People v. Spears

• Court: Appellate Court of Illinois
• Decided: May 22, 2026
• Docket: 5-24-0625
• Status: Published

Opinion

NOTICE 2026 IL App (5th) 240625 Decision filed 05/22/26. The text of this decision may be NO. 5-24-0625 changed or corrected prior to the filing of a Petition for IN THE Rehearing or the disposition of the same. APPELLATE COURT OF ILLINOIS

FIFTH DISTRICT ______________________________________________________________________________

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, ) Appeal from the ) Circuit Court of Plaintiff-Appellee, ) Champaign County. ) v. ) No. 23-CF-1239 ) DAKOTA M. SPEARS, ) Honorable ) Roger B. Webber, Defendant-Appellant. ) Judge, presiding. ______________________________________________________________________________

JUSTICE BARBERIS delivered the judgment of the court, with opinion. Justices Hackett ∗ and Clarke ∗∗ concurred in the judgment and opinion.

OPINION

¶1 Following a jury trial in the circuit court of Champaign County, defendant, Dakota M.

Spears, was convicted of unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon (UPWF), a Class X felony

(720 ILCS 5/24-1.1(a), (e) (West 2022)), and sentenced to 14 years in prison. Defendant appeals,

arguing that (1) subsection (e) of section 24-1.1 of the Criminal Code of 2012 (Code) (id. § 24-

1.1(e)), which makes the simultaneous possession of a firearm or firearm ammunition and body

armor by a felon a Class X felony, with an enhanced sentencing range of 10 to 40 years in prison,

violates the due process clauses of the United States Constitution (U.S. Const., amend. XIV) and

∗ Justice Welch was originally assigned to the panel, prior to his death. Justice Hackett was later substituted on the panel and has read the briefs and listened to the recording of oral argument. ∗∗ Justice Moore was originally assigned to the panel, prior to his retirement. Justice Clarke was later substituted on the panel and has read the briefs and listened to the recording of oral argument. 1 the Illinois Constitution (Ill. Const. 1970, art. I, § 2); (2) subsection (e) of section 24-1.1 of the

Code violates the proportionate penalties clause of the Illinois Constitution (Ill. Const. 1970, art.

I, § 11) and the eighth amendment of the United States Constitution (U.S. Const., amend. VIII);

(3) his 14-year sentence was excessive; and (4) subsections (a) and (e) of section 24-1.1 of the

Code violate his individual right to bear arms under the United States Constitution (U.S. Const.,

amend. II) and the Illinois Constitution (Ill. Const. 1970, art. I, § 22). For the following reasons,

we affirm.

¶2 I. BACKGROUND

¶3 On October 5, 2023, the State charged defendant by information with two counts of UPWF,

one Class 3 felony (count I) (720 ILCS 5/24-1.1(a), (e) (West 2022)) and one Class X felony (count

II) (id.). In count I, the State alleged that defendant, a person previously convicted of felony theft,

knowingly possessed firearm ammunition, specifically, 30 rounds of .22-caliber ammunition. In

count II, the State alleged that defendant, a person previously convicted of felony theft, knowingly

possessed the same firearm ammunition while also possessing body armor.

¶4 On February 13, 2024, defendant’s two-day jury trial commenced. As a preliminary matter,

the parties stipulated that defendant had a prior felony theft conviction.

¶5 Cory Christensen, a detective with the Champaign County Sheriff’s Office, testified for the

State. Detective Christensen was part of an investigation involving defendant that resulted in the

execution of a search warrant at a detached garage in Ludlow, Illinois, on October 4, 2023. 1 Law

enforcement found defendant on a couch in the detached garage when they arrived to execute the

search warrant. During the search, law enforcement found a box of loose ammunition and a

1 The search warrant was executed in relation to a separate alleged offense. Prior to trial, the trial court granted, in part, defendant’s motion in limine to exclude certain evidence relating to the separate offense. However, evidence pertaining to the separate offense was subsequently presented at defendant’s sentencing hearing, as discussed infra. 2 bulletproof, or Kevlar, vest. The ammunition was found in a small, white cardboard box inside of

a drawer or on a shelf in the garage. According to Detective Christensen, the box contained

approximately 30 live rounds of .22-caliber ammunition. The bulletproof vest was found on the

couch where defendant had been sitting.

¶6 Detective Christensen interviewed defendant during the search. During the interview,

defendant stated that he had been residing in the detached garage for approximately one month.

Defendant admitted that he was a felon. Defendant further admitted that the “shells” and

bulletproof vest found during the search were his property. Defendant advised Detective

Christensen that he had received the ammunition from a friend “four to five years ago” and that he

had received the vest from his uncle. Defendant further advised that he occasionally wore the vest.

¶7 Detective Christensen testified that he wore a body camera during the search and interview

of defendant. The body camera footage was admitted as an exhibit and shown to the jurors. 2 The

body camera footage showed Detective Christensen initiate his questioning of defendant by

showing defendant a Snapchat video. After viewing the Snapchat video, defendant stated, “That is

me in a Kevlar vest with a BB gun.” Defendant advised Detective Christensen that he had gotten

rid of the BB gun a week earlier. When Detective Christensen asked defendant why he had

disposed of the BB gun, defendant responded, “I wear my Kevlar a lot, and I’m a felon.” Defendant

explained that he did not want to get into trouble for possessing a BB gun. Defendant further

explained that he wore the bulletproof vest because he had been shot at when he lived in Danville,

Illinois.

2 The body camera footage had been altered to comply with the trial court’s rulings on defendant’s motions in limine. 3 ¶8 On cross-examination of Detective Christensen, the defense admitted into evidence several

photographs taken of the detached garage during the search. The photographs depicted cluttered

and disorganized shelving on the walls of the garage. The floor area of the garage was similarly

disorganized and cluttered with numerous items, including motorcycles, motorcycle parts, storage

containers, and a full trash bag. The defense did not present any witnesses, and defendant elected

not to testify.

¶9 Following deliberations, the jury found defendant guilty of UPWF. The jury also found

that the State proved the allegation that defendant was wearing or in possession of body armor.

¶ 10 On April 4, 2024, the trial court held a sentencing hearing. The court initially noted at the

hearing that defendant was convicted of “one count of unlawful possession of weapons with the

enhancement of body armor” and that the sentencing range was 10 to 40 years in prison.

¶ 11 Detective Christensen again testified for the State. Detective Christensen investigated a

shooting that occurred in Ludlow at approximately 2:45 a.m. on September 30, 2023. In the course

of the investigation, law enforcement spoke with Michael Walker, who observed “a male subject

attempting to get into a vehicle” near Walker’s residence. Walker chased the male subject and

“heard two shots being discharged from presumably a firearm as he was chasing after the subject.”

