In re Gabriel W. , 2017 IL App (1st) 172120 ( 2018 )

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Appellate Court Date: 2018.04.12
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In re Gabriel W., 2017 IL App (1st) 172120Appellate Court In re GABRIEL W., a Minor (The People of the State of Illinois,
Caption Petitioner-Appellee, v. Gabriel W., Respondent-Appellant).
District & No. First District, Fourth Division
Docket No. 1-17-2120
Filed December 28, 2017
Decision Under Appeal from the Circuit Court of Cook County, No. 16-JD-02525; the
Review Hon. Patricia Mendoza, Judge, presiding.
Judgment Affirmed in part; vacated in part. Sentencing order modified.
Counsel on Michael J. Pelletier, Patricia Mysza, and Jessica D. Ware, of State
Appeal Appellate Defender’s Office, of Chicago, for appellant.
Kimberly M. Foxx, State’s Attorney, of Chicago (Alan J. Spellberg,
Douglas P. Harvath, and Gina DiVito, Assistant State’s Attorneys, of
counsel), for the People.
Panel JUSTICE GORDON delivered the judgment of the court, with
opinion.
Presiding Justice Burke and Justice Ellis concurred in the judgment
and opinion.
OPINION
¶1 After being arrested in possession of one firearm, the minor respondent, Gabriel W., age
15, was charged by the State on November 11, 2016, in a three-count petition for wardship,
which alleged two counts of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon (AUUW) and one count of
unlawful possession of a firearm (UPF). The two AUUW counts alleged that he lacked a
Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) card (count I) and that he was under age 21 (count II).
The UPF count alleged that he was under age 18 (count III). After a bench trial, the trial court
found respondent guilty of all three counts but merged counts II and III into count I, the
FOID-card count.1 The court adjudged respondent to be a ward of the court and sentenced him
to 18 months of probation, as well as to a 30-day commitment to the Illinois Department of
Juvenile Justice, which was stayed so long as respondent did not violate any of his probation
terms.
¶2 On this appeal, respondent claims (1) that his adjudication for AUUW based on the lack of
a FOID card must be vacated because the State failed to prove he lacked a FOID card and (2)
that his adjudications for AUUW and UPF based on his age must be vacated because the State
failed to prove his age.2
¶3 The State concedes that, while its evidence established that respondent did not present a
FOID card to the arresting officers, the State failed to offer any evidence that respondent
actually lacked a FOID card. This court has previously held that the simple absence of the
presentation of a FOID card is insufficient to prove that a respondent actually lacked a FOID
card. In re Manuel M., 2017 IL App (1st) 162381, ¶ 15. Thus, we vacate the finding of guilt on
this count.
¶4 With respect to the other two counts, respondent argues that the State failed to prove his
age at the bench trial, although respondent (1) stated his birth date at the arraignment and
stipulated to juvenile jurisdiction in this case, (2) testified at the pretrial suppression hearing
that he was 15 years old, and (3) did not object at the bench trial when the arresting officer
testified that respondent was 15 years old. Our supreme court has previously held that, in a
juvenile adjudication, a trial judge in a bench trial does not have to disregard testimony about
age that occurred during another proceeding in the same case. E.g., In re Brown, 71 Ill. 2d 151,
155 (1978) (rejecting “[t]he contention that because the proof of age occurred at a different
stage of the proceedings” the trial court cannot consider it); In re Ephriam, 60 Ill. App. 3d 848,
854-55 (1978). Thus, we do not find this argument persuasive.
¶5 The parties agree that, if we affirm the findings of guilt on the two age-based counts, we
must vacate the less serious offense under the one act, one crime rule. Thus, for the reasons
explained in more detail below, we vacate the finding of guilt on count I, which was based on
1
The State’s appellate brief states that the trial court merged counts III and I into count II, and the
brief cites in support the mittimus. But this is not what the mittimus or the trial court stated. The trial
court stated “there will be a finding of guilty on all counts, although, obviously, the other counts will
merge into the first count.”
