The Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals has overturned a lower court’s decision to dismiss Whitcliffe McLeod’s post-conviction petition. The appellate court found that the trial court abused its discretion by summarily dismissing the petition, which alleged ineffective assistance of counsel. The case is now being sent back to the lower…
-
-
Custodia Bank’s Fight for a Fed Account: A Clash Over Discretion and Access
The Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals has weighed in on a significant legal battle between Custodia Bank, Inc., a Wyoming-based bank focused on digital assets, and the Federal Reserve System. The court’s decision, handed down on October 31, 2025, centers on whether the Federal Reserve Banks have the discretion to…
-
Wrongful Death Lawsuit Dismissed: Appeals Court Upholds Summary Judgments in Dram Shop Cases
A fatal car accident has led to a legal battle, and the Georgia Court of Appeals has sided with two establishments that served alcohol to the driver involved. The court affirmed the lower court’s decision to grant summary judgment in favor of Fish Tale Restaurants, LLC, and RJM Trading, Inc.,…
-
Healthcare Fraud Sentence Upheld: Court Says Judge Acted Within Discretion
The Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld the 39-month prison sentence of Tania Cesar for her role in a healthcare fraud scheme. Cesar argued that her sentence was too harsh, claiming the district court improperly prioritized the need for deterrence over mitigating factors in her case. However, the appeals…
-
Navy Sailor’s Conviction Partially Overturned Due to Missing Video Evidence
A military court has partially overturned the conviction of Riley S. Coleman, a U.S. Navy Operations Specialist, citing the improper use of substitute testimony in place of crucial missing video evidence. The court found that the military judge abused her discretion in allowing the testimony of a strip club manager…
-
Ohio Appeals Court Affirms Conviction in Dog Shelter Case
The Tenth Appellate District Court of Ohio has upheld the Franklin County Municipal Court’s decision to convict Larisa Whitfield of violating Ohio law regarding the care of companion animals. The case centered around allegations that Whitfield failed to provide adequate shelter for her two pit bull-type dogs. Background of the…
-
Court Upholds Conviction in Check Forgery and Theft Case
The Eighth Appellate District Court of Ohio has affirmed the convictions of Treshaun Lee-Robinson on charges of receiving stolen property, forgery, and theft. The case centered around altered checks and the subsequent deposit and withdrawal of funds from Lee-Robinson’s bank account. The Charges and the Trial The case originated from…
-
Casino Dreams Dashed: Court Sides with Tribe on Due Process, But Reconsideration Continues
The Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians, after years of effort, saw their plans for a casino in Vallejo, California, hit a major snag. A recent court decision, stemming from a dispute with the Department of the Interior, has partially sided with the tribe, but the legal battle is far…
-
Utah Supreme Court Issues Public Reprimand to Former County Attorney for Prejudicial Statements
The Utah Supreme Court has issued a public reprimand to David O. Leavitt, the former Utah County Attorney, for violating Rule 3.6 of the Utah Rules of Professional Conduct. This rule restricts attorneys from making extrajudicial statements that could prejudice legal proceedings. The case stems from comments Leavitt made during…
-
Fentanyl Trafficker Fermin Castillo Loses Appeal, Faces 25-Year Sentence
Fermin Castillo, convicted of leading a fentanyl distribution and money laundering conspiracy, has lost his appeal in the First Circuit Court of Appeals. The court upheld his conviction and the 25-year prison sentence, rejecting a series of challenges to the trial proceedings. The case, which involved a large-scale fentanyl operation…