Opinion filed June 4, 2014 _____________________________________________________________________________
IN THE
APPELLATE COURT OF ILLINOIS
THIRD DISTRICT
A.D., 2014
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF ) Appeal from the Circuit Court ILLINOIS, ) of the 14th Judicial Circuit, ) Henry County, Illinois. Plaintiff-Appellee, ) ) Appeal No. 3-12-0580 v. ) Circuit No. 95-CF-318-2 ) ANDRES M. ELKEN, ) Honorable Larry S. Vandersnick, ) Honorable Charles H. Stengel, Defendant-Appellant. ) Judges, Presiding. _____________________________________________________________________________
JUSTICE SCHMIDT delivered the judgment of the court, with opinion. Justices Holdridge and McDade concurred in the judgment and opinion.
OPINION
¶1 Defendant, Andres M. Elken, appeals the Henry County circuit court’s dismissal of his
second-stage successive postconviction petition. Following the dismissal, defendant filed a
motion to reconsider on May 29, 2012. The trial court denied that motion. ¶2 Defendant alleges that the trial court erred in allowing appointed postconviction counsel
to withdraw at the second stage of the proceedings, where defendant was not given notice of
counsel's intent to withdraw and was denied the opportunity to be heard on the motion or the
dismissal of his petition. ¶3 We reverse and remand. *2 ¶4 BACKGROUND ¶5 This case involves a rather tortured procedural process that involves two direct appeals
and successive postconviction petitions. We include only those facts necessary for an
understanding of the dismissal of defendant’s successive postconviction petition. ¶6 On November 7, 1995, defendant (along with five other codefendants) was charged by
information with controlled substance trafficking, unlawful possession of a controlled substance
with intent to deliver, and unlawful possession of a controlled substance. These charges
stemmed from the discovery of over 500,000 grams of cocaine, following a routine traffic stop
on Interstate 80. At trial, defendant moved to suppress the evidence found in the recreational
vehicle. He argued that he did not understand English to the point that he could knowingly and
voluntarily consent to the search, and he was unnecessarily detained for 40 minutes while the
officer waited for the canine unit to arrive. The trial court denied defendant’s motion to suppress
and the matter proceeded to a bench trial. ¶7 Following the trial, the trial court found defendant guilty of the charged offenses and
sentenced defendant to 110 years on the trafficking offense. The court also imposed a $63
million street value fine. ¶8 On direct appeal, defendant raised issues pertaining to the motion to suppress and the
sentence imposed. This court affirmed the conviction, remanded the matter for a new sentencing
hearing, and ordered the trial court to apply a $5-per-day presentence incarceration credit toward
the fine. See People v. Elken, 309 Ill. App. 3d 1092 (2000) (table) (unpublished order under
Supreme Court Rule 23). *3 ¶9 On remand, the court resentenced defendant to 75 years' imprisonment, reordered the $63
million street value fine, and gave defendant a $1,660 presentence incarceration credit.
Defendant did not file a notice of appeal from this judgment. ¶ 10 While the direct appeal was pending, appellate counsel contemporaneously filed a
petition for relief from judgment, pursuant to section 2-1401 of the Illinois Code of Civil
Procedure (735 ILCS 5/2-1401 (West 2007)), and a postconviction petition on defendant’s
behalf. Those petitions alleged a violation of the Vienna Convention and that Trooper Blanks
gave perjured testimony when he stated he did not look for out-of-state license plates or Hispanic
drivers as indicators of drug trafficking activity. The State filed motions to dismiss on both
motions, which the trial court granted. ¶ 11 Defendant appealed the dismissals, arguing the same issues set forth in his petitions. This
court affirmed. See People v. Elken-Montoya, 329 Ill. App. 3d 1246 (2002) (table) (unpublished
order under Supreme Court Rule 23). ¶ 12 On May 4, 2006, defendant filed a pro se postconviction petition. He argued that "his
culpable negligence should be excused" because the same attorney who handled his direct appeal
also filed his first postconviction petition. Substantively, defendant alleged: (1) that he was not
advised of his rights under the Vienna Convention; (2) that Trooper Blanks committed perjury
during the preliminary hearing where he testified that 274 bricks containing over 1,000 pounds
of cocaine, where only 2.5 pounds of the substance had been tested prior to the hearing; (3) that
trial counsel was ineffective for stipulating to the lab report and chain of custody without
sufficiently consulting with defendant; and (4) that appellate counsel was ineffective for failing
to raise trial counsel's ineffectiveness. ¶ 13 On May 18, 2006, the trial court appointed E. Stockton as counsel for defendant. *4 ¶ 14 On July 18, 2006, defendant filed a pro se motion, seeking leave to file the