2
Respondent does not argue on appeal that the court lacked juvenile jurisdiction because he was, in
fact, not a juvenile. Rather respondent argues that the State failed to present sufficient evidence during
his bench trial to prove his age.
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the lack of a FOID card; we affirm the findings of guilt on counts II and III, the two age-based
counts; but we vacate count III, the UPF count, under the one act, one crime rule.
¶6 Finally, respondent does not ask us to remand for resentencing. Since the three counts were
all based on the possession of the same handgun at the same moment in time and since his
sentence was and still is based on an AUUW count and since respondent does not seek a
remand for resentencing, we do not order it. He asks us only to correct his sentencing order to
reflect that he has 251 days of credit for time served against his 30-day stayed commitment,
and the State joins in this request. Thus, we affirm his adjudication for wardship and sentence,
with the adjudication based on AUUW grounded on age (count II) rather than lack of a FOID
card (count I), but we correct his sentencing order to reflect 251 days of credit for time served
against his 30-day stayed commitment.
¶7 BACKGROUND
¶8 Although respondent challenges the sufficiency of the evidence, he does so only on the
limited questions of proof of (1) age and (2) lack of a FOID card. Thus, we describe the facts
focusing on these two issues.
¶9 On November 10, 2016, respondent was arrested on a street corner in possession of one
loaded handgun. Although he challenged the search before the trial court, he does not raise any
issue on appeal concerning either the search or his possession of the handgun.
¶ 10 One day later, on November 11, 2016, the State charged him in a petition for adjudication
of wardship alleging the three counts, already described above.
¶ 11 At the arraignment, which was also on November 11, 2016, respondent and his mother
were present when his counsel stated that respondent “stipulate[d] to juvenile court
jurisdiction.” The trial court then asked respondent:
“THE COURT: Is your date of birth *** 2001?
RESPONDENT: Yes.”
Defense counsel also stipulated to a finding of probable cause.
¶ 12 On December 6, 2016, respondent filed a motion to quash arrest and suppress evidence on
the ground that the stop and search lacked reasonable suspicion and/or probable cause. As we
observed, respondent does not renew this issue on appeal, so we discuss only the portions of
the suppression hearing that relate to the issues before us, namely, respondent’s age and lack of
a FOID card.
¶ 13 At the suppression hearing on January 18, 2017, respondent testified under oath that he was
15 years old:
“ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER: How old are you, Gabriel?
RESPONDENT: Fifteen.”
After the trial court denied respondent’s motion to suppress, the parties proceeded, without a
break and on the same day, to the bench trial. The bench trial was held before the same trial
judge who had just heard the suppression motion.
¶ 14 With respect to a FOID card, Officer Ghiloni,3 one of the arresting officers testified as
follows:
3
Officer Ghiloni did not testify to his first name.
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“ASSISTANT STATE’S ATTORNEY [(ASA)]: Did the minor present a FOID
card to you at any time?
OFFICER GHILONI: No.”
¶ 15 Officer Ghiloni’s partner, Officer Olson,4 testified about what occurred after the minor
was arrested and transported to the police station. With respect to respondent’s age, he testified
as follows:
“[ASA]: *** [W]hat did you do when you got to the police station?
OFFICER OLSON: I got the minor’s name, date of birth, mother’s
information—or parent’s information, address.
[ASA]: And was this minor under the age of 18?
OFFICER OLSON: Yes.
[ASA]: And just to be clear, the minor that you were processing at the station was
the Minor Respondent, Gabriel [W.], in this case; true?
OFFICER OLSON: Yes.
[ASA]: And you testified that he was under the age of 18?
OFFICER OLSON: That’s correct.
***
ASA: Now, you testified that the minor was under the age of 18, but do you recall
how old the minor was?
OFFICER OLSON: Specifically, no. I don’t remember.
[ASA]: Okay. Is there anything that would—is your memory exhausted?
OFFICER OLSON: Yes.
