Court Opinion

ID: 4636404
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2020-11-24 22:35:51.482342+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T07:58:32.159589
License: Public Domain

2020 IL App (1st) 160496

                                                                               FIFTH DIVISION
                                                                     Opinion filed: June 26, 2020

                        Nos. 1-16-0496 & 1-16-2191 (cons.)
______________________________________________________________________________

                                              IN THE

                                 APPELLATE COURT OF ILLINOIS

                                FIRST DISTRICT
______________________________________________________________________________

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS,                          )   Appeal from the
                                                              )   Circuit Court of
          Petitioner-Appellee,                                )   Cook County
                                                              )
     v.                                                       )   No. 13 CR 2690
                                                              )
                                                              )
DERRICK BALDWIN,                                              )   Honorable
                                                              )   Maura Slattery Boyle,
          Respondent-Appellant.                               )   Judge, Presiding.

          PRESIDING JUSTICE HOFFMAN delivered the judgment of the court, with opinion.
          Justices Rochford and Delort concurred in the judgment and opinion.

                                            OPINION

¶1        The respondent, Derrick Baldwin, appeals from orders of the circuit court 1) finding him

to be a sexually dangerous person and remanding him to the custody of the Director of the

Illinois Department of Corrections as guardian, 2) denying his motion for a new trial, and 3)

denying his motion for reconsideration. For the reasons that follow, we vacate the order and

judgment finding the respondent to be a sexually dangerous person and remanding him to the

custody of the Director of the Illinois Department of Corrections as guardian and remand the
Nos. 1-16-0496 & 1-16-2191 (cons.)

matter to the circuit court for a new trial on the State’s petition to declare the respondent to be a

sexually dangerous person.

¶2     In the instant case, No. 13 CR 2690, the respondent was charged by indictment with

home invasion, residential burglary, aggravated criminal sexual abuse, and unauthorized video

recording. On July 23, 2014, the State filed a petition pursuant to section 3 of the Sexually

Dangerous Person Act (SDPA) (725 ILCS 205/3 (West 2012)), seeking to have the respondent

declared a sexually dangerous person. The respondent elected to proceed pro se and refused the

trial court’s offer to appoint counsel for him. Nevertheless, the trial court ordered an assistant

public defender to act as stand-by counsel and consult with the respondent. When the matter

came before the court on September 3, 2014, the assistant public defender advised the court that

the respondent still wished to proceed pro se, and the trial court allowed the public defender to

withdraw as counsel for the respondent. On that same day, the trial court appointed Dr. Angeline

Stanislaus, a psychiatrist, and Dr. Kimberly Weitl, a psychologist, to evaluate the respondent as

required by section 4 of the SDPA (725 ILCS 205/3 (West 2012)). Dr. Weitl’s report setting

forth the results of her examination of the respondent was filed with the trial court as was Dr.

Stanislaus’s report and the addendum to that report.

¶3     The respondent waived his right to a jury trial, and the trial on the State’s petition

proceeded as a bench trial. The following evidence was adduced at that trial.

¶4     For its first witness, the State called Dr. Stanislaus. She testified that she is a licensed

medical doctor in Illinois and Missouri, board certified in general psychiatry and forensic

psychiatry, and specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of mental and nervous disorders. She is

licensed as an Illinois Sex Offender Evaluator by the Illinois Department of Professional

Regulation. Dr. Stanislaus testified to her training and experience in evaluating sexually violent

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Nos. 1-16-0496 & 1-16-2191 (cons.)

individuals. Over the respondent’s objection, the trial court found Dr. Stanislaus to be an expert

in the areas of forensic psychiatry, sex offender diagnosis, and sex offender evaluations,

including diagnosis and risk assessment.

