals the trial court’s dismissal of his third-stage

postconviction petition pursuant to the Post-Conviction Act (Act) (725 ILCS 5/122-1 et seq. (West

2016)). Rosado argues the trial court erred in dismissing his petition because he did not receive

the benefit of his bargain by accepting a guilty plea and raises claims of actual innocence. Rosado
No. 1-22-0706

further argues postconviction counsel provided unreasonable assistance by, at the start of the

evidentiary hearing, withdrawing the one claim that was advanced to the third-stage. For the

following reasons, we reverse the trial court’s judgment.

¶3                                      I. BACKGROUND

¶4      Joe Rosado was arrested for a series of drug transactions that allegedly took place in March

2011. Rosado was charged with selling drugs to an undercover police officer. The cases were

charged under 11CR0628702 (case no. 6287), 11CR0629001 (case no. 6290), 11CR0629101 (case

no. 6291), and 11CR0629201 (case no. 6292). On July 9, 2012, Rosado was tried by a jury and

acquitted in case no. 6291. On November 7, 2014, Rosado was tried by jury and convicted in case

no. 6292. That same day, Rosado negotiated a plea of guilty in the instant case, case no. 6287, in

exchange for concurrent time with his seven-year sentence in prison and the dismissal of case no.

6290.

¶5      Rosado appealed his conviction in case no. 6292, arguing inter alia that the trial court erred

by admitting other crimes evidence. On August 1, 2017, this court reversed Rosado’s conviction

in People v. Rosado, 2017 IL App (1st) 143741. This court found that the trial court abused its

discretion by allowing the State to present other crimes evidence stemming from the case in which

he was acquitted, without allowing Rosado to inform the jury of the acquittal. Rosado was later

acquitted in case no. 6292 in the re-trial before a new judge.

¶6      Rosado filed a pro se postconviction petition in the instant case on October 31, 2017. In

his petition, Rosado alleged that: 1) he would not have pled guilty in the case had he known the

trial court committed reversible error by admitting other crimes evidence which led to his

conviction in case no. 6292; 2) he was actually innocent; and 3) he was not found guilty beyond a

                                                -2-
No. 1-22-0706

reasonable doubt and raised a mistaken identity defense. Rosado’s petition was advanced to the

second stage and a public defender was appointed to assist Rosado.

¶7     On February 27, 2019, Rosado filed an amended petition alleging that his plea was

unknowing and involuntary due to threats by the trial judge. The State filed a motion to dismiss

the petition on July 10, 2019. The court denied the State’s motion to dismiss, denied the claims

made in the initial postconviction petition, and advanced the amended postconviction petition to

the third stage on the claim that Rosado was threatened into pleading guilty by the trial judge.

¶8      Prior to the start of the third-stage evidentiary hearing on February 17, 2022, privately

retained counsel for Rosado moved to withdraw the allegation that Rosado was threatened by the

trial judge, and counsel instead proceeded on a claim alleged in the original petition that Rosado

only pled guilty in the instant case because he was found guilty in case no. 6292. Specifically,

counsel proceeded on two claims from the original pro se petition, which were:

       “11. My acceptance of the plea agreement in 11 CR 6287 was premised on my

       assumption that I had been convicted after receiving a fair trial before an unbiased

       judge in 11 CR 6292. I also believed that it was likely that the allegations that

       formed the basis of 11 CR 6291 and 11 CR 6292 would be presented to the jury as

       “other crimes” evidence if I went to trial no 11 CR 6287, making my conviction

       much more likely. I would not have pleaded guilty in 11 CR 6287 had I known that

       the judge committed reversible error in admitting “other crimes” evidence in my 3

       trial in 11 CR 6292, and that she had exhibited legally impermissible apparent bias.

       Furthermore, I assert my innocence.

       13. I did not file a timely motion to withdraw my guilty plea or a direct appeal from

       11 CR 6287 because the basis of my claim of misapprehension of the law – that I

                                               -3-
No. 1-22-0706

       incorrectly thought I received a fair trial in 11 CR 6292 before an unbiased judge –

       did not become apparent until the Appellate Court’s decision in Rosado, 2017 IL

       App (1st) 143741.”