[ASA]: And is there anything that would refresh your memory as to the question I
asked you?
OFFICER OLSON: If I saw a copy of the case report, the arrest report that was
generated.
***
[ASA]: I’m giving to the witness what I’ve marked as People’s Exhibit No. 1. Can
you please look at that and once your recollection is refreshed , please look up. (Short
pause.)
[ASA]: And may I have it back. Thank you. Is your recollection refreshed?
OFFICER OLSON: Yes.
[ASA]: And do you recall how old this Minor Respondent was?
OFFICER OLSON: Fifteen years old.”
During this prolonged discussion concerning respondent’s age, the defense did not object
once. The ASA also asked Officer Olson if respondent had presented the officers “at any time”
with a FOID card. Officer Olson answered “[n]o.”
¶ 16 When the State rested, respondent moved for a directed finding on the sole ground that the
State had failed to introduce the inventory report concerning the gun or any testimony about
the inventorying of the gun or its chain of custody. After the trial court denied respondent’s
4
Officer Olson did not testify to his first name.
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motion, the parties proceeded to closing argument. The State asked the trial court to adopt, as
its closing argument, its argument concerning respondent’s motion for a directed finding, but it
reserved rebuttal argument. The defense, similarly, asked the trial court to adopt its argument
concerning the motion as its closing argument. In rebuttal, which the State had reserved, it
argued, among other things, that “we’ve heard testimony that he was under the age of 18” and
“[t]hat he did not have a FOID card.”
¶ 17 After hearing the evidence at trial and the arguments of counsel, the trial court found,
“there will be a finding of guilty on all counts, although, obviously, the other counts will merge
into the first count.”
¶ 18 On February 16, 2017, respondent filed a motion to reconsider the trial court’s denial of his
motion to quash arrest and suppress evidence. As noted, this issue is not raised on appeal. The
trial court heard further argument and testimony from Officer Ghiloni on this issue and again
denied the motion and then, pursuant to respondent’s request, proceeded to schedule a
sentencing hearing.
¶ 19 On July 19, 2017, at the sentencing hearing, defense counsel stated that respondent was 16
years old. After listening to factors in mitigation and aggravation, the trial court adjudged
respondent to be a ward of the court and sentenced him to 18 months of probation, as well as to
a 30-day commitment to the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice, which was stayed so long
as respondent did not violate any of his probation terms. Respondent filed a notice of appeal on
August 18, 2017, and this appeal followed.
¶ 20 ANALYSIS
¶ 21 On this appeal, respondent claims (1) that his adjudication for AUUW based on the lack of
a FOID card must be vacated because the State failed to present sufficient evidence at his
bench trial that he lacked a FOID card and (2) that his adjudications for AUUW and UPF based
on his age must be vacated because the State failed to present sufficient evidence at his bench
trial of his age.
¶ 22 For the following reasons, we vacate the finding of guilt on count I, which was based on the
lack of a FOID card; we affirm the findings of guilt on counts II and III, the two age-based
counts; but we vacate count III, the UPF count, under the one act, one crime rule. Since the
three counts were all based on the possession of the same handgun at the same moment in time,
and respondent does not ask us to remand for resentencing, we do not order a resentencing. He
asks us only to correct his sentencing order to reflect that he has 251 days of credit against his
30-day stayed commitment, and the State joins in this request. Thus we affirm his adjudication
for wardship and sentence, with the adjudication based on AUUW grounded on age (count II),
rather than lack of a FOID card (count I), but correct his sentencing order to reflect 251 days of
credit against his 30-day stayed commitment.