Law enforcement discovered two spent .38-caliber shell casings in the vicinity where Walker

claimed he heard the two shots. Law enforcement also obtained several video recordings from the

area that depicted “a tall, skinny, presumably a male running across one of the main streets in

Ludlow shortly after the shots were heard on the video.” Another video depicted the same subject

either “attempting to get into cars or getting into cars.” Detective Christensen also interviewed a

high school student who was in his backyard near Walker’s residence when the shots were fired.

The student took cover in his backyard after hearing the gunshots and observed “a tall, skinny

4 white male running northbound by his backyard of his residence.” Detective Christensen learned

that defendant may have been the male subject involved in the attempted break-ins and shooting,

which led to the execution of the search warrant at the detached garage on October 4, 2023.

¶ 12 Detective Christensen spoke with Kourtney Moore, who resided at the home with the

detached garage. Moore advised that she and Joseph Rowcliff, who also resided at the home, had

allowed defendant to stay in the detached garage but had recently directed defendant to leave.

Moore claimed that defendant refused to leave. Moore believed defendant used methamphetamine

and saw defendant with an individual who was known to supply drugs. Moore viewed a video

recording of the male attempting to break into vehicles, and Moore believed the individual in the

video had the same height and build as defendant. Moore also advised that defendant had worn

similar shoes to the shoes worn by the individual in the video.

¶ 13 Detective Christensen also spoke with Rowcliff, who advised that defendant had

previously battered Rowcliff. Rowcliff also suspected that defendant used drugs and had a stolen

motorcycle in the detached garage. Detective Christensen explained that, during the search of the

detached garage, law enforcement discovered parts of a motorcycle that was reported stolen.

¶ 14 Detective Christensen also spoke with Anthony Hensley, defendant’s cell mate in jail.

Detective Christensen testified that Hensley stated that defendant admitted “that he [was] the one

that did the shooting in Ludlow.” Hensley initially stated that defendant used a 9mm firearm but

later claimed defendant used a .38-caliber handgun. Hensley also learned from defendant that

defendant had sold the firearm to someone after the shooting.

¶ 15 Detective Christensen testified that law enforcement never recovered a firearm during their

investigation of defendant. When Detective Christensen questioned defendant about the Snapchat

5 video of defendant holding a gun, defendant claimed he had a “BB or pellet gun, airsoft gun, not

an actual firearm.” Defendant claimed he disposed of the gun.

¶ 16 The presentence investigation (PSI) report indicated that defendant moved frequently as a

child because his father was in the Marines. Defendant reported that he was an “early enlistment”

into the Marines at the age of 17, but that he was arrested before he was “shipped off to Boot

Camp.” Defendant never attempted to enlist in the Marines following his arrest. Defendant

reportedly suffered from an anoxic brain injury at birth. Defendant had been diagnosed with

oppositional defiant disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder as a child. As an adult,

defendant had been diagnosed with Asperger syndrome, obsessive-compulsive disorder,

depression, and anxiety. Defendant claimed that a family friend had physically and sexually

assaulted him when he was a child while his father was deployed. Defendant admitted that he used

methamphetamine but claimed he had stayed sober while in jail. Defendant desired to participate

in therapy and substance abuse treatment.

¶ 17 The PSI report further indicated that defendant had no juvenile record, but his adult record

included a 2014 misdemeanor theft conviction, a 2015 Class 3 felony theft conviction, and various

traffic violations between 2015 and 2022. Defendant also had charges for unlawful use of a

blackjack knife in 2019 and was convicted of felony theft in May 2023. The PSI further indicated

that defendant had been charged with “Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm (Class 1 Felony)” and

“Unlawful Possession of Weapons by Felons (Class 3 Felony)” in Champaign County case No.

24-CF-184, which remained pending at the time the PSI was prepared.

¶ 18 Defendant made a statement in allocution at sentencing. Defendant acknowledged that he

needed assistance in certain areas of his life and that he had “strayed” a few times. Defendant

expressed concern that a 20-year sentence would sever his support network. Defendant possessed

6 mechanical and carpentry skills. He desired to pursue additional education. Defendant believed his

six months of sobriety in jail had given him a clearer understanding of his addiction. Defendant

believed he had made a “complete 360” turnaround. The defense also introduced letters from

defendant’s mother, high school special education teacher, and local minister, all of which were

admitted into evidence at the hearing.

¶ 19 Prior to announcing a sentence, the trial court stated that it considered the PSI report, the

evidence presented, defendant’s statement in allocution, the arguments of counsel, and all statutory

and non-statutory factors in aggravation and mitigation. The court found it “relevant that the

Defendant may have been involved in what sounds like attempted break-ins to cars and then fired

a gun either at or in the direction of or in the air to warn off somebody trying to scare him away

from—from that behavior.” The court noted that defendant admitted to wearing body armor and

that defendant claimed he wore the body armor “because he had been shot at.” The court noted,

however, that “we’re here on the possession of firearm ammunition while in possession of body

armor.” The court stated, “So, I don’t believe that simple possession certainly didn’t cause, may

have threatened serious harm for the reasons [the State] points out,” being “[t]hat you don’t have

body armor if you’re not involved in things where you think you need it.” The court later clarified

that the fact that defendant did not contemplate that his conduct would cause or threaten serious

harm was a mitigating factor.

¶ 20 The trial court also considered defendant’s history of prior delinquency, which included

six traffic offenses, four misdemeanors, and two felony theft offenses. The court found it an

aggravating factor “that the one [felony theft offense] he committed in 2023, he was placed on

probation, and was still on that probation at the time of the commission of this offense.” The court

found “[t]he fact that those are both property offenses would mitigate against a lengthy prison

7 sentence.” The court found it a mitigating factor that defendant had a difficult childhood and that

he was able to graduate high school despite his difficult childhood. The court also noted that he

obtained an automotive mechanic certification and had aspirations to return to college. The court

noted that defendant had been diagnosed with oppositional defiant disorder, which was “suggestive

of someone that’s not willing to follow instruction or—or obey authority.” The court found

defendant’s substance abuse and mental health issues “a double-edged sword” because those issues

could be viewed as a basis for sympathy but could also be viewed as something that demonstrated

defendant would continue to engage in criminal behavior.

¶ 21 The trial court noted that, although defendant had two prior non-violent felonies, this was

“the first one even remotely capable of being considered as a crime of violence.” The court noted,

however, that the facts of the current case did “not suggest a crime of violence.” The court then

stated, “The presence and ever-present nature, according to the Defendant’s own words, of the

body armor would suggest a strong probability or propensity for—for violence.” The court then

indicated that it gave “some weight” to evidence of “the other shooting,” but “not nearly as much

as the rest of the information” the court had recited. The court, balancing “all of those things

together,” ultimately sentenced defendant to 14 years in prison to “be served with the eligibility

for day-for-day good time credit.”

¶ 22 On April 9, 2024, defendant filed a motion to reconsider his sentence, which the trial court

denied. Defendant filed a timely appeal.