Rosado also alleged that had he known the appellate court would reverse the trial court’s judgment

in case no. 6292, he would not have pled guilty in the instant case. The postconviction judge

granted counsel’s motion to withdraw the amended postconviction petition.

¶9     Rosado called assistant public defender Wendy Steiner. Steiner testified that she was

appointed to represent Rosado for post-trial motions and sentencing. When discussing the plea

agreement, the following exchange occurred:

       “Q. What was that offer?

       A. If he pled to 7 years in the Department of Corrections on one of them the other

       one would be nolled.

       Q. Did he -- did -- what did you advise him regarding that?

       A. We talked about it and based on what happened in the case in which he was

       convicted, the Court's ruling and the Court's sentence, I advised him to take the

       offer because I expected the Court's rulings to be the same if we took this case to

       trial and that the sentence would be the same with a very substantial likelihood that

       it would be greater if we went to trial on that matter.

       Q. And was the offer that was made, that was -- was that concurrent to what he was

       already being sentenced to?

       A. Yes.”

                                                -4-
No. 1-22-0706

¶ 10    On cross-examination, Steiner stated that there was nothing unusual about the plea

agreement to her knowledge. Steiner also stated that Rosado was not threatened by the trial judge

into taking a plea. She further stated that, to the best of her knowledge, Rosado was aware of the

ramifications of pleading guilty. Steiner stated that ultimately it was his decision, and she did not

coerce him into taking the deal. She stated that based on her experience and expertise, she advised

him to take the deal based on the trial judge’s decision in case no. 6292 and the strength of the

State’s case.

¶ 11    The postconviction judge dismissed Rosado’s petition on May 5, 2022. In a written order,

the court explained that Rosado was aware of a reversible error and still decided to plead guilty in

the instant case. The court further explained that Rosado could not withdraw his plea when he was

aware of all the potential consequences and possibilities and pled guilty.

¶ 12    This timely appeal followed.

¶ 13                                     II. JURISDICTION

¶ 14    Rosado’s postconviction petition was filed on October 31, 2017. Rosado’s petition was

dismissed on May 5, 2022. Rosado filed a timely notice of appeal on May 11, 2022. Accordingly,

this court has jurisdiction pursuant to Article VI, section 6, of the Illinois Constitution (Ill. Const.

1970, art. VI, § 6) and Rule 651(a) (eff. July 1, 2017), governing appeals from a final judgment in

postconviction proceedings.

¶ 15                                       III. ANALYSIS

¶ 16    On appeal, Rosado argues his plea should be vacated because (1) he was denied reasonable

assistance of postconviction counsel, (2) he did not get the benefit of the bargain when he pled

guilty in this case, and (3) the record reflects a grave risk that the trial court convicted an innocent

person of a crime. Generally, we review a trial court's denial of a postconviction petition after a

                                                 -5-
No. 1-22-0706

third-stage evidentiary hearing for manifest error, which occurs when an error is plain, evident,

and indisputable. People v. Ortiz, 235 Ill.2d 319, 333 (2009). However, “[i]f no credibility

determinations are necessary, i.e., no new evidence is presented, and the issues are purely legal

questions, we review the trial court's judgment de novo, unless the judge presiding over the matter

has some relevant special expertise or familiarity with the trial or sentencing of the defendant.”

People v. Rodriguez, 402 Ill. App. 3d 932, 939 (2010), citing People v. Beaman, 229 Ill.2d 56, 72,

(2008).

¶ 17      The Act establishes a process by which those under criminal sentence can assert that their

convictions resulted from a substantial denial of their rights under the United States Constitution

or the Illinois Constitution or both. People v. Tate, 2012 IL 112214, ¶ 8. A postconviction

proceeding contains three stages. Id ¶ 9. At the first stage, the trial court must independently review

the postconviction petition and determine whether “the petition is frivolous or is patently without

merit.” People v. Hodges, 234 Ill. 2d 1, 10 (2009). The court must dismiss the petition in a written

order if it determines the petition is either frivolous or patently without merit. Id. At the second

stage, counsel is appointed to represent the defendant if necessary, and the State may move to

dismiss or answer the petition. Id. At this stage, the petitioner bears the burden of making a

substantial showing of a constitutional violation. People v. Pendleton, 223 Ill. 2d 458, 473 (2006).