¶5     Dr. Stanislaus testified that she reviewed, among other information, the respondent’s

criminal history, police records surrounding his arrests for sex offenses, and Illinois Department

of Correction’s records. She acknowledged, however, that the respondent did not admit to any of

the offenses he was accused of committing. Dr. Stanislaus testified that she met with, and

interviewed, the respondent. In evaluating the respondent, she used the Diagnostic and Statistical

Manuel of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. Dr. Stanislaus testified that she diagnosed the

respondent with Frotteuristic Disorder, Voyeuristic Disorder, and Other Specified Personality

Disorders with Anti-Social Personality Traits. According to Dr. Stanislaus, these disorders are

congenital or acquired conditions that affect the respondent’s emotional and volitional capacity

and predispose him to engage in future acts of sexual violence. She opined that the respondent’s

mental disorders have existed for more than one year.

¶6     Dr. Stanislaus stated that she administered risk assessment tests to the respondent to

determine the likelihood of his committing future sexually violent offenses. She explained that

risk assessments look at both static and dynamic factors. Dr. Stanislaus testified that she used the

Static-99 test in her evaluation of the respondent. The respondent scored a 6 on that test, which,

according to Dr. Stanislaus, put him in the high-risk category, higher than 92% of sex offenders.

Dr. Stanislaus testified that she also examined the respondent’s dynamic risk factors that drive

him to repeatedly commit sex offenses. She stated that the respondent had a deviant sexual

interest in his pattern of voyeuristic and frotteuristic behavior. Dr. Stanislaus noted that the

respondent had not participated in any sex offender treatment and did not possess any protective

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Nos. 1-16-0496 & 1-16-2191 (cons.)

factors that would impede him from committing sex offenses. She opined, to a reasonable degree

of psychiatric certainty, that the respondent met the requirements of the SDPA for a sexually

dangerous person and that he would reoffend if he were not confined. Dr. Stanislaus testified that

she based her opinion in that regard on the respondent’s pattern of sexually offending over a

number of years and multiple states and the results of the Static-99 test. On cross-examination,

Dr Stanislaus testified that the respondent did not admit to being sexually aroused in the presence

of a naked person, and admitted that she did not ask the respondent whether he had serious

difficulty controlling himself.

¶7     Next, the State called Dr. Weitl as a witness. Dr. Weitl testified that she is a licensed

psychologist in Illinois and Missouri, licensed in the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders.

She testified to her training and experience in evaluating sexually violent individuals. Over the

respondent’s objection, the trial court found Dr. Weitl to be an expert in the areas of sex offender

evaluations, including diagnosis, risk assessment, and psychology.

¶8     Dr. Weitl testified that, in evaluating the respondent, she reviewed, among other

information, the respondent’s criminal history; police records surrounding his arrests in Illinois,

Iowa, and Indiana; victim statements describing the respondent’s behavior; and transcripts from

the respondent’s trials in Cook County. Dr. Weitl admitted, however, that the respondent denied

that he had committed acts of sexual violence. She stated that she interviewed the respondent at

the Statesville Correctional Center and found him to be uncooperative, defensive, and vague. Dr.

Weitl testified that, in conducting her risk assessment of the respondent’s likelihood to sexually

reoffend, she made use of the Static-99 test. The respondent scored 8 on that test, a high-risk

category that placed him in the 99th percentile to reoffend. She also used the Static 2002R test.

On that test, the respondent scored 7, putting him in the 93rd percentile to reoffend. Dr. Weitl

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Nos. 1-16-0496 & 1-16-2191 (cons.)

stated that, in diagnosing the respondent, she employed the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of

Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. She testified that she diagnosed the respondent with Other

Specified Paraphilic Disorder, Non-Consent; and Voyeuristic Disorder—the “peeping Tom”

disorder. Dr. Weitl opined that the respondent’s mental disorders are congenital or acquired and

affect his volitional capacity, predisposing him to commit future acts of sexual violence. She

testified that the respondent’s mental disorders have existed for more than one year. Dr. Weitl

also opined that, to a reasonable degree of psychological certainty, the respondent met the

requirements of the SDPA for a sexually dangerous person and that it is substantially probable he

would commit another act of sexual violence.