¶ 23 I. Three Phases of Juvenile Delinquency Proceedings
¶ 24 Before discussing respondent’s claims, we set forth the three phases of juvenile
delinquency proceedings specified in the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 (Act) (705 ILCS
405/5-101 et seq. (West 2016)): “the findings phase, the adjudicatory phase, and the
dispositional phase.” In re Samantha V., 234 Ill. 2d 359, 365 (2009). “The findings phase
consists of a trial and determination of guilt.” In re Samantha V., 234 Ill. 2d at 365. “During
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this phase, the trial court applies the reasonable doubt standard of proof and the rules of
evidence that would be followed in a criminal case to determine whether the minor should be
found delinquent.” In re Samantha V., 234 Ill. 2d at 365. “In a juvenile delinquency case, a
finding of guilt and a finding of delinquency are one and the same.” In re Veronica C., 239 Ill.
2d 134, 145 (2010).
¶ 25 “If a delinquency finding is entered, the matter proceeds to sentencing.” In re Samantha V.,
234 Ill. 2d at 365. “The sentencing proceeding includes the adjudication phase, where the court
determines whether it is in the best interests of the minor and the public to make the minor a
ward of the court.” In re Samantha V., 234 Ill. 2d at 365. “If the minor is made a ward of the
court, the matter proceeds to the dispositional phase where the court fashions an appropriate
sentence that will best serve the minor and the public.” In re Samantha V., 234 Ill. 2d at
365-66.
¶ 26 In the case at bar, the same trial judge conducted all three phases and entered all three
findings: a finding of guilt or delinquency; a finding that respondent should be made a ward of
the court; and a finding of an appropriate sentence. The same trial judge also heard
respondent’s motion to suppress and conducted the pretrial suppression hearing.
¶ 27 II. Sufficiency of the Evidence
¶ 28 No person, adult or juvenile, may be convicted or adjudicated guilty of a crime “ ‘except
upon proof beyond a reasonable doubt of every fact necessary to constitute the crime with
which he is charged.’ ” In re Omar F., 2017 IL App (1st) 171073, ¶ 36 (quoting In re Winship,
397 U.S. 358, 364 (1970)); see also In re Winship, 397 U.S. at 368 (the constitutional safeguard
of proof beyond a reasonable doubt applies during the adjudicatory stage of juvenile
delinquency proceedings). When a minor respondent challenges the sufficiency of the
evidence in his or her adjudication, the standard of review is whether, after viewing the
evidence in the light most favorable to the State, any rational trier of fact could have found the
essential elements of the charge beyond a reasonable doubt. In re Omar F., 2017 IL App (1st)
171073, ¶ 36; In re Q.P., 2015 IL 118569, ¶ 24 (“in delinquency proceedings, as in criminal
cases, a reviewing court must decide ‘ “ whether, [after] viewing the evidence in the light most
favorable to the prosecution, any rational trier of fact could have found the essential elements
of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt” ’ ” (quoting People v. Austin M., 2012 IL 111194,
¶ 107, quoting In re Jonathon C.B., 2011 IL 107750, ¶ 47)); Jackson v. Virginia, 443 U.S. 307,
319 (1979) (“whether, after viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to the
prosecution, any rational trier of fact could have found the essential elements of the crime
beyond a reasonable doubt” (emphasis in original)).
¶ 29 When reviewing an adjudication on appeal, a reviewing court may not substitute its
judgment for that of the trier of fact, particularly on issues of witness credibility, the weight
their testimony deserves, or the reasonable inferences that may be drawn from their testimony
or other evidence. This is because it was the trial court that observed and heard the witnesses.
In re Jonathon C.B., 2011 IL 107750, ¶ 59.
¶ 30 In addition, “[a] trier of fact is not required to disregard inferences which flow normally
from the evidence before it.” In re Jonathon C.B., 2011 IL 107750, ¶ 60. The trier of fact also
“need not be satisfied beyond a reasonable doubt as to each link in the chain of circumstances.”
In re Jonathon C.B., 2011 IL 107750, ¶ 60. Rather, the evidence is sufficient if all the evidence
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taken together satisfies the trier of fact beyond a reasonable doubt of the minor’s guilt. In re
Jonathon C.B., 2011 IL 107750, ¶ 60.
¶ 31 When determining the correctness of a trial court’s findings in a juvenile case, a reviewing
court may affirm on any basis found in the record. See In re Veronica C., 239 Ill. 2d at 151.