If no such showing is made, the petition will be dismissed. People v. Edwards, 197 Ill. 2d 239, 246

(2001). However, if a substantial showing of a constitutional violation is made, then the petition

advances to the third stage, where the circuit court conducts an evidentiary hearing. Id. At the

third-stage evidentiary hearing, the burden is again on the petitioner to make a substantial showing

of a deprivation of constitutional rights. Pendleton, 223 Ill. 2d at 473.

¶ 18                            A. Assistance of Postconviction Counsel

                                                 -6-
No. 1-22-0706

¶ 19   The Act entitles petitioners to a reasonable level of assistance from counsel. People v.

Perkins, 229 Ill. 2d 34, 42 (2007). A reasonable level of assistance entails a standard that is lower

than the one mandated at trial by our state and federal constitutions. People v. Custer, 2019 IL

123339, ¶ 30. To ensure petitioners are afforded reasonable assistance, Supreme Court Rule 651(c)

requires that postconviction counsel: (1) consult with the petitioner either by mail or in person to

ascertain his constitutional claims; (2) examine the record of the trial court proceedings; and (3)

make any amendments to the pro se petition necessary to adequately present the petitioner’s

claims. Id. The Act does not guarantee the same level of assistance as required by the Constitution.

People v. Owens, 139 Ill.2d 351, 364–65 (1990).

¶ 20   “Where a certificate in accordance with Rule 651(c) is filed, ‘the presumption exists that

petitioner received the representation that Rule 651(c) requires a postconviction petitioner receive

during second-stage proceedings.’” People v. Mendoza, 402 Ill. App. 3d 808, 813 (2010), quoting

People v. Rossi, 387 Ill. App. 3d 1054, 1060 (2009). However, when counsel has been retained

and not appointed, Rule 651 (c) 's specific requirements do not apply. People v. Cotto, 2016 IL

119006, ¶ 41; People v. Richmond, 188 Ill. 2d 376, 382 (1999). Retained counsel has an obligation

to provide reasonable assistance. See Cotto, 2016 IL 119006, ¶¶ 41-42 (holding that all

postconviction petitioners are owed reasonable assistance, regardless of whether they have

retained or appointed counsel, and describing Rule 651(c) as “merely a vehicle for ensuring a

reasonable level of assistance” but not “the only guarantee of reasonable assistance.”). We have

used a Strickland-like analysis in such cases to examine the attorney's performance and whether

any performance deficiency prejudiced the postconviction petitioner. People v. Zareski, 2017 IL

App (1st) 150836, ¶ 59; People v. Johnson, 2022 IL App (1st) 190258-U, ¶ 34. The primary inquiry

when evaluating counsel’s performance is whether the petitioner was prejudiced. Zareski, 2017 IL

                                                -7-
No. 1-22-0706

App (1st) 150836, ¶ 60. In evaluating prejudice, we consider whether there is a reasonable

probability of a different outcome on the petition if counsel provided reasonable assistance. Id. ¶¶

63-75.

¶ 21     Rosado claims that postconviction counsel was unreasonable for withdrawing his claim

that his guilty plea was involuntary as a result of impermissible judicial bias and threats. Rosado

maintains that the trial judge’s order that advanced his petition to the third stage demonstrates his

claim was meritorious. He also asserts that this court’s decision in People v. Rosado, 2017 IL App

(1st) 143741 supports his claim. The State responds by arguing postconviction counsel’s

performance was reasonable under the circumstances, specifically given the testimony of Steiner.

¶ 22     This court stated in Rosado:

         “[t]he trial court reversed its own evidentiary rulings between cases (for no

         discernible reason) and then made a lengthy statement indicating its belief in

         Rosado’s guilt. We have not ordered the case reassigned due to trial court error in

         its evidentiary rulings. Outward appearances would suggest that the trial court

         changed its evidentiary rulings in the second case to ensure that Rosado was not

         acquitted again. This raises the type of situation that requires reassignment, to avoid

         even the appearance of bias.” Rosado, 2017 IL App (1st) 143741, ¶ 45.