¶9     Following Dr. Weitl’s testimony, the State offered into evidence a certified copy of the

respondent’s June 16, 2014 convictions in case No. 12 CR 21663 for two counts of aggravated

criminal sexual assault, and one count each of home invasion, residential burglary, and unlawful

restraint. The respondent objected, stating: “I’m going to object to it because it’s on appeal.” The

trial court overruled the respondent’s objection and admitted the certified copy of the convictions

into evidence. The State then rested. The respondent rested without putting in any evidence, and

the parties made their closing arguments. Following closing arguments, the trial court took the

matter under advisement.

¶ 10   On October 20, 2015, the trial court issued its written order, finding the respondent to be

a sexually dangerous person and that it is substantially probable that he would continue to

commit sex offenses in the future if he were not confined. On that same day, the trial court

entered judgment on its findings and remanded the respondent to the custody of the Director of

the Illinois Department of Corrections as guardian.

                                               -5-
Nos. 1-16-0496 & 1-16-2191 (cons.)

¶ 11   The respondent filed a post-trial motion that was argued and denied on February 4, 2016.

On that same date, the respondent filed a notice of appeal that was docketed in this court as No.

1-16-0496. On April 6, 2016, the respondent filed a motion for reconsideration in the trial court,

which was also denied. On May 17, 2016, the respondent filed a second notice of appeal, which

was docketed in this court as No. 1-16-2191.

¶ 12   On September 6, 2017, this court entered an order on motion of the respondent, staying

appeal No. 1-16-0496, pending disposition of case No. 12 CR 21663 in the circuit court. On June

13, 2019, an order was entered consolidating appeal Nos. 1-16-0496 and 1-16-2191; and on

August 21, 2019, an order was entered on motion of the respondent, lifting the September 6,

2017 stay.

¶ 13   The respondent raises five issues in his pro se brief in these consolidated appeals. In the

first two issues, the respondent essentially argues that he was not proven to be a sexually

dangerous person beyond a reasonable doubt. He contends, inter alia, that the State failed to

prove at least one act of, or attempt at, sexual assault or sexual molestation. He notes that his

conviction of two counts of sexual assault in case No. 12 CR 21663, upon which the State relied,

was subsequently reversed on appeal; and he argues, therefore, that the conviction cannot be

used to establish a demonstrated propensity toward acts of sexual assault. To place these

arguments in context, a brief recitation of the procedural history of case No. 12 CR 21663 is

necessary.

¶ 14   In case No. 12 CR 21663, the respondent was charged with two counts of aggravated

criminal sexual assault and one count each of home invasion, residential burglary, and unlawful

restraint. The matter proceeded to a jury trial, following which the respondent was found guilty

on all five counts. On June 16, 2014, the circuit court entered a judgment of conviction on the

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Nos. 1-16-0496 & 1-16-2191 (cons.)

jury’s verdict and subsequently sentenced the respondent to 29 years’ incarceration. The

respondent appealed his conviction, and on June 23, 2017, this court reversed the defendant’s

conviction, finding that the trial judge improperly denied the respondent’s timely motion for a

substitution of judges, and remanded the matter back to the circuit court for a new trial. People v.

Baldwin, 2017 IL App (1st) 142354-U.

¶ 15   In response to the respondent’s reasonable doubt arguments in these appeals, the State

argues that it established, beyond a reasonable doubt, each of the elements necessary to prove

that the respondent is a sexually dangerous person.

¶ 16   In order to establish that a respondent is a sexually dangerous person within the meaning

of the SDPA, the State is required to prove that he (1) suffers from a mental disorder that has

existed for at least one year prior to the filing of the petition; (2) has criminal propensities to the

commission of sex offenses; (3) has demonstrated propensities toward acts of sexual assault or

acts of sexual molestation of children; and (4) poses a substantial risk of sexually offending in

the future if he is not confined. 725 ILCS 205/1.01 (West 2014). Section 3.01 of the SDPA

provides that all proceedings under that statute are civil in nature and that the Civil Practice Law

(735 ILCS 5/2-101 et seq. (West 2014)) and the Supreme Court Rules adopted in relation to that

statute shall apply to all proceedings under the SDPA except as otherwise provided. 725 ILCS

205/3.01 (West 2014). Although proceedings under the SDPA are civil in nature, because such a

proceeding may result in a deprivation of liberty, the standard of proof required is beyond a

reasonable doubt. Id.