¶ 32 III. Statutes at Issue
¶ 33 Respondent was charged under the following statutes. Counts I and II charged respondent
with violating the AUUW statute, which provides in relevant part:
“(a) A person commits the offense of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon when he
or she knowingly:
***
(2) Carries or possesses on or about his or her person, upon any public street,
alley, or other public lands within the corporate limits of a city, village or
incorporated town, except when an invitee thereon or therein, for the purpose of the
display of such weapon or the lawful commerce in weapons, or except when on his
or her own land or in his or her own abode, legal dwelling, or fixed place of
business, or on the land or in the legal dwelling of another person as an invitee with
that person’s permission, any pistol, revolver, stun gun or taser or other firearm;
and
(3) One of the following factors is present:
***
(C) the person possessing the firearm has not been issued a currently valid
[FOID] Card; or
***
(I) the person possessing the weapon was under 21 years of age and in
possession of a handgun, unless the person under 21 is engaged in lawful
activities under the Wildlife Code or described in subsection 24-2(b)(1), (b)(3),
or 24-2(f).”5 720 ILCS 5/24-1.6(a) (West 2016).
¶ 34 Count III charged respondent with violating the UPF statute, which provides in relevant
part:
“(a) A person commits the offense of unlawful possession of firearms or firearm
ammunition when:
(1) He is under 18 years of age and has in his possession any firearm of a size
which may be concealed upon the person[.]” 720 ILCS 5/24-3.1(a)(1) (West 2016).
¶ 35 As noted, the only elements of these offenses that respondent challenges on appeal are the
lack of a FOID card and his age.
¶ 36 IV. FOID Card
¶ 37 Respondent argues, and the State agrees, that his adjudication for AUUW based on the lack
of a FOID card must be vacated because the State failed to prove he lacked a FOID card.
5
Subsections 24-2(b)(1) and 24-2(f) concern practice shooting at target ranges, and subsection
24-2(b)(3) concerns hunting, trapping, and fishing. 720 ILCS 5/24-2(b)(1), (b)(3), (f) (West 2016).
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¶ 38 The State concedes that, although it introduced evidence showing that respondent did not
present a FOID card to the arresting officers, it failed to offer any evidence that respondent
actually lacked a FOID card.
¶ 39 Faced with almost the same facts, this court observed in another case earlier this year:
“On appeal, the respondent first argues, and the State correctly concedes, that he
was not proved delinquent beyond a reasonable doubt of AUUW predicated on not
having been issued a valid FOID card. The offense of AUUW contemplates whether an
individual has been issued a FOID card and not whether the individual has a FOID card
‘in his or her possession.’ People v. Holmes, 241 Ill. 2d 509, 522 (2011). Here, [the
officer’s] testimony indicated that the respondent did not present a FOID card
following his arrest, but the State presented no evidence that the respondent had not
been issued a FOID card. Consequently, we agree with the respondent, accept the
State’s concession, and reverse the respondent delinquency adjudication and sentence
for AUUW predicated on not having been issued a valid FOID card.” In re Manuel M.,
2017 IL App (1st) 162381, ¶ 15.
¶ 40 Thus, we vacate the finding of guilt on count I, which was the only count based on the lack
of a FOID card.
¶ 41 V. Age-Based Counts
¶ 42 Respondent also argues that his adjudications for AUUW and UPF based on his age must
be vacated because the State failed to prove his age. Respondent argues that the State failed to
present sufficient evidence of his age at his bench trial, although respondent testified under
oath at a suppression hearing in the same case and before the same trial judge that he was only
15 years old.
¶ 43 Our Illinois Supreme Court ruled on this same exact issue 40 years ago in Brown and
nothing suggests that the law changed in the intervening years. Brown, 71 Ill. 2d at 155.
