The Illinois Appellate Court has ordered a remand in the case of The People of the State of Illinois v. Bradley A. Goodbred, No. 2-26-0019, due to the trial court's failure to properly inform the defendant about the necessary steps to appeal his conviction. This ruling affects individuals who enter negotiated guilty pleas and clarifies the requirements for appealing such decisions.

Bradley A. Goodbred was convicted of financial exploitation of an elderly person after entering a guilty plea in April 2025. Following his plea, the trial court sentenced him to six years in prison. However, Goodbred did not file a motion to withdraw his plea, which is typically required to appeal a negotiated guilty plea. He contended that the trial court did not adequately inform him of this requirement, leading to the current appeal.

The case began when Goodbred entered a negotiated guilty plea for a Class 1 felony, which carries a prison sentence of 4 to 15 years. The parties agreed that his sentence would not exceed 11 years. After sentencing, Goodbred filed a motion to reduce his sentence instead of a motion to withdraw his plea. The trial court denied this motion, prompting Goodbred to file a notice of appeal.

In its ruling, the court highlighted that the trial court's admonishment to Goodbred was insufficient. The judge had stated that if Goodbred wanted to challenge his plea, he had to file a motion to withdraw it within 30 days. However, the court's wording suggested that he could appeal without filing such a motion, which misled Goodbred regarding his rights. The court noted, "the admonition given here was more misleading than the admonition given to the defendant in People v. Pressey."

The court emphasized that under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 605(c), defendants must be clearly informed that they need to file a motion to withdraw their plea before they can appeal. The court ruled that the failure to provide proper admonishments justified remanding the case back to the trial court for further proceedings. The court stated, "dismissal is improper where the trial court failed to properly admonish the defendant under Rule 605(c)."

This ruling has significant implications for defendants in similar situations. It underscores the importance of proper legal advice during plea proceedings and clarifies that failure to provide accurate information can lead to appeals being remanded for further action. The court's decision ensures that defendants are aware of their rights and the necessary steps they must take to challenge their convictions.

Moving forward, this ruling may influence how trial courts deliver admonishments in future cases involving negotiated guilty pleas. It sets a precedent that emphasizes the necessity for clear communication regarding the rights of defendants, particularly in relation to their ability to appeal. The ruling also serves as a reminder for legal counsel to ensure that their clients understand the implications of their pleas and the procedures necessary for any potential appeals.

As for what’s next, the case will return to the circuit court of Kendall County for further proceedings. Goodbred will have the opportunity to file a motion to withdraw his plea, and if he does, his counsel will be required to certify compliance with Rule 604(d). This certification will ensure that any contentions of error related to the plea and sentencing are adequately presented.