¶ 23 II. ANALYSIS

¶ 24 On appeal, defendant argues that (1) subsection (e) of section 24-1.1 of the Code, which

makes the simultaneous possession of a firearm or firearm ammunition and body armor by a felon

a Class X felony with an enhanced sentencing range of 10 to 40 years in prison, violates the due

8 process clauses of the United States Constitution and the Illinois Constitution; (2) subsection (e)

of section 24-1.1 of the Code violates the proportionate penalties clause of the Illinois Constitution

and the eighth amendment of the United States Constitution; (3) his 14-year sentence was

excessive; and (4) subsections (a) and (e) of section 24-1.1 of the Code violate his individual right

to bear arms under the United States Constitution and the Illinois Constitution. We first address

defendant’s constitutional claims.

¶ 25 A. Constitutional Claims

¶ 26 We initially note that “statutes are presumed constitutional, and we have the duty to

construe statutes so as to uphold their constitutionality if there is any reasonable way to do so.”

People v. Johnson, 2015 IL App (1st) 133663, ¶ 25 (citing People v. Inghram, 118 Ill. 2d 140, 146

(1987)). “The party challenging the validity of a statute has the burden of clearly establishing a

constitutional violation.” Id. (citing In re R.C., 195 Ill. 2d 291, 296 (2001)). “Whether a statute is

unconstitutional is a question of law, which is reviewed de novo.” People v. Davis, 2014 IL

115595, ¶ 26.

¶ 27 “A constitutional challenge to a statute may be either facial or as applied.” People v. Burns,

2024 IL App (4th) 230428, ¶ 11, pet. for leave to appeal pending, No. 130804 (filed May 20, 2024)

(citing People v. Rizzo, 2016 IL 118599, ¶ 24). “A facial challenge requires the challenging party

to show that the statute is unconstitutional under any set of facts, while an as-applied challenge

depends on the particular facts and circumstances of the party.” Id. (citing Rizzo, 2016 IL 118599,

¶ 24). “Successfully making a facial challenge to a statute’s constitutionality is extremely difficult,

requiring a showing that the statute would be invalid under any imaginable set of circumstances.

The invalidity of the statute in one particular set of circumstances is insufficient to prove its facial

invalidity.” (Emphasis in original.) In re M.T., 221 Ill. 2d 517, 536-37 (2006) (citing In re

9 Parentage of John M., 212 Ill. 2d 253, 269 (2004)). “ ‘[S]o long as there exists a situation in which

a statute could be validly applied, a facial challenge must fail.’ ” People v. Huddleston, 212 Ill. 2d

107, 145 (2004) (quoting Hill v. Cowan, 202 Ill. 2d 151, 157 (2002)).

¶ 28 Defendant, here, challenges the constitutionality of section 24-1.1, which provides, in

pertinent part, as follows:

“(a) It is unlawful for a person to knowingly possess on or about his person or on his

land or in his own abode or fixed place of business any *** firearm or any firearm

ammunition if the person has been convicted of a felony under the laws of this State or any

other jurisdiction. ***

***

(e) Sentence. *** A violation of this Section while wearing or in possession of body

armor as defined in Section 33F-1 is a Class X felony punishable by a term of imprisonment

of not less than 10 years and not more than 40 years.” 720 ILCS 5/24-1.1(a), (e) (West

2022).

With this in mind, we consider defendant’s specific constitutional arguments.

¶ 29 1. Due Process Claim

¶ 30 Defendant argues that subsection (e) of section 24-1.1 of the Code facially violates the due

process clauses of the United States Constitution and the Illinois Constitution. We disagree.

¶ 31 Both the fourteenth amendment to the United States Constitution (U.S. Const., amend.

XIV) and article I, section 2, of the Illinois Constitution (Ill. Const. 1970, art. I, § 2) provide that

no person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law. “There are two

aspects to the guarantee of due process, procedural and substantive.” People v. Villareal, 2023 IL

127318, ¶ 20 (citing People v. Pepitone, 2018 IL 122034, ¶ 13).

10 “[A] procedural due process claim asserts that the deprivation at issue is constitutionally

invalid because the process leading up to it was deficient, whereas a substantive due

process claim asserts that the deprivation at issue is constitutionality invalid in and of itself,

irrespective of the process leading up to it.” People v. Cardona, 2013 IL 114076, ¶ 17.

“A statute violates the constitutional guarantee of due process if it does not bear a rational

relationship to a legitimate legislative purpose.” Villareal, 2023 IL 127318, ¶ 20 (citing People v.

Boeckmann, 238 Ill. 2d 1, 7 (2010)). “A statute can also violate due process if it is

unconstitutionally vague.” Id. (citing People v. Plank, 2018 IL 122202, ¶ 12).

¶ 32 The parties, here, appear to agree that section 24-1.1(e) does not affect a fundamental

constitutional right. “When a statute does not impact a fundamental constitutional right, the

applicable standard for reviewing whether the statute conforms with substantive due process is the

rational basis test.” Id. ¶ 22 (citing Boeckmann, 238 Ill. 2d at 7). “Applying the rational basis test,

we must determine (1) whether there is a legitimate state interest behind the statute and, if so,

(2) whether there is a reasonable relationship between the interest and the means the legislature

has chosen to pursue it.” Id. (citing Pepitone, 2018 IL 122034, ¶ 14). “If a statute is reasonably

related to a legitimate state interest, the means or method the legislature has chosen to serve the

state interest will also be reasonable.” Id. (citing Pepitone, 2018 IL 122034, ¶ 16). “A challenged

statute must be upheld if there is a conceivable basis for finding it is rationally related to a

legitimate state interest.” Id. (citing Boeckmann, 238 Ill. 2d at 7). “Although it is not toothless, the

rational basis test is highly deferential to the findings of the legislature.” Id. (citing Pepitone, 2018

IL 122034, ¶ 17; People v. Jones, 223 Ill. 2d 569, 596 (2006)). “The legislature’s judgments in

drafting a statute are not subject to judicial fact finding and ‘may be based on rational speculation

11 unsupported by evidence or empirical data.’ ” Boeckmann, 238 Ill. 2d at 7 (quoting Arangold Corp.

v. Zehnder, 204 Ill. 2d 142, 147 (2003)).

¶ 33 As noted, the UPWF statute provides, in relevant part, as follows:

“It is unlawful for a person to knowingly possess on or about his person or on his land or

in his own abode or fixed place of business any *** firearm or any firearm ammunition if

the person has been convicted of a felony under the laws of this State or any other

jurisdiction.” 720 ILCS 5/24-1.1(a) (West 2022).

Also, relevant here, the UPWF statute provides that “[a] violation of this Section while wearing or

in possession of body armor as defined in Section 33F-1 is a Class X felony punishable by a term

of imprisonment of not less than 10 years and not more than 40 years.” Id. § 24-1.1(e).

