State Courts

In re Child of Danielle H. - Parental Rights Termination Appeal

The Maine Supreme Judicial Court affirmed a District Court's judgment terminating Danielle H.'s parental rights to her child. The court found sufficient evidence of parental unfitness and that termination was in the child's best interest, despite concerns about the guardian ad litem's performance.

State v. Coffill III - Eluding Officer and Reckless Conduct Appeal

The Maine Supreme Judicial Court affirmed a conviction for eluding an officer and reckless conduct with a dangerous weapon. The defendant appealed, arguing the grand jury lacked jurisdiction and the evidence was insufficient. The court found both contentions lacked merit.

State of Maine v. Keith Merchant - Sentence Appeal

The Maine Supreme Judicial Court vacated Keith Merchant's sentence for multiple sexual assault charges. The court found errors in the sentencing analysis and remanded the case for resentencing. The decision addresses constitutional rights against double jeopardy and proper sentencing procedures.

Northwest Bank & Trust Company v. Pershing Hill Lofts, LLC - Contract Claim

The Iowa Supreme Court affirmed a district court judgment in favor of a developer (Pershing Hill Lofts, LLC) against a bank (Northwest Bank & Trust Company) on a breach of contract claim. The court vacated a prior court of appeals decision and affirmed the district court's summary judgment ruling, finding the financing proposal was either an unenforceable agreement to agree or had terminated.

State of Iowa v. Rodney Dee Brown - Criminal Conviction Affirmance

The Iowa Supreme Court affirmed the conviction of Rodney Dee Brown for attempting to entice a minor. The court found sufficient evidence and upheld the jury instructions, affirming the decisions of the lower courts. This ruling addresses challenges to the conviction based on jury instructions and evidence sufficiency.

Cody Lee Smith v. State of Iowa - Postconviction Relief

The Iowa Supreme Court vacated a court of appeals decision and reversed a district court judgment, remanding a postconviction relief case. The court found that the inmate's application for postconviction relief should not have been dismissed without notice and an opportunity to respond, even though the State moved for summary disposition.

Estate wrongful-death action appeal affirmed by Supreme Court

The Iowa Supreme Court affirmed a district court's dismissal of a wrongful-death action. The court ruled that the estate's claims were barred by the two-year statute of limitations, which was determined to begin at the time the injury was known, not at the date of death.

Iowa Supreme Court affirms conviction for threat of terrorism

The Iowa Supreme Court affirmed a conviction for threat of terrorism. The court found that the defendant's statements, made after her children were removed from her care, constituted a threat of terrorism under state law, despite the absence of an immediate firearm. The conviction was upheld.

Valley Isle Motors v. La Costa - Appeal of Judgment

The Intermediate Court of Appeals of the State of Hawaii vacated the judgment in Valley Isle Motors, Ltd. v. P. Denise La Costa and remanded the case for entry of an amended judgment. The court reviewed the appellant's points of error regarding damages, warranty coverage, and attorney fees.

Frost v. Association of Apartment Owners - Civil Appeal

The Hawaii Intermediate Court of Appeals affirmed two lower court judgments in favor of the Association of Apartment Owners (AOAO) in the case of Frost v. Association. The appeal concerned summary judgments granted to the AOAO regarding waterproofing assessments and alleged breaches of contract and fiduciary duty.