State Courts

Arizona Supreme Court Opinion in Re: MH2023-004502

The Arizona Supreme Court issued an opinion in the case In Re: MH2023-004502, vacating a prior Court of Appeals opinion. The case concerns the legal process for involuntary mental health treatment in Arizona, referencing specific statutes related to court-ordered evaluations and treatment petitions.

Howard v. D.C. Employment Services - Workers' Compensation Appeal

The D.C. Court of Appeals affirmed a Compensation Review Board decision granting temporary total disability benefits to an employee for an occupational disease. The court found the employee's carpal tunnel syndrome led to her resignation and upheld the board's findings.

Jennings & Turner v. US - Court Opinion

The District of Columbia Court of Appeals affirmed some convictions for appellant Derek Brian Turner related to violent incidents but reversed accessory after the fact convictions for appellant Ronnika M. Jennings due to insufficient evidence. Both appellants' obstruction of justice convictions were vacated.

Hewitt v. United States - Felony Murder Conviction Vacatur

The District of Columbia Court of Appeals ruled in Hewitt v. United States that trial courts must vacate the predicate felony conviction when a defendant is convicted of both first-degree felony murder and the underlying felony, to avoid violating the Double Jeopardy Clause. The court clarified that the trial court has no discretion to choose which conviction to vacate.

Grant v. United States - Court Opinion on Motion to Suppress

The District of Columbia Court of Appeals affirmed a trial court's denial of a motion to suppress evidence in Grant v. United States. The court found that the police did not seize the appellant until after he discarded a satchel containing a gun, thus the evidence was not the fruit of an illegal seizure.

District of Columbia Court of Appeals - Disbarment of Paul Gerard Wersant

The District of Columbia Court of Appeals has disbarred Paul Gerard Wersant from the practice of law. This action follows the Supreme Court of Florida's permanent revocation of his license and his failure to respond to the court's order to show cause. His disbarment is effective pending his compliance with specific filing requirements.

Helms v. State - Second-Degree Murder Appeal

The Wyoming Supreme Court affirmed a conviction for second-degree murder in Helms v. State. The appellant claimed self-defense immunity and errors in jury instructions and evidence sufficiency. The court found no abuse of discretion and sufficient evidence for the conviction.

Joshua John O'Dell v. State of Wyoming - Criminal Appeal

The Wyoming Supreme Court affirmed a conviction for first-degree sexual assault of a minor. The defendant appealed, challenging rulings on cross-examination and evidence admissibility. The court found no abuse of discretion in the trial court's decisions.

Castaner v. State of Wyoming - Sentencing Appeal

The Wyoming Supreme Court affirmed a district court's sentence for a juvenile convicted of second-degree murder. The appellant argued the sentence violated constitutional prohibitions against cruel or unusual punishment, but the court found it was within statutory limits.

Allen v. Allen - Marital Property Division Appeal

The Wyoming Supreme Court affirmed a district court's decision in the divorce case of Allen v. Allen. The appellant husband appealed the division of marital property and an equalization payment of $850,000, but the court found no abuse of discretion.