¶ 17   The standard of review on a challenge to the sufficiency of the evidence is whether,

viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to the State, any rational trier of fact could have

found each of the essential elements beyond a reasonable doubt. People v. Belknap, 2014 IL

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Nos. 1-16-0496 & 1-16-2191 (cons.)

117094, ¶ 67. A reviewing court will not substitute its judgment for that of the trier of fact on

questions involving the credibility of witnesses, or the weight of the evidence. People v. Brown,

2013 IL 114196, ¶ 48.

¶ 18   Both Dr. Stanislaus and Dr. Weitl testified that, in their expert opinions, the respondent

suffers from mental disorders, has criminal propensities to the commission of sex offenses, and

poses a substantial risk of sexually offending in the future if not confined. Each doctor testified

to the basis for her opinions, including, in addition to other information, police reports, victim

statements, and other information relating the respondent’s arrests for sex offenses in Illinois,

Iowa, and Indiana. Both doctors testified that the information upon which she relied in forming

her opinions is the type of information reasonably relied upon by experts in evaluating sex

offenders.

¶ 19   We believe that the uncontradicted opinions of Drs. Stanislaus and Weitl satisfied the

State’s burden of proving, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the respondent suffers from mental

disorders that have existed for at least one year prior to the filing of the petition; that he has

criminal propensities to the commission of sex offenses; and that he poses a substantial risk of

sexually offending in the future if not confined. The issue is whether the State proved, beyond a

reasonable doubt, that the respondent has demonstrated propensities toward acts of sexual assault

or molestation.

¶ 20   In order to establish that a respondent has a demonstrated propensity toward acts of

sexual assault or molestation, the State must prove at least one act of, or attempt at, sexual

assault or molestation. People v. Allen, 107 Ill. 2d 91, 105 (1985), aff’d 478 U.S. 364 (1986).

Although a prior conviction is not required, the act of, or attempt at, sexual assault or molestation

necessary to establish that the respondent has demonstrated propensities toward acts of sexual

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Nos. 1-16-0496 & 1-16-2191 (cons.)

assault or molestation can be proven by introducing a certified copy of a prior conviction for a

sex offense. People v. Hancock, 329 Ill. App. 3d 367, 380-81 (2002).

¶ 21   Here, the certified copy of the respondent’s June 16, 2014 convictions of two counts of

aggravated criminal sexual assault was the only substantive evidence introduced by the State to

establish that he has demonstrated propensities toward acts of sexual assault or molestation. The

respondent asserts that, when those convictions were reversed by this court on June 23, 2017, he

was “no longer an [sic] S.P.D. [a sexually dangerous person],” and his adjudication as a sexually

dangerous person must be vacated.

¶ 22   The State argues that its introduction of a certified copy of the respondent’s June 16,

2014 convictions in case No. 12 CR 21663 of two counts of aggravated criminal sexual assault

satisfied its burden to prove that the respondent has demonstrated propensities toward acts of

sexual assault. Although the State acknowledges that the respondent’s June 16, 2014 convictions

were reversed by this court, it nonetheless maintains that it proved, beyond a reasonable doubt,

that he has demonstrated propensities toward acts of sexual assault. The State’s argument in that

regard appears to rests upon this court’s finding in People v. Baldwin that “the totality of the

evidence at the *** [respondent’s] trial was sufficient for a rational trier of fact to find that the

State proved beyond a reasonable doubt each of the essential elements of the charges against him

for the offenses of aggravated criminal sexual assault (both counts), home invasion and

residential burglary.” Baldwin, 2017 IL App (1st) 142354-U, ¶ 23. We believe, however, that the

State’s reliance upon that passage from this court’s decision in Baldwin is misplaced.