¶ 34 Based on our review of section 24-1.1(a), we find the plain language indicates that the

legislative purpose of the statute is to deter felons from possessing firearms and firearm

ammunition. See People v. Kelly, 347 Ill. App. 3d 163, 167 (2004) (“The plain language of section

24-1.1 reveals that the legislature’s intent was to keep dangerous weapons, including but not

limited to firearms, out of the hands of convicted felons in any situation whether it be in the privacy

of their own home or in a public place.” (Emphasis omitted.)). As our colleagues in the First

District noted, “[t]he purpose of the U[P]WF statute ‘is to protect the health and safety of the public

by deterring possession of weapons by convicted felons, a class of persons that the legislature has

determined presents a higher risk of danger to the public when in possession of a weapon.’ ” People

v. Garvin, 2013 IL App (1st) 113095, ¶ 14 (quoting People v. Crawford, 145 Ill. App. 3d 318, 321

(1986) (citing Rawlings v. Department of Law Enforcement, 73 Ill. App. 3d 267 (1979))). The

plain language of subsection (e) of section 24-1.1 further indicates that the legislature sought to

punish more harshly felons who possess firearms or firearm ammunition while also wearing or

12 possessing body armor. In our view, the legislature has a legitimate interest in protecting the public

and law enforcement by deterring convicted felons from possessing firearms or firearm

ammunition while also wearing or possessing body armor. We also conclude that the legislature’s

decision to increase the penalty for felons possessing firearms or firearm ammunition while also

wearing or possessing body armor was reasonable and rationally related to the purpose of

protecting the health and safety of the public and law enforcement. Accordingly, we conclude that

section 24-1.1 does not violate due process.

¶ 35 We acknowledge defendant’s argument that the legislature intended for subsection (e) of

section 24-1.1 to apply only to “violent offenders committing violent crimes.” In support,

defendant points to the legislative history of section 24-1.1(e). We agree with the State, however,

that defendant’s reliance on the legislative history is improper where the language of the statute is

plain and unambiguous. See Home Star Bank & Financial Services v. Emergency Care & Health

Organization, Ltd., 2014 IL 115526, ¶ 24 (“Where statutory language is clear and unambiguous,

it will be given effect without resort to other aids of construction.”). The legislature could have

easily included a provision limiting the applicability of subsection (e) of section 24-1.1 to violent

felony offenders; however, the legislature chose not to do so. Thus, we agree with the State that

defendant’s argument is unpersuasive and contrary to the unambiguous language of the statute.

¶ 36 Defendant turns his argument to overbreadth, asserting that section 24-1.1(e) lacks a

culpable mental state and, thus, punishes innocent conduct unrelated to the purpose of the statute.

Defendant claims there are a myriad of situations in which a person could possess body armor and

a firearm or firearm ammunition for innocent reasons. Specifically, defendant notes that the statute

would prohibit the following “innocent” conduct: a security guard wearing a bulletproof vest for

his job who disarms a suspect; a park ranger in forestry wearing a bulletproof vest for his job who

13 temporarily takes possession of a discarded firearm or firearm ammunition; a former member of

the military who patriotically displays his old bulletproof vest and ammunition in his home; a

person who constructively possesses his roommate’s body armor while simultaneously possessing

a firearm or single bullet; a person who dresses up as a police officer in a play and wears body

armor as part of his or her costume while also possessing a firearm or bullet; a civil war reenactor;

a person who wears a vest for his or her own protection after being threatened; and a person, similar

to defendant, who possesses a family member’s military vest and box of ammunition in his or her

home. In support of his argument, defendant cites People v. Madrigal, 241 Ill. 2d 463, 468, 473

(2011) (invalidating an identity theft statute where punishing a significant amount of “wholly

innocent conduct not related to the statute’s purpose” was not “a rational way of addressing” a

problem identified by the legislature (internal quotation marks omitted)), People v. Zaremba, 158

Ill. 2d 36, 42 (1994) (invalidating a statute that “potentially subjects wholly innocent conduct to

punishment”), and People v. Wick, 107 Ill. 2d 62, 66 (1985) (invalidating a statute that “does not

require an unlawful purpose”).

¶ 37 As an initial matter, we agree with the State that just as an individual must knowingly

possess the firearm or firearm ammunition, an individual must knowingly possess body armor in

order to be found in violation of subsection (e) of section 24-1.1. See 720 ILCS 5/24-1.1(a) (West

2022) (“It is unlawful for a person to knowingly possess *** any *** firearm or any firearm

ammunition if the person has been convicted of a felony ***.”); see also People v. Ramirez, 2023

IL 128123, ¶ 22 (where an offense is possessory in nature and the statute does not include a specific

mental state, “knowledge is the appropriate mental state”). Accordingly, we reject defendant’s

argument that subsection (e) of section 24-1.1 lacks a culpable mental state.

14 ¶ 38 Moreover, defendant misapprehends the statute. Section 24-1.1(e) does not criminalize

innocent conduct. The statute punishes conduct by felons—persons who have shown a willingness

to violate the law and pose a heightened danger to public safety. See Pepitone, 2018 IL 122034,

¶ 26 (“Like the statute outlawing possession of any firearm or any firearm ammunition by a

convicted felon (720 ILCS 5/24-1.1(a) (West 2016)), the statute [prohibiting a sexual predator or

child sex offender from knowingly being present in any public park] makes the status of the

defendant an element of the offense.”); see also Villareal, 2023 IL 127318, ¶ 24 (statute increasing

the penalty for the unlawful possession of a firearm or firearm ammunition in public without a

FOID card when the person is a street gang member did not violate substantive due process where

the statute was reasonable and rationally related to the purpose of curbing gang violence). Thus,

“conduct that is innocent for most people is not innocent for those who have been convicted of

certain offenses.” Pepitone, 2018 IL 122034, ¶ 26. We note that a defendant must be a convicted

felon and also be in possession of a firearm or firearm ammunition in order to fall under subsection

(e). As noted above, the legislature did not specify that a defendant must be convicted of a violent

felony to fall under the prohibition set forth in section 24-1.1(e). Accordingly, “Madrigal and its

‘innocent conduct’ predecessors are inapposite.” Id. Thus, we reject defendant’s argument that

subsection (e) of section 24-1.1 is overbroad and in violation of due process. See id. ¶ 30 (“More

fundamentally, the rational basis test does not require narrow tailoring; it only requires rationality.

That is, the means chosen by the legislature need not be the best; they need only to be reasonable.”).

¶ 39 Defendant next argues that section 24-1.1(e) is unconstitutionally vague because it does

not provide ordinary persons with notice as to prohibited conduct and lacks explicit standards for

law enforcement to apply the law, potentially leading to arbitrary and discriminatory enforcement.

