Sentencing/Post Conviction

Pro se defendant’s grandiose remarks not disqualifying, 4th Circuit says; some trial lawyers are ‘outright narcissists’

A defendant who made grandiose statements while defending himself was of the same ilk of many great trial lawyers who are somewhat full of themselves, a federal appeals court concluded in upholding his conviction.

Jun 16, 2021 10:58 AM CDT

Afternoon Briefs: Dechert associate wins ‘Jeopardy!’ and fans’ hearts; judge sides with hospital requiring vaccines

Dechert associate wins over Jeopardy! fans Dechert associate Julia Markham Cameron won over Jeopardy! fans with her quirky facial expressions during an appearance earlier this month in which she won more than $16,000. “It’s certainly not what I thought I would be known for at this stage in my career.…

Jun 14, 2021 4:29 PM CDT

Woman who led police on low-speed chase on her mobility scooter wins reversal of her conviction

A woman who led police on a low-speed chase on her electric mobility scooter wasn’t operating a motor vehicle and should not have been convicted for fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer, an Oregon appeals court has ruled.

Jun 10, 2021 10:25 AM CDT

Judge who appeared determined to avoid mandatory sentence is removed from case

A judge who appeared determined to impose a reduced sentence on a woman who cooperated in a sexual exploitation prosecution has been removed from the case.

Jun 8, 2021 11:00 AM CDT

Former inmates are battling legal barriers to work as firefighters

Like their civilian counterparts, inmate fire crew members help protect people’s lives and property, and when they are released, some try to find employment in the fire service. For many, though, full-time jobs can be hard to come by.

Jun 1, 2021 1:50 AM CDT

Judge cuts sentence after defense lawyer claims ‘shady shenanigans’ by federal prosecutor

A federal judge in Kansas City, Kansas, has slashed a defendant’s sentence from 20 to nine years in prison, citing a federal prosecutor’s failure to “conduct herself as a prosecutor must.”

May 26, 2021 12:07 PM CDT

Afternoon Briefs: Judge rules against courtroom prayer program; public comment sought on student loans

Judge rules against courtroom prayer program A federal judge in Texas has ruled against a Texas justice of the peace in a suit claiming that he violated the establishment clause by soliciting chaplains to deliver courtroom prayers at the opening of court proceedings. U.S. District Judge Kenneth Hoyt of the…

May 24, 2021 3:21 PM CDT

Divided federal appeals court affirms ruling against former state justice regarding juror’s Twitter use

An en banc federal appeals court split 6-6 Thursday in an appeal by a former West Virginia Supreme Court justice who was seeking a hearing on a juror’s Twitter use during his fraud trial.

May 21, 2021 11:45 AM CDT

Momentum builds for ‘second look’ legislation that allows inmates to get their sentences cut

"Second look" legislation has been introduced in 25 states that would authorize reevaluation of lengthy prison sentences, according to a report released last week by the Sentencing Project.

May 19, 2021 2:41 PM CDT

Afternoon Briefs: Future civil rights lawyers win scholarships; LSAC-funded pipeline program seeks requests for proposals

Future civil rights lawyers receive scholarships The NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund has named the first 10 “Marshall-Motley Scholars,” who will receive law school scholarships in exchange for a commitment to serve as civil rights lawyers based in the South for eight years. The scholars include former interns in…

May 18, 2021 3:52 PM CDT

Ex-prosecutor gives up law license after he’s accused of withholding evidence that led to wrongful convictions

Former Dallas County, Texas, prosecutor Richard E. “Rick” Jackson agreed to give up his law license last month to avoid discipline for allegedly withholding evidence that led to the wrongful convictions of two homeless men.

May 18, 2021 11:43 AM CDT

Afternoon Briefs: $75M verdict for exonerated half brothers; surprise at high-profile lawyer’s disbarment

Jurors award $75M to exonerated half brothers Jurors in Raleigh, North Carolina, awarded $75 million Friday to two half brothers exonerated in the rape and murder of an 11-year-old girl after DNA evidence pointed to a convicted murderer as the perpetrator. The brothers, Henry McCollum and Leon Brown, had spent…

May 17, 2021 3:12 PM CDT

Requirement for jury unanimity in serious cases isn’t retroactive, Supreme Court rules

The requirement for unanimous jury verdicts in serious criminal cases doesn’t apply retroactively to overturn final convictions on federal collateral review, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled Monday.

May 17, 2021 12:28 PM CDT

Over 40 California prosecutors petition to repeal new rules increasing good-conduct credits for inmates

About two-thirds of California's top county prosecutors are challenging new rules that could make tens of thousands of people incarcerated in the state eligible for early release.

May 14, 2021 10:20 AM CDT

Afternoon Briefs: Trump-boosting fake lawyer sentenced; 3 of Biden’s new judicial picks have public defender experience

Trump-boosting fake lawyer sentenced to prison A Tennessee man who founded Students for Trump has been sentenced to 13 months in prison for posing as an elite lawyer and taking more than $46,000 from would-be clients. John Lambert had posed as a lawyer named Eric Pope and had created a…

May 13, 2021 4:19 PM CDT