Courts & Litigation

People v. Ratcliff - Criminal Appeal

The California Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District, filed an opinion in the case of People v. Ratcliff. The appeal concerns a defendant's petition for resentencing under Penal Code section 1172.6, which was denied by the trial court. The appellate court affirmed the trial court's order.

People v. Dunham - Theft by Public Officer Restitution Order

The California Court of Appeal vacated a restitution order against Lindsey Brooke Dunham, who pleaded guilty to theft by a public officer. The court found that the insurer, which reimbursed the public employer, was not a direct victim eligible for restitution under state law.

Espinoza v. Chuang - Appeal of Attorney Fees Award

The California Court of Appeal, Third Appellate District, affirmed an order awarding attorney fees to the Chuangs following their successful anti-SLAPP motion. The court found no jurisdiction to consider one of Espinoza's contentions and rejected another, denying a sanctions motion against Espinoza.

In re S.W. - Juvenile Court Law Appeal

The California Court of Appeal granted a motion to recall a remittitur in the case of In re S.W. The court reversed a juvenile court's jurisdictional order, finding that the court improperly reviewed the probation report before determining jurisdiction, which prejudiced the defendant.

In re E.K. - Juvenile Court Law Appeal

The California Court of Appeal, Third Appellate District, affirmed the juvenile court's jurisdictional and dispositional orders in the case of In re E.K. The father appealed the sufficiency of evidence for jurisdictional findings and the denial of visitation, but the court found no error.

Shin v. Aya Healthcare - PAGA Arbitration Dispute

The California Court of Appeal filed a non-precedential opinion in Shin v. Aya Healthcare regarding a dispute over compelling arbitration for a PAGA claim. The court addressed whether an employee's PAGA claim could be compelled to arbitration when the employee disclaimed an individual claim.

In re K.G. - Juvenile Dependency Appeal

The California Court of Appeal, Fourth Appellate District, Division Two, filed an opinion in the case In re K.G. The case involves a juvenile dependency appeal concerning allegations of child abuse and neglect. The court affirmed in part and reversed in part the lower court's jurisdictional and dispositional orders.

Monroe v. Cal. Public Employees' Retirement System - Court Opinion

The California Court of Appeal affirmed a lower court's denial of a writ of mandate in Monroe v. Cal. Public Employees' Retirement System. The court upheld the denial of disability retirement benefits to a parole agent who applied while under investigation for misconduct and had not retained the right to return to service.

West Virginia v. Victor Lee Thompson - Criminal Appeal Affirmed

The Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia affirmed the conviction of Victor Lee Thompson in criminal action No. 22-F-80. The court's opinion, filed on March 12, 2026, addresses several legal points related to evidence and constitutional rights.

State v. Belmonte - Sexual Abuse Conviction Appeal

The West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals affirmed a lower court's order of restitution against Willie Edward Belmonte, Jr., who was convicted of sexual abuse. The court addressed the scope of restitution for tutoring expenses paid by the Crime Victims Compensation Fund.