1st Circuit Opinions

United States v. Rowell - Sex Trafficking Conviction Appeal

The First Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the conviction of Keion Rowell for sex trafficking of a minor. Rowell appealed his conviction, challenging the denial of his motion to suppress evidence, a claim of structural error regarding courtroom sealing, the admission of certain statements, and procedural issues with alternate jurors. The court rejected all of Rowell's arguments.

Cante Mijangos v. Bondi - Immigration Asylum Petition Review

The First Circuit Court of Appeals denied a petition for review in Cante Mijangos v. Bondi. The court found that the petitioner failed to establish the required nexus between her abuse and her protected status for asylum, affirming the Board of Immigration Appeals' denial.

Khanal v. Bondi - Immigration Appeal

The First Circuit Court of Appeals vacated an order from the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) that dismissed a petition for asylum, withholding of removal, and protection under the Convention Against Torture. The court found that the BIA failed to consider crucial documentary and testimonial evidence and applied an incorrect legal standard.

Soscia Holdings LLC v. State of Rhode Island - Appeal

The First Circuit Court of Appeals issued an opinion in the case of Soscia Holdings, LLC v. State of Rhode Island. The appeal concerns claims arising from the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management's actions regarding a dam's water flow and the assessment of civil penalties. The court addressed dismissals of federal and state claims.

Gonzalez Tomasini v. DeJoy - Employment Case Appeal

The First Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed a district court's decision to dismiss an employment case against the United States Postal Service. The dismissal was based on a finding that the plaintiff, Orlando González Tomasini, tampered with a witness, his former wife, by attempting to dissuade her from testifying.

BlueRadios Inc. v. Hamilton, Brook, Smith & Reynolds, P.C. - Legal Malpractice Appeal

The First Circuit Court of Appeals partially reversed and vacated a district court ruling in a legal malpractice case brought by BlueRadios Inc. against law firm Hamilton, Brook, Smith & Reynolds, P.C. The appellate court found that BlueRadios' claims might not be untimely and that an attorney-client relationship could exist, remanding the case for further proceedings.

Hebert v. Donahue - Insurance Policy Dispute

The First Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed a district court's decision regarding the proceeds of a federal life insurance policy. The court found that the designation of beneficiaries was valid, awarding the proceeds to the deceased's ex-wife and sons rather than his estate.

Stokinger v. Armslist, LLC - Personal Jurisdiction in Online Marketplaces

The First Circuit Court of Appeals reviewed a case concerning personal jurisdiction over Armslist, LLC, an online marketplace for firearms. The court affirmed in part and vacated in part the district court's dismissal of claims related to a firearm sale facilitated by the website.

Alicea v. Cincinnati Incorporated - Court Opinion

The First Circuit Court of Appeals vacated a district court's summary judgment in favor of Cincinnati Incorporated in a product liability case. The court found a material factual dispute regarding the design defect claim for a laser-cutting system that caused a fatal accident. The ruling allows the estate's design-related claims to proceed.