postconviction petition and a supplement to the petition. In this motion, defendant alleged that
he had not raised the instant claims in his first postconviction petition because the same attorney
represented him on direct appeal and on his first petition. Defendant also raised an additional
substantive claim, alleging that the probable cause hearing was not held within 30 days of his
arrest. ¶ 15 On September 5, 2006, Stockton filed a motion for leave to file a successive
postconviction petition with an additional issue. Counsel copied defendant's pro se filing,
making the same allegations of cause and prejudice as an exception to the single postconviction
petition rule presented in the July 18 filing. On January 16, 2007, the State filed a motion to
dismiss defendant’s second petition and his additional issue. ¶ 16 On March 23, 2007, the circuit court, Judge Vandersnick presiding, held a hearing on
defendant's motion for leave to file. The court allowed defendant leave to file, finding the
petition was not frivolous insofar as defendant may have had a meritorious argument for
ineffective assistance of appellate counsel. Defendant was granted leave to file an amended
petition, and the State was accordingly granted time to respond. The trial court also found that
the State's motion to dismiss was premature and reserved. ¶ 17 Stockton subsequently withdrew. On April 4, 2007, the court appointed S. Clemens to
represent defendant. On April 16, 2007, defendant filed a pro se motion to supplement his
petition, claiming that the statute under which he was convicted was void as violative of the
single subject rule. On October 5, 2007, defendant filed a pro se petition for habeas corpus
relief based on the same alleged single subject violation raised in his supplement to the
postconviction petition. A docket entry on the chronological case summary shows that
defendant’s habeas corpus petition was denied on November 27, 2007, but stated that counsel
could amend the postconviction petition to include the issue. ¶ 18 On January 28, 2010, the trial court, Judge Stengel presiding, conducted a hearing on
defendant's pro se motion for new counsel, defendant's renewed pro se motion for new counsel,
defendant's second habeas corpus petition for immediate release, and defendant's pro se motion
regarding the unconstitutionality of Public Act 89-404 (eff. Aug. 20, 1995) (declared
unconstitutional by People v. Reedy, 186 Ill. 2d 1 (1999)). The trial court denied defendant's
motions for new counsel and found defendant's second habeas corpus petition was res judicata.
Attorney Clemens asked the court to defer ruling on defendant's motion regarding Public Act 89-
404 so that he could conduct additional research; though, he stated that he believed the Act did
not amend or deal with section 401.1 of the Illinois Controlled Substances Act (720 ILCS
570/401.1 (West 2012)), which defendant was sentenced under. Clemens also requested
additional time to focus his efforts on defendant's arguments regarding ineffective assistance of
appellate counsel. The trial court granted the continuance. ¶ 19 On May 8, 2012, the trial court held a hearing on defendant's second postconviction
petition and the pro se supplement thereto. Without any argument from the State on its reserved
motion to withdraw, Clemens informed the court that defendant's postconviction petition had no
merit. Clemens stated that while Public Act 89-404 was declared unconstitutional, it did not
amend nor deal with section 401.1 of the Illinois Controlled Substances Act (720 ILCS
570/401.1 (West 2012)) under which defendant was charged. He stated that both the perjury
claim and the alleged Vienna Convention violation were barred by res judicata. Clemens stated
that the issue relating to the stipulation of chain of custody had no merit. He also stated that the
allegation of ineffective assistance of defendant's counsel for failing to file a notice of appeal
following resentencing on remand was without merit. Clemens spoke with defendant's counsel
on remand, who told Clemens that defendant never requested that he appeal the matter. Clemens
also noted that one reason Judge Vandersnick allowed defendant leave to file a successive
postconviction petition was his claim that appellate counsel was ineffective for filing a
postconviction petition and a petition for relief under section 2-1401, while the direct appeal was
pending. Clemens opined that under Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668 (1984) and its
progeny, there was nothing to suggest that appellate counsel, who did all three of these things,
was ineffective. Finally, Clemens stated that defendant's desired attack against the public act
creating the Class X sentencing range also had no merit. ¶ 20 The record reveals that at no time before or after this colloquy with the court did Clemens
move to withdraw, either orally or via a written motion. Nor is there any evidence that Clemens
informed defendant of his intention to withdraw. ¶ 21 The trial court then dismissed defendant’s successive postconviction petition "based upon