“Due process of law requires that the proscriptions of a criminal statute be clearly defined.” People

15 v. Maness, 191 Ill. 2d 478, 483 (2000) (citing City of Chicago v. Morales, 177 Ill. 2d 440, 448

(1997)). To satisfy the vagueness doctrine, a criminal statute must meet two requirements—(1)

“the statute must provide a person of ordinary intelligence a reasonable opportunity to distinguish

between lawful and unlawful conduct so that he or she may act accordingly” and (2) “the statute

must adequately define the offense in order to prevent arbitrary and discriminatory enforcement.”

Id. at 483-84.

¶ 40 Regarding the first requirement, we conclude that the statute at issue in the present case

provides a person of ordinary intelligence a reasonable opportunity to distinguish between lawful

and unlawful conduct. “[A] statute is unconstitutionally vague ‘if its terms are so indefinite that

“persons of common intelligence must necessarily guess at its meaning and differ as to its

application.” ’ ” Manness, 191 Ill. 2d at 484 (quoting Fagiano v. Police Board, 98 Ill. 2d 277, 282

(1983), quoting Polyvend, Inc. v. Puckorius, 77 Ill. 2d 287, 299-300 (1979)). As stated supra,

subsection (e) is not vague for lacking a requisite mental state because the mental state of

knowledge applies to the entire UPWF statute. In addition, the statute clearly applies to both

violent and nonviolent felony offenders. Furthermore, contrary to defendant’s argument, the terms

“wearing” and “possession” have well-established, common meanings that are readily discernible

to persons of ordinary intelligence. In our view, a person of ordinary intelligence could read the

statute and discern that it applies to any felon who knowingly possesses a firearm or firearm

ammunition, while also wearing or possessing body armor. Accordingly, the statute meets the first

requirement.

¶ 41 We also conclude that the statute meets the second requirement that it adequately defines

the offense in order to prevent arbitrary and discriminatory enforcement. “To avoid being struck

down as vague, a statute must provide explicit standards to regulate the discretion of governmental

16 authorities who apply the law.” Villareal, 2023 IL 127318, ¶ 40 (citing Maness, 191 Ill. 2d at 484).

In our view, the statute provides sufficiently clear guidelines for law enforcement to apply the law

consistently. As stated supra, the elements of the offense—a felon knowingly possessing firearms

or firearm ammunition while also wearing or possessing body armor—are clearly defined and do

not allow for arbitrary or discriminatory enforcement.

¶ 42 Accordingly, we conclude that the statute provides adequate notice to ordinary citizens

regarding the prohibited conduct, and it includes sufficient guidelines to regulate the discretion of

law enforcement. Thus, we reject defendant’s argument that section 24-1.1(e) is unconstitutionally

vague.

¶ 43 Defendant next contends that section 24-1.1(e) is unconstitutional “because it punishes

more culpable conduct less severely than the conduct at issue here.” “It is the general rule that the

legislature, under the State’s police power, has wide discretion to prescribe penalties for defined

offenses.” People v. Bradley, 79 Ill. 2d 410, 417 (1980). “The legislature’s power to fix penalties

is, however, subject to the constitutional proscription which prohibits the deprivation of liberty

without due process of law.” Id. Our supreme court has “ ‘stated that the standard of a proper

exercise of the police power is whether the statute is reasonably designed to remedy the evils which

the legislature has determined to be a threat to the public health, safety and general welfare.’ ” Id.

(quoting Heimgaertner v. Benjamin Electric Manufacturing Co., 6 Ill. 2d 152, 159 (1955)).

¶ 44 Defendant relies on Bradley in support of his assertion that section 24-1.1(e) violates due

process. In Bradley, our supreme court held that a violation of the due process clause occurred

when possession of a schedule IV controlled substance was punished as a Class 3 felony, which

subjected the offender to a prison term of 1 to 10 years, while delivery of the same schedule IV

controlled substance was punished as a Class 4 felony, which subjected the offender to a prison

17 term of 1 to 3 years. Id. at 418. In so holding, our supreme court noted that such an outcome was

contrary to the purpose of the Illinois Controlled Substances Act (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1977, ch. 561/2,

¶ 1402) , in which our legislature specifically included a codified statement of legislative intent

that it intended to punish persons who traffic controlled substances more harshly than unlawful

users of such substances. Bradley, 79 Ill. 2d at 418.

¶ 45 We find Bradley distinguishable from the present case. Here, unlike Bradley, our

legislature did not include a codified statement of intent to punish more harshly individuals who

wear or possess body armor while also possessing a firearm or firearm ammunition. However, it

is clear the legislature found that felons who possess a firearm or firearm ammunition while

wearing or possessing body armor present a greater threat to the safety of the public and law

enforcement. Accordingly, the legislature’s decision to punish more harshly felons who

simultaneously possess firearms or firearm ammunition and body armor was reasonably designed

to protect the public and law enforcement.

¶ 46 Defendant invites this court to conduct a cross-comparison analysis of section 24-1.1(e)

with an additional offense set forth in the same statutory section, as well as several other offenses

set forth in different statutes. Defendant maintains that section 24-1.1(e) imposes a harsher penalty

for less egregious conduct than these other “more culpable” offenses. However, our supreme court

has abandoned the cross-comparison analysis in proportionate penalties claims, finding such

analysis unworkable. People v. Sharpe, 216 Ill. 2d 481, 521 (2005). In doing so, our supreme court

noted that the cross-comparison analysis in proportionate penalties claims began with a citation to

Bradley, a due process case. Id. at 493-94. Despite invalidating the cross-comparison analysis, our

supreme court did not prevent defendants from raising challenges to penalties under the due

process clause on the basis that the penalty was not reasonably designed to remedy the particular

18 evil targeted by the legislature. Id. at 522. However, our supreme court cautioned “that the cross-

comparison challenge [would] not simply resurface as a due process challenge ***.” Id.

Accordingly, we decline defendant’s invitation to conduct a cross-comparison analysis in this case.

Because the penalty in this case was reasonably designed to remedy the evil targeted by the

legislature—to deter felons from possessing firearms, firearm ammunition, and body armor—we

reject defendant’s argument that section 24-1.1(e) is unconstitutional “because it punishes more

culpable conduct less severely than the conduct at issue here.”

¶ 47 In sum, we conclude that subsection (e) of section 24-1.1 is neither overbroad nor vague.

We also conclude that the penalty was reasonably designed to remedy the evil targeted by the

legislature. Thus, we hold that subsection (e) of section 24-1.1 is not facially violative of due

process.

¶ 48 2. Illinois Proportionate Penalties and Eighth Amendment Claims

¶ 49 Defendant next argues that the body armor enhancement included in the UPWF statute is

unconstitutional as applied to him under both the proportionate penalties clause of the Illinois

Constitution and the eighth amendment of the United States Constitution. We disagree.