¶ 23   The passage in Baldwin upon which the State relies does not establish that the respondent

committed the acts of which he was accused. It establishes only that the totality of the evidence

introduced at his trial was sufficient for a rational trier of fact to find that the State proved

                                                -9-
Nos. 1-16-0496 & 1-16-2191 (cons.)

beyond a reasonable doubt each of the essential elements of the charges against him. We made

the finding to dispel any notion that the respondent’s retrial would be barred by considerations of

double jeopardy, not to resolve the question of his guilt. The State has made no argument

addressing the effect that this court’s subsequent reversal of the respondent’s June 16, 2014

convictions has on the circuit court’s orders finding the respondent to be a sexually dangerous

person.

¶ 24      It is now clearly established that the conviction for a predicate offense which is facially

unconstitutional “cannot be used for any purpose under any circumstance” and requires a

reversal of the dependent action. In re N.G., 2018 IL 121939, ¶¶ 36, 84, 86. The instant case,

however, does not involve a reversal of the respondent’s criminal convictions based upon facial

unconstitutionality. There is also authority for the proposition that a defendant’s conviction of a

predicate offense, although subsequently reversed on procedural grounds, may still be given

recognition and effect in the prosecution of a dependent offense. See Lewis v. United States, 445

U.S. 55 (1980). It appears from our research, however, that the holding in Lewis has generally

been applied in status cases; that is, in cases in which the mere fact of the defendant’s

undisturbed conviction of the predicate offense is an element of the offense charged in the

dependent case. See United States v. Padilla, 387 F.3d 1087 (9th Cir. 2004); United States v.

Wallace, 280 F.3d 781 (7th Cir. 2002); United States v. Mayfield, 810 F.2d 943 (10th Cir. 1987).

However, in a proceeding under the SDPA, unlike status statutes, it is not the respondent’s prior

conviction of a sexual assault that must be proven to support a finding that he is a sexually

dangerous person; rather, it is his commission of an act of, or attempt at, sexual assault or

molestation which must be proven. A respondent’s prior conviction of such an act is merely a

means of proving that he committed the act.

                                                - 10 -
Nos. 1-16-0496 & 1-16-2191 (cons.)

¶ 25   Proceedings under the SDPA are civil in nature. 725 ILCS 205/0.01 (West 2014). In civil

cases, “[t]he rule has been settled that where a judgment in one case has successfully been made

the basis for the judgment in a second case, the second judgment will stand as res judicata,

although the first judgment be subsequently reversed.” State Life Insurance Co. v. Board of

Education of Chicago, 401 Ill. 252, 257 (1948); see also Kensington’s Wine Auctioneers and

Brokers, Inc. v. John Hart Fine Wine, Ltd., 392 Ill. App. 3d 1, 17 (2009); In re Estate of Barth,

339 Ill. App. 3d 651, 668 (2003); Illinois Founders Insurance Company v. Guidish, 248 Ill. App.

3d 116, 120-21 (1993). Application of the rule, however, can lead to conflicting judgments.

Kensington’s Wine Auctioneers and Brokers, Inc., 392 Ill. App. 3d at 17; In re Estate of Barth,

339 Ill. App. 3d at 668. The only way to avoid the possibility of conflicting judgments is to delay

a decision in the second case until the appeal in the first case has been resolved. Kensington’s

Wine Auctioneers and Brokers, Inc., 392 Ill. App. 3d at 17; In re Estate of Barth, 339 Ill. App. 3d

at 668; Illinois Founders Insurance Company, 248 Ill. App. 3d at 121.

¶ 26   During the hearing on May 4, 2015, a certified copy of the respondent’s June 16, 2014

convictions was admitted into evidence over the respondent’s objection based upon the pendency

of his appeal from those convictions. Those convictions, although the subject of a pending

appeal, were nevertheless relied upon by the trial court in making its written finding on October

20, 2015, that the State had proven, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the respondent is a sexually

dangerous person. The subsequent reversal of those convictions by this court on June 23, 2017,

gave rise to the anomalous circumstance that this court has warned against; namely, we now

have a judgment in the instant case which is based, in part, on convictions that have been

reversed.

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Nos. 1-16-0496 & 1-16-2191 (cons.)