¶ 44 In Brown, as in our case, “a hearing was held on [the respondent’s] motion to suppress
evidence due to the alleged illegality of his arrest.” Brown, 71 Ill. 2d at 153. In Brown, as in our
case, the juvenile respondent testified at the pretrial suppression hearing that he was, in fact, 15
years old. Brown, 71 Ill. 2d at 153. In Brown, as in our case, after denying the suppression
motion, the same trial judge immediately proceeded with the bench trial. Brown, 71 Ill. 2d at
153. In Brown, as in our case, the respondent argued that there was insufficient proof of his
age. Brown, 71 Ill. 2d at 155.
¶ 45 Our supreme court stated, “We disagree as to the sufficiency of the proof.” Brown, 71 Ill.
2d at 155. It explained, “The contention that because the proof of age occurred at a different
stage of the proceedings, only minutes or at most an hour or two earlier, the judge who heard
that testimony cannot consider it in deciding the case is, in our opinion, without merit. Clearly,
a court may and should take judicial notice of other proceedings in the same case which is
before it and the facts established therein.” Brown, 71 Ill. 2d at 155. See also In re Ephriam, 60
Ill. App. 3d at 854-55 (discussing and applying Brown).
¶ 46 The case at bar is even stronger than Brown because in Brown the State presented no
evidence of age during the bench trial (Brown, 71 Ill. 2d at 153-54), whereas in our case the
State called an officer who testified that he obtained respondent’s age while processing the
arrest at the police station and respondent’s age was 15 years old.
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¶ 47 More recently, in 2015, the appellate court acknowledged the continued vitality of Brown
but distinguished it on the ground that Brown involved sworn testimony, while the case before
it did not. In re S.M., 2015 IL App (3d) 140687, ¶¶ 15-16. Similar to Brown, our case involves
respondent’s sworn testimony.
¶ 48 In addition, respondent stipulated to juvenile jurisdiction and stated his age at his
arraignment. Article V of the Act provides, in relevant part, that “[p]roceedings may be
instituted under the provisions of this Article concerning any minor who prior to his or her 18th
birthday has violated or attempted to violate *** any *** law or ordinance.” 705 ILCS
405/5-120 (West 2016). Thus, by stipulating to juvenile jurisdiction, respondent was
stipulating to the fact that he was under 18 years old on the day of the alleged offense. See also
In re Ephriam, 60 Ill. App. 3d at 853-55 (rejecting the argument that the State failed to prove a
juvenile respondent’s age, where the trial court had asked his age at his arraignment and the
respondent answered that he was 15); In re S.M., 2015 IL App (3d) 140687, ¶ 28 (discussing
the continuing vitality of In re Ephriam).
¶ 49 While “procedural silence with respect to the allegations contained in a charging
instrument *** cannot be construed as a judicial admission,” a stipulation is the opposite of
procedural silence. In re S.M., 2015 IL App (3d) 140687, ¶ 21. “ ‘A criminal defendant may
waive, by stipulation, the need to prove all or part of the case that the State has brought against
him.’ ” People v. Toliver, 2016 IL App (1st) 141064, ¶ 31 (quoting People v. Washington, 343
Ill. App. 3d 889, 900 (2003)). By conceding the issue of juvenile status, or age, “counsel
demonstrated the intent of the defense to eliminate that issue from the case and focus on
another aspect of the defense.” Toliver, 2016 IL App (1st) 141064, ¶ 31. In short, by stipulating
to respondent’s status as a juvenile, defense counsel removed that issue from this case.
¶ 50 The reasons for forfeiture are particularly compelling in a juvenile case, where the juvenile
respondent stipulates to his juvenile status in order to gain the benefits of the Act and then, on
appeal, argues for reversal because the State failed to introduce evidence of that juvenile status
at his bench trial—while still conceding that juvenile jurisdiction applies. “A party forfeits her
right to complain of an error where to do so is inconsistent with the position taken by the party
in an earlier court proceeding.” In re E.S., 324 Ill. App. 3d 661, 670 (2001) (citing McMath v.
Katholi, 191 Ill. 2d 251, 255 (2000)).
