United States

State of Alabama v. Kala Blakely and Bartley Evan Blakely - Criminal Appeal

The Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals reversed a lower court's order suppressing evidence in the case of State v. Kala Blakely and Bartley Evan Blakely. The appellate court found that the evidence, including text messages and information obtained via a search warrant, should not have been suppressed under the 'fruit of the poisonous tree' doctrine.

Juan Cerano v. State of Tennessee - Double Jeopardy Appeal

The Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals dismissed Juan Cerano's appeal concerning his double jeopardy claim and conviction merger. The court found the appeal was filed late and did not warrant a waiver of the timely filing requirement, thus affirming the trial court's dismissal.

Mitchell v. Jamil - Deed of Trust Action

The Court of Appeals of Virginia affirmed a trial court's judgment awarding compensatory damages in a deed of trust action. The court found clear and convincing evidence of an agreement to modify the note's terms through the parties' course of dealings and waiver, and that the statute of frauds claim was waived.

Holland Coleman v. Pamela Coleman - Property Settlement Unconscionable

The Court of Appeals of Virginia affirmed a trial court's decision to set aside a property settlement agreement as unconscionable. The court found a gross disparity in asset division and evidence of overreaching. The judgment was affirmed, and a challenge to a related order was waived.

7147 Mechanicsville Turnpike, L.L.C. v. Board of Supervisors of Hanover County

The Court of Appeals of Virginia affirmed a trial court's decision in a zoning dispute involving 7147 Mechanicsville Turnpike, L.L.C. and the Board of Supervisors of Hanover County. The court found no error in the trial court's rulings regarding the denial of a rezoning application and the sustaining of a demurrer.

J.N.W. v. Commonwealth of Virginia - Affirmance of Judgment

The Court of Appeals of Virginia affirmed a trial court's judgment, denying a motion to suppress a confession and excluding expert testimony. The court found that any error in denying the motion to suppress was harmless due to independent evidence of guilt.

Cunningham v. Virginia - Criminal Conviction Affirmation

The Court of Appeals of Virginia affirmed a trial court's decision, finding sufficient evidence for a jury to convict Adam Ross Cunningham of attempted strangulation, attempted abduction, and assault and battery. The court also found no abuse of discretion in allowing testimony of subsequent acts of violence against the same victim.

Bailey v. Happer - SAFE ACT Retroactive Application

The Maryland Court of Special Appeals ruled in Bailey v. Happer that the SAFE Act may not be applied retroactively, but conduct predating the statute can be considered. The court affirmed a $395,310 award for financial exploitation.

Reid v. Balt. Ambulatory Center - Expert Witness Qualifications in Health Care Malpractice

The Maryland Court of Special Appeals ruled that an anesthesiologist can provide expert testimony on the standard of care for a gastroenterologist's post-procedure assessment, provided the specialties are related and the issue overlaps. This clarifies expert witness qualification requirements under the Health Care Malpractice Claims Act.

Kyere v. Durand - Arbitration Agreement

The Court of Special Appeals of Maryland addressed whether a non-signatory agent can enforce an arbitration agreement. The court affirmed that doctors employed by a hospital had standing to compel arbitration under an employment agreement, citing interdependent misconduct and agency.