¶ 23     In its order advancing Rosado’s petition to the third stage, the postconviction court

determined that because of the trial court’s statements regarding his guilt, Rosado’s plea was not

knowing or voluntary.

¶ 24     We find there is a reasonable probability there would have been a different outcome if

postconviction counsel had not withdrawn Rosado’s claim that was advanced to the third stage.

The sole claim that was advanced for a third-stage evidentiary hearing was whether Rosado was

                                                  -8-
No. 1-22-0706

threatened into pleading guilty by the trial judge. Even if postconviction counsel was not

unreasonable for raising issues that were not advanced to the third stage, counsel was unreasonable

for withdrawing the sole issue that was advanced to the third stage. Postconviction counsel could

have asked the court to reconsider the prior claims without withdrawing the claim that Rosado was

threatened into pleading guilty. As a result, we find Rosado was prejudiced by postconviction

counsel’s performance and was denied reasonable assistance of counsel. Zareski, 2017 IL App

(1st) 150836, ¶60.

¶ 25                                  B. Benefit of the Bargain

¶ 26   Next, Rosado argues his plea should be vacated because he did not receive the benefit of

the bargain. However, Rosado did not raise this claim in his postconviction petition but raised it

on appeal for the first time. Because Rosado makes this argument for the first time on appeal, he

has forfeited the issue. 725 ILCS 5/122-3 (West 2016); People v. Jones, 211 Ill. 2d 140, 148 (2004)

(defendant’s claims not raised in their postconviction petition are forfeited on appeal).

¶ 27                                    C. Actual Innocence

¶ 28   Lastly, Rosado argues that his plea should be vacated because a trial would likely result in

his acquittal. In response, the State contends that Rosado’s alleged evidence does not meet the high

standard to demonstrate that a trial would probably result in acquittal.

¶ 29   Leave to withdraw a plea of guilty is not granted as a matter of right, but as required to

correct a manifest injustice. People v. Evans, 174 Ill. 2d 320, 326 (1996). “An admission of guilt—

while often sufficient to support the acceptance of the plea and a conviction—is not guilt in fact.”

People v. Reed, 2020 IL 124940, ¶ 38 (citing People v. Gaines, 2020 IL 125165, ¶ 32)). A guilty

plea is not an act that is reversible at a defendant's whim. Evans, 174 Ill. 2d at 326. “[A] successful

actual innocence claim requires a defendant who pleads guilty to provide new, material,

                                                 -9-
No. 1-22-0706

noncumulative evidence that clearly and convincingly demonstrates that a trial would probably

result in acquittal.” Reed, 2020 IL 124940, ¶ 49. New evidence is evidence that was discovered

after the court accepted the plea and could not have been discovered earlier through the exercise

of due diligence. Id.

¶ 30   Rosado argues that his acquittal in the previous cases and this court’s ruling in Rosado

constitute new evidence. Specifically, he argues the results in the previous cases would have

impeached the identifying officer that was crucial to his conviction. However, evidence that merely

impeaches a witness will typically not be of such conclusive character to justify postconviction

relief. People v. Chew, 160 Ill.App.3d 1082, 1086 (1987). Furthermore, the impeachment of a

prosecution witness is an insufficient basis for granting a new trial. People v. Ortiz, 235 Ill. 2d

319, 335 (2009). As a result, Rosado’s acquittal and this court’s finding in Rosado that the

identifying officer would be impeached do not constitute new, material, noncumulative evidence.

Reed, 2020 IL 124940, ¶ 49. Hence, we reject Rosado’s claim of actual innocence.

¶ 31                                   IV. CONCLUSION

¶ 32   Based upon the foregoing, we find that postconviction counsel provided unreasonable

assistance to Rosado. We reverse and remand for a third-stage evidentiary hearing to consider the

claim withdrawn by postconviction counsel. We further find that Rosado’s purported evidence

does not constitute new evidence to sustain a claim of actual innocence.

¶ 33   Reversed and remanded.

                                              - 10 -