Hernandez v. Department of Labor

Defendant, Paul Bryant, was indicted for murder (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1975, ch. 38, par. 9-1) and burglary (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1975, ch. 38, par. 19-1). After a jury trial, he was found guilty of both offenses and sentenced to 6 2/3 to 20 years for burglary and 500 to 1500 years for murder, the sentences to be served consecutively. Defendant raises the following issues on appeal: (1) whether the delay in taking him before a judge on approved charges at the first scheduled court date contributed to an involuntary confession; (2) whether the trial courts rulings on the use of prior convictions to impeach him and his offer of proof deprived him of his constitutional right to present a defense, and whether this combination of errors requires reversal; and (3) whether his sentence for murder was excessive and vindictive.