¶ 27   Had the trial court either sustained the respondent’s objection to the introduction into

evidence of the certified copy of his June 16, 2014 convictions of two counts of aggravated

criminal sexual assault or stayed the instant action until the respondent’s appeal from those

convictions was resolved, the State would have had the opportunity to prove that the respondent

has demonstrated propensities toward acts of sexual assault through the testimony of the victims.

We believe that the prudent course is to vacate the trial court’s October 20, 2015 order and

judgment finding that the respondent is a sexually dangerous person and remanding him to the

custody of the Director of the Illinois Department of Corrections as guardian, and remand the

matter to the circuit court for a new trial on the State’s petition to declare the respondent a

sexually dangerous person. Although we are mindful of the fact that, on remand from this court,

the respondent was again found guilty of two counts of aggravated criminal sexual assault, home

invasion, and residential burglary in case No. 12 CR 21663, that subsequent conviction provides

no basis for affirming the judgment at issue in this appeal.

¶ 28   The respondent raises several other issues that we will also address. He asserts that his

rights under the thirteenth amendment to the United States Constitution have been violated by his

commitment and incarceration as a sexually dangerous person pursuant to the circuit court’s

judgment in the instant case. The State argues that the respondent’s confinement pursuant to the

judgment in this case does not implicate the prohibition against involuntary servitude. We agree

with the State.

¶ 29   The judgment of a court having jurisdiction over the parties and the subject matter, even

though erroneous, is valid and enforceable until reversed on appeal. Malone v. Cosentino, 92 Ill.

2d 29, 32 (1983). No judgment is deemed vacated until a reviewing court so declares. In re N.G.,

2018 IL 121939, ¶ 52; People v. McFadden, 2016 IL 117424, ¶ 31. When, as in this case, a

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Nos. 1-16-0496 & 1-16-2191 (cons.)

person is confined pursuant to a presumptively valid judgment issued by a court of competent

jurisdiction, the thirteenth amendment’s prohibition against involuntary servitude is not violated

even in circumstances where the commitment order was subsequently reversed. See Omasta v.

Wainwright, 696 F.2d 1304 (11th Cir. 1983).

¶ 30     The respondent also argues that we should reverse (1) the denial of his Application for

Discharge filed on April 4, 2018, and (2) his 2019 convictions of two counts of aggravated

criminal sexual assault, home invasion, and residential burglary. The State argues that this court

has no jurisdiction to review either matter in the context of these consolidated appeals. Again, we

agree with the State.

¶ 31     In these consolidated appeals, the respondent filed notices of appeal from orders of the

circuit court 1) finding him to be asexually dangerous person and remanding him to the custody

of the Director of the Illinois Department of Corrections as guardian, 2) denying his motion for a

new trial, and 3) denying his motion for reconsideration. Our jurisdiction is limited to the

judgment or orders specified in the respondent’s notices of appeal and orders in the procedural

progression leading to the judgment or orders appealed from. Burtell v. First Charter Service

Corporation, 76 Ill. 2d 427, 434-35 (1979). This court’s jurisdiction in the instant matter is

confined to the judgment and orders specified in the respondent’s notices of appeal. We have no

jurisdiction to review orders and judgments entered in a hearing and trial that occurred years

later.

¶ 32     In summary, we: 1) vacate the circuit court’s orders and judgment entered on October 20,

2015, finding the respondent to be a sexually dangerous person and remanding him to the

custody of the Director of the Illinois Department of Corrections as guardian; 2) remand this

matter to the circuit court for a new trial on the State’s petition to declare the respondent a

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Nos. 1-16-0496 & 1-16-2191 (cons.)

sexually dangerous person; 3) reject the respondent’s claim of a thirteenth amendment violation;

and 4) decline to address, for want of jurisdiction, the issues raised by the respondent based upon

the denial of his Application for Discharge filed on April 4, 2018, and his June 29, 2019

convictions in case No. 12 CR 21663 of two counts of aggravated criminal sexual assault, home

invasion, and residential burglary.

¶ 33   Vacated and remanded.

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