arguments of defense counsel." The State did not renew its motion to dismiss or make any
arguments thereon. There was no mention of allowing Clemens to withdraw; the petition was
simply dismissed based upon his assertions. The trial court informed defendant he had the right
to appeal. ¶ 22 On May 29, 2012, defendant filed a motion to reconsider the orders allowing counsel to
withdraw and dismissing his successive postconviction petition. The court heard the motion on
July 9, 2012. Defendant stated that he had not known his attorney was going to move to
withdraw. Defendant further stated he had not been allowed to go to the prison library and he
had not had the opportunity to prepare "for things." He requested a 60-day continuance and
asked the court to order Clemens to turn over his case file so that he could raise additional issues. *7 ¶ 23 The court denied defendant's request that Clemens turn over his file. The court further
denied defendant's motion to reconsider dismissal of the postconviction petition and the order
allowing counsel to withdraw. ¶ 24 This appeal followed. ¶ 25 ANALYSIS ¶ 26 Defendant contends that the trial court erred in allowing counsel to withdraw at the
second stage of postconviction proceedings when counsel had not provided defendant notice of
intent to withdraw, and in dismissing defendant’s postconviction petition based solely on
counsel's assertions in support of his motion to withdraw. ¶ 27 It is important to note at the outset the rather unorthodox procedure followed at the May
8, 2012, hearing on defendant's successive postconviction petition. Defendant's second
appointed counsel, S. Clemens, never actually filed a motion to withdraw, nor did he orally
request to withdraw on the record. A review of the transcript for this hearing also indicates that
the court never "allowed" counsel to withdraw, but it did dismiss the petition following the
hearing. ¶ 28 Under the provisions of the Illinois Post-Conviction Hearing Act (725 ILCS 5/122-1
(West 2012)), an indigent defendant, who has not been sentenced to death, is not automatically
entitled to appointment of counsel. The source of the right to counsel in a postconviction matter
is statutory rather than constitutional, and the Act does not provide for appointment of counsel
unless an indigent defendant's petition survives the first stage of postconviction proceedings.
People v. McNeal, 194 Ill. 2d 135, 142 (2000); 725 ILCS 5/122-2.1, 122-4 (West 2012). At the
first stage, the circuit court, within 90 days, must review the defendant's petition and
independently determine whether it is frivolous or patently without merit. People v. Johnson,
401 Ill. App. 3d 685 (2010). If the court determines the petition is without merit, the petition
must be dismissed. 725 ILCS 5/122-2.1(a)(2) (West 2012). "It is only after a defendant's
petition has been found to set forth the gist of a meritorious claim, or the court fails to take any
action on the petition within 90 days of filing, that the process advances to second-stage
proceedings and counsel is appointed." (Emphasis in original.) People v. Greer, 212 Ill. 2d 192,
204 (2004); 725 ILCS 5/122-2.1, 122-4 (West 2012). ¶ 29 At the second stage of the postconviction process, as is the case here, the circuit court
must determine whether the petition and any accompanying documentation make a substantial
showing of a constitutional violation. People v. Coleman, 183 Ill. 2d 366, 381 (1998).
Appointed counsel may seek leave to file an amended petition. People v. Blair, 215 Ill. 2d 427,
458 (2005); 725 ILCS 5/122-5 (West 2012). At the second stage, the State is required to either
answer the pleading or move to dismiss. People v. Morris, 335 Ill. App. 3d 70, 76 (2002). "In
determining whether to grant an evidentiary hearing, all well-pleaded facts in the petition and in
accompanying affidavits are taken as true." People v. Orange, 195 Ill. 2d 437, 448 (2001). If no
constitutional violation is shown, the petition is dismissed. People v. Tate, 2012 IL 112214,
¶ 12. The denial of a postconviction petition without an evidentiary hearing is reviewed de novo.
People v. Marshall, 381 Ill. App. 3d 724, 730 (2008). ¶ 30 In this instance, where counsel's actions at the second stage of representation are called
into question, People v. Greer, 212 Ill. 2d 192 (2004), is instructive. In Greer, our supreme court
addressed the obligations of appointed postconviction counsel and the consequences thereof
pursuant to Illinois Supreme Court Rule 651(c) (eff. Dec. 1, 1984). Rule 651(c) requires that the
record in postconviction proceedings demonstrate that appointed counsel " 'has consulted with
petitioner either by mail or in person to ascertain his contentions of deprivation of constitutional
rights, has examined the record of the proceedings at the trial, and has made any amendments to
the petitions filed pro se that are necessary for an adequate presentation of petitioner's
contentions.' " Greer, 212 Ill. 2d at 205 (quoting Ill. S. Ct. R. 651(c) (eff. Dec. 1, 1984)).