¶ 50 The Illinois Constitution provides that “[a]ll penalties shall be determined both according

to the seriousness of the offense and with the objective of restoring the offender to useful

citizenship.” Ill. Const. 1970, art. I, § 11. To establish a claim under the proportionate penalties

clause, “a defendant must show either that the penalty imposed is cruel, degrading, or so wholly

disproportionate to the offense that it shocks the moral sense of the community; or that it differs

from the penalty imposed for an offense containing the same elements.” People v. Klepper, 234

Ill. 2d 337, 348 (2009).

19 ¶ 51 The eighth amendment prohibits “cruel and unusual punishments.” U.S. Const., amend.

VIII. The concept of proportionality is inherent in the prohibition of cruel and unusual punishment.

Graham v. Florida, 560 U.S. 48, 59 (2010). A sentence must be “graduated and proportioned to

both the offender and the offense.” Davis, 2014 IL 115595, ¶ 18.

¶ 52 We reiterate that “[a]ll statutes carry a strong presumption of constitutionality.” Sharpe,

216 Ill. 2d at 487. “[T]he party challenging the statute must clearly establish that it violates the

constitution.” Id. (citing People v. Malchow, 193 Ill. 2d 413, 418 (2000)). Whether a sentence

violates the proportionate penalties clause is reviewed de novo. People v. Cavazos, 2023 IL App

(2d) 220066, ¶ 63.

¶ 53 Here, defendant asserts that, applied to him, the enhancement set forth in subsection (e) of

section 24-1.1, setting the sentencing range at 10 to 40 years in prison, is so grossly

disproportionate to the offense that it shocks the moral conscience and constitutes cruel and

unusual punishment. As noted, where, as here, a defendant makes an as-applied claim, the

defendant must establish that the statute is unconstitutional as applied to his specific facts or

circumstances. People v. House, 2021 IL 125124, ¶ 27. Defendant maintains that the sentencing

enhancement for body armor violates the proportionate penalties clause in this case because (1) he

was not committing or attempting to commit a violent crime when he simultaneously possessed

the ammunition and bulletproof vest; (2) he did not possess the ammunition and bulletproof vest

with the intent to commit a violent crime; (3) he did not have a firearm and had no means of firing

the ammunition; and (4) he is a nonviolent offender with a nonviolent background.

¶ 54 However, we note that defendant, who was a convicted felon prohibited from possessing

firearm ammunition, admitted that the firearm ammunition and body armor were his property when

interviewed during the search. As defendant acknowledges, he had two prior felony theft

20 convictions. The evidence presented at defendant’s sentencing hearing indicated that law

enforcement also discovered stolen motorcycle parts during the search. The evidence further

demonstrated that defendant was a suspect in several attempted car break-ins and a shooting

incident, which led to the execution of the search warrant that led to the discovery of the firearm

ammunition and bulletproof vest. The PSI indicated that defendant had been charged with

“Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm (Class 1 Felony)” and “Unlawful Possession of Weapons by

Felons (Class 3 Felony)” in Champaign County case No. 24-CF-184, which remained pending at

the time the PSI was prepared. Defendant admitted to wearing the bulletproof vest occasionally,

claiming he had been shot at in the past. The evidence further demonstrated that defendant had

been photographed wearing the bulletproof vest while holding what appeared to be a gun, which

defendant claimed to be a BB gun. Although no gun was recovered during the search, defendant

claimed that he had recently disposed of the BB gun. In addition, defendant’s cellmate, Hensley,

advised law enforcement that defendant admitted he was involved in the shooting incident and that

defendant disposed of the gun after the incident.

¶ 55 The legislature sought to impose a harsher punishment for felons who simultaneously

possess a firearm or firearm ammunition and body armor. In our view, the facts of this case

demonstrate why the legislature sought to do so. Defendant, who was previously twice convicted

of felony theft, was found in possession of firearm ammunition, body armor, and stolen motorcycle

parts. The evidence presented at sentencing also indicated that defendant was a suspect in several

attempted car break-ins that led to shots being fired. Defendant’s possession of firearm

ammunition and body armor under the facts of this case demonstrates the seriousness of the

offense. Thus, we conclude that the 14-year sentence, imposed pursuant to the enhancement in

21 subsection (e) of section 24-1.1, is not cruel, degrading, or so wholly disproportionate to the

offense that it shocks the moral sense of the community.

¶ 56 We briefly note that defendant again requests that this court conduct a cross-comparison

analysis, arguing that his conduct “contrasts with more culpable and dangerous conduct” punished

less harshly. As stated supra, our supreme court has abandoned the cross-comparison analysis in

proportionate penalties claims. Sharpe, 216 Ill. 2d at 521. Consequently, we decline defendant’s

invitation to conduct a cross-comparison analysis in the instant case.

¶ 57 Accordingly, defendant’s as-applied proportionate penalties argument fails. Likewise,

because defendant failed to show that subsection (e) of section 24-1.1 violated the proportionate

penalties clause as applied to him, his eighth amendment claim also fails. See People v. Smallwood,

2024 IL App (5th) 210407, ¶ 44 (because the defendant “failed to show his sentence violated the

proportionate penalties clause, his eighth amendment claim also fail[ed]”).

¶ 58 3. Second Amendment Claim

¶ 59 Defendant argues that the UPWF statute, as well as the body armor enhancement, violate

his individual right to bear arms under the United States Constitution and the Illinois Constitution,

both facially and as applied to him. 3 We disagree.

¶ 60 “A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the

people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.” U.S. Const., amend. II. “The United States

Supreme Court has ‘recognized that the Second and Fourteenth Amendments [(U.S. Const.,

amends. II, XIV)] protect the right of an ordinary, law-abiding citizen to possess a handgun’ inside

and outside the home ‘for self-defense.’ ” Burns, 2024 IL App (4th) 230428, ¶ 14 (quoting New

3 Although defendant generally references the Illinois Constitution, he makes no specific argument in his brief that the UPWF statute violates the Illinois Constitution. Accordingly, we find any argument in this regard forfeited. 22 York State Rifle & Pistol Ass’n v. Bruen, 597 U.S. 1, 8-9 (2022), and citing District of Columbia

v. Heller, 554 U.S. 570, 595 (2008), and McDonald v. City of Chicago, 561 U.S. 742, 791 (2010)).

¶ 61 In Bruen, the United States Supreme Court set out the following two-part test for

determining whether laws regulating conduct protected by the second amendment were valid under

the constitution:

“When the Second Amendment’s plain text covers an individual’s conduct, the

Constitution presumptively protects that conduct. The government must then justify its

regulation by demonstrating that it is consistent with the Nation’s historical tradition of

firearm regulation. Only then may a court conclude that the individual’s conduct falls

outside the Second Amendment’s ‘unqualified command.’ ” Bruen, 597 U.S. at 15 (quoting

Konigsberg v. State Bar, 366 U.S. 36, 50 n.10 (1961)).

Illinois courts have concluded that “the two-part process requires us to determine (1) whether

defendant’s conduct falls within the plain text of the second amendment and, if so, (2) whether

there is a justification for the regulation rooted in history and tradition.” People v. Travis, 2024 IL

App (3d) 230113, ¶ 24.

