State Courts

K. Briggs v. State - Direct Appeal

The Montana Supreme Court affirmed the Gallatin County District Court's denial of postconviction relief for Kevin Anthony Briggs. The appeal concerned allegations of ineffective assistance of counsel regarding trial and appellate representation.

State v. C. Roope - Criminal Appeal

The Montana Supreme Court affirmed the conviction of Christopher Paul Roope for multiple felony offenses, including Partner or Family Member Assault and Tampering with Witnesses. The court's decision was issued as a non-precedential memorandum opinion.

Montana Supreme Court Affirms Marriage of Murphy Case

The Montana Supreme Court affirmed a lower court's decision in the Marriage of Murphy case. The court upheld the denial of a petition to modify a parenting plan, finding insufficient evidence to demonstrate a threat to the child's safety.

State ex rel. Holloman v. Schuck - Writ of Prohibition

The Ohio Court of Appeals dismissed a writ of prohibition filed by Martin L. Holloman against Judge James P. Schuck. The court found that Holloman failed to state a claim upon which relief could be granted, and the underlying case involved the withdrawal of guilty pleas and subsequent retrial.

State v. Semenchuk - Ohio Court of Appeals Opinion

The Ohio Court of Appeals affirmed the convictions and sentences of Orest Semenchuk. The court addressed Semenchuk's challenge to the imposition of consecutive sentences for multiple counts of pandering sexually oriented matter involving a minor or impaired person.

State v. Rayner - Ohio Court of Appeals Opinion

The Ohio Court of Appeals is reviewing a trial court's decision to suppress evidence against Melissa Rayner, arrested for OVI. The State argues the trial court erred in granting the motion to suppress, contending the officer had reasonable suspicion for field sobriety tests.

State v. Oliver - Trial Court Lacked Jury Jurisdiction

The Ohio Court of Appeals reversed a trial court's judgment, finding it lacked jurisdiction to conduct a bench trial without a written jury waiver. The appellant had properly demanded a jury trial for a petty offense, and the record did not show a valid waiver.

In re J.L. - Termination of Parental Rights

The Ohio Court of Appeals affirmed a lower court's decision terminating parental rights and granting permanent custody of a child to Stark County Job and Family Services. The father appealed the decision, citing concerns about his criminal history and failure to meet case plan requirements.

State v. Smith - Texting While Driving Conviction

The Ohio Court of Appeals affirmed the conviction of Justin Smith for prohibited use of an electronic device while driving. The court found sufficient evidence that Smith was manipulating his cell phone while operating his vehicle, upholding the lower court's decision.

Superior Court Grants/Denies Motion to Suppress

The Delaware Superior Court granted in part and denied in part a motion to suppress evidence obtained from a smartphone search. The court addressed whether the independent source doctrine could validate evidence initially obtained via a general warrant, ultimately holding it could.