¶ 51 Last but certainly not least, the appellate court has found that a police officer’s testimony at
a bench trial may suffice to establish a juvenile respondent’s age. In In re S.M., the appellate
court discussed different ways that the State could satisfy this burden, stating:
“In other cases, a police officer testifies before the court about an offender’s response
to inquiries from law enforcement officers regarding his age. Such testimony from the
officer is admissible and may satisfy the State’s burden of proof on the issue of the
accused’s age. See People v. Dalton, 91 Ill. 2d 22, 30 (1982).” (Emphasis in original.)
In re S.M., 2015 IL App (3d) 140687, ¶ 16.
¶ 52 In In re S.M., the appellate court reversed because the State failed to present sufficient
evidence of age at a bench trial in a juvenile case. However, the In re S.M. case differs from the
case at bar, in that (1) in In re S.M. the appellate court observed that at the bench trial “neither
officer testified concerning the respondent’s age at the time of the occurrence,” whereas in our
case one of the officers did testify to the age obtained while processing the arrest (In re S.M.,
2015 IL App (3d) 140687, ¶¶ 5, 16); (2) in In re S.M. there is no indication that the respondent
testified under oath about his age at a pretrial suppression hearing, whereas in our case he did;
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(3) in In re S.M. the respondent objected both at the bench trial and in a timely posttrial motion
that the State had failed to present any evidence of age at the bench trial, whereas in our case
respondent did not object either at the bench trial or in a posttrial motion to the officer’s
testimony about respondent’s age (In re S.M., 2015 IL App (3d) 140687, ¶¶ 5, 8); and (4)
lastly, in In re S.M. there is no indication that respondent stipulated to juvenile jurisdiction,
whereas in our case he did (In re S.M., 2015 IL App (3d) 140687, ¶ 4). In other words, all the
considerations that drove the In re S.M. court to find insufficient evidence in the case before it
are actually reasons to find sufficient evidence in the case before us.
¶ 53 Thus, we do not find persuasive respondent’s arguments to reverse the findings of guilt on
his age-based counts.
¶ 54 VI. One Act, One Crime Rule
¶ 55 Both the State and respondent agree that, if we affirm the trial court’s findings of guilt on
the two age-based counts, we must vacate the less serious offense under the one act, one crime
rule.
¶ 56 Our supreme court has stated unequivocally, “we hold that the one-act, one-crime rule
applies to juvenile proceedings. To the extent that decisions of the appellate court hold
otherwise, they are overruled.” In re Samantha V., 234 Ill. 2d at 375. The In re Samantha V.
court found “that the trial court violated the one-act, one-crime rule,” when the trial court
found the juvenile respondent guilty of two counts of aggravated battery that were based on the
same battery and then “failed to merge the counts or otherwise indicate on the record that the
respondent’s adjudication of delinquency was based on only one count.” In re Samantha V.,
234 Ill. 2d at 378.
¶ 57 Thus, although we affirm the trial court’s findings of guilt on counts II and III, the two
age-based counts, we vacate count III, the UPF count, under the one act, one crime rule.
¶ 58 CONLCUSION
¶ 59 For the foregoing reasons, we vacate the finding of guilt on count I, which was based on the
lack of a FOID card; we affirm the findings of guilt on counts II and III, the two age-based
counts; but we vacate count III, the UPF count, under the one act, one crime rule. Since the
three counts were all based on the possession of the same handgun at the same moment in time,
and respondent does not ask us to remand for resentencing, we do not order a resentencing. He
asks us only to correct his sentencing order to reflect that he has 251 days of credit against his
30-day stayed commitment, and the State joins in this request. Thus we affirm his adjudication
for wardship and sentence, with the adjudication based on AUUW grounded on age (count II),
rather than lack of a FOID card (count I), but correct his sentencing order to reflect 251 days of
credit for time served against his 30-day stayed commitment.
¶ 60 Affirmed in part; vacated in part. Sentencing order modified.
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