¶ 62 Defendant, here, was charged with UPWF, based on his simultaneous possession of firearm

ammunition and body armor. The UPWF statute provides as follows:

“It is unlawful for a person to knowingly possess on or about his person or on his land or

in his own abode or fixed place of business any weapon prohibited under Section 24-1 of

this Act or any firearm or any firearm ammunition if the person has been convicted of a

felony under the laws of this State or any other jurisdiction.” 720 ILCS 5/24-1.1(a) (West

23 The body armor enhancement provides as follows: “A violation of this Section while wearing or

in possession of body armor as defined in Section 33F-1 is a Class X felony punishable by a term

of imprisonment of not less than 10 years and not more than 40 years.” Id. § 24-1.1(e). With this

in mind, we consider defendant’s argument that the UPWF statute violates the second amendment

both facially and as applied to him.

¶ 63 We initially note that many Illinois Appellate Courts, including this court, have rejected

facial constitutional challenges to statutes prohibiting felons from possessing firearms based on

the conclusion that felons are not protected under the second amendment. See People v. Smith,

2025 IL App (5th) 230656, ¶ 25 (holding that “a defendant who is in the process of committing a

felony while possessing an operational firearm does not fall into the category of ‘the people’

protected by the second amendment”); Burns, 2024 IL App (4th) 230428, ¶¶ 21-22 (rejecting the

defendant’s argument that the UPWF statute violates the second amendment on its face where

Bruen did not apply to the defendant who was a felon and, thus, not a law-abiding citizen); People

v. Welch, 2025 IL App (1st) 231116, ¶ 57 (“Because the second amendment only protects the rights

of law-abiding citizens to bear arms, the Bruen analytical framework does not apply to the [offense

of] UPWF.”); People v. Cadengo, 2025 IL App (4th) 240568, ¶ 72 (“Because of defendant’s felony

conviction, she is not a ‘law-abiding citizen,’ so the second amendment’s guarantees do not apply

to her.”); People v. Boyce, 2023 IL App (4th) 221113-U, ¶ 16 (upholding the UPWF statute and

concluding that Bruen “does not apply to felons”).

¶ 64 Following this line of cases, we conclude that defendant, here, does not fall into the

category of “the people” protected by the second amendment. It is undisputed that at the time

defendant possessed the firearm ammunition and body armor, he was a convicted felon and, thus,

was not a law-abiding citizen. Moreover, it is our view that the constitutional “right of the people

24 to keep and bear Arms” does not extend to body armor. In light of our conclusion that defendant

was not a law-abiding citizen protected under the second amendment and that his conduct did not

fall under the purview of the second amendment, we need not address the second step of the

analysis in Bruen, which considers whether the regulation is consistent with this nation’s historical

tradition of firearm regulation. Thus, we reject defendant’s argument that the UPWF statute and

body armor enhancement violate the second amendment on its face.

¶ 65 We next turn to defendant’s as-applied constitutional challenge to the UPWF statute.

Defendant claims that he is a non-violent felon with a criminal history related only to theft.

Defendant maintains that “[n]othing in the historical analogues pertaining to dangerousness

justifies imposing on [him] a lifetime ban from possessing a firearm after serving his prior

sentences for non-violent offenses.” As noted, “an as-applied challenge depends on the particular

facts and circumstances of the party.” Burns, 2024 IL App (4th) 230428, ¶ 11 (citing Rizzo, 2016

IL 118599, ¶ 24).

¶ 66 Defendant’s as-applied challenge fails for reasons similar to his facial challenge. That is,

Bruen only applies to law-abiding citizens. See People v. Baker, 2023 IL App (1st) 220328, ¶ 37

(“The Bruen Court could not have been more clear that its newly announced test applied only to

laws that attempted to regulate the gun possession of ‘law-abiding citizens,’ and not felons like

defendant.”); Welch, 2025 IL App (1st) 231116, ¶ 60 (rejecting the defendant’s as-applied

challenge on the basis that “Bruen does not apply to felons”); People v. Lopez, 2025 IL App (1st)

232120, ¶ 26 (rejecting a challenge that sought to create a distinction between “violent” felons and

“nonviolent” felons for purposes of Bruen and the second amendment). Because defendant is not

a law-abiding citizen based on his prior felony theft offenses, it does not matter that his prior

25 offenses were “non-violent.” Accordingly, we hold that the UPWF statute is constitutional as

applied to him.

¶ 67 B. Excessive Sentence Claim

¶ 68 Defendant additionally argues that his 14-year prison sentence was excessive in light of the

nature of the offense, his rehabilitative potential, and the trial court’s reliance on an improper factor

in aggravation. We disagree.

¶ 69 “It is well settled that a trial judge’s sentencing decisions are entitled to great deference

and will not be altered on appeal absent an abuse of discretion.” People v. Jackson, 375 Ill. App.

3d 796, 800 (2007). A trial judge abuses its discretion when the sentence is arbitrary, fanciful,

unreasonable, or where no reasonable person would take the view adopted by the court. People v.

Hall, 195 Ill. 2d 1, 20 (2000). A reviewing court defers to the trial judge’s sentencing decisions

because the trial judge “is in the best position to ‘analyze the acts constituting the crime and a

defendant’s credibility, demeanor, general moral character, mentality, social environments, habits,

age, and potential for rehabilitation.’ ” People v. Tijerina, 381 Ill. App. 3d 1024, 1039 (2008)

(quoting People v. Ramos, 353 Ill. App. 3d 133, 137 (2004)). This court may not overturn a

sentence merely because we might have weighed the pertinent factors differently. People v.

McGowan, 2013 IL App (2d) 111083, ¶ 10.

¶ 70 Illinois courts have consistently recognized that sentences within the prescribed statutory

range are presumed proper. People v. Boclair, 225 Ill. App. 3d 331, 335 (1992). When a sentence

falls within the statutory range, the sentence will not be deemed excessive or an abuse of discretion

unless the sentence greatly varies from the spirit and purpose of the law or is manifestly

disproportionate to the nature of the offense. People v. Weiser, 2013 IL App (5th) 120055, ¶ 33.

Put another way, an abuse of discretion may be found, even if the sentence is within the statutory

26 range, if it is contrary to the purpose and spirit of the law. Id. The spirit and purpose of the law are

promoted when the sentence gives sufficient consideration to both the seriousness of the offense

and the defendant’s rehabilitative potential. Boclair, 225 Ill. App. 3d at 335.

¶ 71 We presume the sentencing court considered all relevant mitigating factors, absent some

contrary evidence. People v. Etherton, 2017 IL App (5th) 140427, ¶ 29. Thus, it is the defendant’s

burden to affirmatively establish that the sentence was based on improper considerations, and we

will not reverse a sentence imposed by a trial court unless it is clearly evident the sentence was

improper. Id.

