The People of the State of Illinois v. Dana L. Lewis

Waukegan, Illinois aggravated domestic batter criminal defense lawyers represented the Defendant.

Defendant was indicted on one count of aggravated domestic battery (720 ILCS 5/12-3.3(a) (West 2018)), two counts of aggravated battery (id. § 12-3.05(f)(1)), and two counts of domestic battery (enhanced) (id. § 3-3.2(a)(1), (2), arising from the May 2020 stabbing of Deja Bradford, a family or household member of defendant. Defense counsel filed a motion for a fitness evaluation, alleging that he had been unable to communicate effectively with defendant regarding the case and that defendant was unable to assist in her own defense at trial. The trial court found a bona fide doubt as to defendant's fitness to stand trial and ordered a fitness evaluation pursuant to section 104-13 of the Code (725 ILCS 5/104-13 (West 2018)). Dr. Janelle Shinhoster, a licensed clinical psychologist, conducted the evaluation and determined that defendant was unfit to stand trial. However, she concluded that it was likely that defendant's fitness could be restored within one year if defendant received consistent psychotropic medication and education on the legal system. The trial court found that defendant was not fit to enter a plea or stand trial and placed her in the custody of the Department for the provision of appropriate treatment.

The judgment of the circuit court of Lake County was vacated and remanded with instructions.