"Fulfillment of the third obligation under Rule 651(c) does not require postconviction counsel to
advance frivolous or spurious claims on defendant's behalf. If amendments to a pro se
postconviction petition would only further a frivolous or patently nonmeritorious claim, they are
not 'necessary' within the meaning of the rule. Moreover, the mere filing of an amended petition
by counsel under such circumstances would appear to violate the proscriptions of Supreme Court
Rule 137 [Citation]." Id. Thus, an attorney, like Clemens in this case, who determines that
defendant's claims are meritless, cannot in good faith file an amended petition on behalf of
defendant. Id. ¶ 31 The Greer court's most relevant inquiry to the case at bar is as follows:
"What is defense counsel to do after he or she determines that
defendant's petition is frivolous? Is counsel to stand mute at all
subsequent proceedings? How can counsel, ethically, 'present the
petitioner's contentions' when counsel knows those contentions are
frivolous? Obviously, the answer is counsel cannot." (Emphasis
in original.) Id. at 206. ¶ 32 Here, Clemens' research led him to the conclusion that defendant's petition lacked merit
and defendant makes no allegation that Clemens failed to comply with Rule 651(c). However,
Clemens filed no motion to withdraw and gave no notice to defendant of his intent to withdraw.
He simply stood up at the hearing and stated that defendant's contentions had no merit. That is
the key distinction that warrants reversal. *10 ¶ 33 In People v. Sherman, 101 Ill. App. 3d 1131 (1981), the defendant filed a postconviction
petition that the circuit court advanced to the second stage. Counsel was appointed to represent
him. Without notifying the defendant, counsel filed a motion to withdraw indicating that he was
unable to discover a basis for relief. Id. at 1132. Absent defendant's presence, the court heard
counsel's motion. Id. at 1132-33. Following counsel's arguments, the circuit court allowed the
State's oral motion to dismiss based upon counsel's assertions in his motion to withdraw. Id. at
1133. ¶ 34 This court found that counsel's failure to notify the defendant of his motion to withdraw
and the circuit court's failure to give the defendant an opportunity to respond effectively deprived
him of any representation at the hearing. Id. Defendant was entitled to adequate notice of
counsel's motion to withdraw and the State's motion to dismiss in order to allow the defendant an
opportunity to respond; this court accordingly remanded the matter for further proceedings. Id.
at 1134. ¶ 35 Defendant in this case was present for the hearing. As a layperson, he cannot be expected
to jump up at a hearing and voice his objections while his attorney is actively arguing against his
interests. We do acknowledge, however, that had Clemens filed a motion to withdraw prior to
the May 8 hearing, our analysis would change accordingly. Defendant did not allege that
Clemens failed to comply with Rule 651(c), and Clemens' actions are clearly acceptable, even
necessary, under Greer. Indeed, Clemens could not have filed an amended petition to advance
defendant's contentions if his research found them to be frivolous without contravening Rule
137. ¶ 36 Moreover, in Sherman and People v. Shortridge, 2012 IL App (4th) 100663, upon which
the defendant relied heavily, the respective courts stated that counsel unequivocally argued
against defendant's interests (Sherman, 101 Ill. App. 3d at 1133) and if appointed counsel finds
that a defendant's claims are frivolous, counsel's obligation is to seek to withdraw as counsel, not
to confess the State's motion to dismiss. Shortridge, 2012 IL App (4th) 100663, ¶¶ 13-14. If
counsel finds that defendant's contentions are frivolous or patently without merit at the second
stage, he cannot in good faith continue, so he must file a motion to withdraw. If he files a
motion to withdraw, he must give his reasons for doing so. He is then, in essence, “confessing”
that the defendant has no viable arguments and is, in essence, agreeing that the petition should be
dismissed. Our point is only that the confession is not necessarily wrong, but defendant should
be afforded the opportunity to prepare for such an attack on his petition and to make any
arguments in rebuttal. He was denied that opportunity here. The appropriate procedure under
these circumstances would be for appointed counsel to file a motion to withdraw, giving
defendant notice of the same. This allows defendant to prepare to argue against appointed
counsel's motion. It further obviates any opportunity for a defendant to argue that he was
blindsided by his appointed counsel's arguments. ¶ 37 Accordingly, this case is remanded to the circuit court of Henry County for further
proceedings on the defendant's second-stage postconviction petition. ¶ 38 CONCLUSION ¶ 39 For the foregoing reasons, the judgment of the circuit court of Henry County is reversed
and remanded. ¶ 40 Reversed and remanded.