¶ 72 Here, the trial court sentenced defendant to 14 years—a sentence only four years above the

mandatory minimum sentence. Accordingly, we presume the court’s sentence was proper, and we

will not find the sentence excessive or an abuse of discretion unless the sentence greatly varies

from the spirit and purpose of the law or is manifestly disproportionate to the nature of the offense.

Weiser, 2013 IL App (5th) 120055, ¶ 33.

¶ 73 The record in this case reflects that the trial court considered the PSI, the evidence

presented at the sentencing hearing, defendant’s statement in allocution, and the arguments of the

parties. The record further reveals that the court carefully balanced the relevant statutory factors

in aggravation and mitigation. In aggravation, the court found the evidence of defendant’s potential

involvement in the shooting incident to be relevant and reliable for sentencing purposes, while

acknowledging that such evidence was insufficient to prove defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable

doubt. The court accorded only “some weight” to this evidence, indicating that it placed greater

weight on other evidence. The court considered defendant’s criminal history, which included six

traffic offenses, four misdemeanors, and two felony theft convictions. The court noted that

defendant committed the current offense while he was on probation for felony theft. The court

27 found defendant’s mental health and substance abuse issues were a “double-edged sword,” noting

that such evidence could provide a basis for leniency or could demonstrate that defendant would

continue to engage in criminal behavior. The court specifically noted that defendant had failed to

take advantage of opportunities to address his substance abuse while on probation. The court also

noted that the need for deterrence was an aggravating factor.

¶ 74 In mitigation, the trial court noted that defendant had a difficult childhood and that he had

graduated high school, despite his difficult childhood. The court also noted that defendant

possessed an automotive mechanic certification and had aspirations to further his education. The

court noted that defendant lacked intent to cause or threaten serious harm by simply possessing

firearm ammunition and body armor. The court also considered defendant’s traumatic brain injury,

mental health issues, and substance abuse issues. The court later found there were “serious mental

health issues” that could be viewed as an intellectual disability, which was a factor in mitigation.

¶ 75 In our view, the factors considered by the trial court provided a sufficient basis for the 14-

year prison sentence, and the court’s sentence was on the lower end of the statutory range of 10 to

40 years. Thus, under the facts and circumstances of this case, we do not find that defendant’s

sentence was excessive or that the court abused its discretion in sentencing defendant.

¶ 76 Defendant, here, argues that his sentence was excessive because the offense was

nonviolent, he had no prior violent felony convictions, he had never been to prison, the offense

stemmed from drug addiction, he cooperated with law enforcement, he had attempted to obtain

employment, he possesses skills that make him employable, and he has strong family support. The

majority of defendant’s arguments essentially ask this court to reweigh the sentencing factors.

While a trial court’s sentencing discretion is “not unfettered” (People v. O’Neal, 125 Ill. 2d 291,

297 (1988)) and reviewing courts were not meant to be a “rubber stamp” for the sentencing

28 decisions of the trial court (People v. Woodson, 2024 IL App (1st) 221172, ¶ 89), it is well settled

that this court “must not substitute its judgment for that of the trial court merely because [we might]

have weighed” the pertinent sentencing factors differently. People v. Stacey, 193 Ill. 2d 203, 209

(2000). While we decline defendant’s invitation to reweigh the factors, we will address two of his

specific arguments.

¶ 77 First, we briefly address defendant’s argument that the trial court improperly considered

defendant’s previous diagnosis of oppositional defiant disorder and substance abuse as aggravating

factors. The court noted that defendant had been diagnosed with oppositional defiant disorder,

which was “suggestive of someone that’s not willing to follow instruction or—or obey authority.”

The court found defendant’s substance abuse and mental health issues “a double-edged sword”

because they could be viewed as a basis for sympathy but could also be viewed as something that

demonstrated defendant would continue to engage in criminal behavior. We find no error in the

court’s consideration of defendant’s mental health and substance abuse issues. See People v.

Thompson, 222 Ill. 2d 1, 42-43 (2006) (“This court has repeatedly held that evidence of a

defendant’s mental or psychological impairments may not be inherently mitigating, or may not be

mitigating enough to overcome the evidence in aggravation.”); see also People v. Madej, 177 Ill.

2d 116, 138 (1997) (“[A] history of substance abuse is a double-edged sword at the

aggravation/mitigation phase of the penalty hearing,” and the sentencer is not required to consider

drug abuse history as mitigating). We also note that the court later found there were “serious mental

health issues” that could be viewed as an intellectual disability, which was a factor in mitigation.

Thus, we reject defendant’s argument in this regard.

¶ 78 We also reject defendant’s argument that the trial court erred by considering a factor

inherent in the offense—specifically, his possession of the bulletproof vest. In support of this

29 argument, defendant relies on the following isolated comment made by the court: “The presence

and ever-present nature, according to the Defendant’s own words, of the body armor would suggest

a strong probability or propensity for—for violence.” After carefully reviewing the entirety of the

court’s comments at the sentencing hearing, we conclude the court was acknowledging defendant’s

assertion that he had worn the body armor because he had previously been shot at and was

concerned for his own safety. In our view, the court was merely observing that the possession of

body armor can be associated with violence in certain circumstances. We note that immediately

preceding the above-referenced statement, the court stated that the facts of defendant’s offense did

“not suggest a crime of violence.” The court also found the fact that defendant did not contemplate

that his conduct would cause or threaten serious harm to another was a mitigating factor. Under

these circumstances, we conclude that defendant has failed to affirmatively establish, as is his

burden, that the sentence was based on improper considerations. See Etherton, 2017 IL App (5th)

140427, ¶ 29 (we will not reverse a sentence imposed by a trial court unless it is clearly evident

the sentence was improper). This is especially true where the court sentenced defendant to 14

years—a sentence on the low end of the 10 to 40 sentencing range—and highlighted at sentencing

multiple aggravating factors, including defendant’s criminal history, the fact that defendant was

on probation when he committed the offense, deterrence, and defendant’s alleged involvement in

a shooting.

¶ 79 III. CONCLUSION

¶ 80 For the foregoing reasons, we affirm the judgment and sentence of the circuit court of

Champaign County.

¶ 81 Affirmed.

30 People v. Spears, 2026 IL App (5th) 240625

Decision Under Review: Appeal from the Circuit Court of Champaign County, No. 23- CF-1239; the Hon. Roger B. Webber, Judge, presiding.

Attorneys DePaul University Legal Clinic, of Chicago (Elizabeth A. Botti, for of counsel, and Courtney Hauck and Caitlin Hamilton, law Appellant: students), for appellant.

Attorneys Julia Rietz, State’s Attorney, of Urbana (Patrick Delfino, Patrick for D. Daly, and Hiram Fenjac, of State’s Attorneys Appellate Appellee: Prosecutor’s Office, of counsel), for the People.