Courts & Litigation

In the Matter of Tasha Jean Kotz - Attorney Discipline

The Supreme Court of South Carolina has suspended attorney Tasha Jean Kotz for six months following an Agreement for Discipline by Consent. The suspension stems from multiple disciplinary complaints alleging practice-related misconduct, including misrepresenting COVID-19 test results and disclosing client confidences online.

Bank of America v. Neronha - Trustee Case

The Rhode Island Supreme Court affirmed a lower court's decision designating Miriam Hospital as the alternative beneficiary of several trusts, upholding the selection of a new beneficiary after the original beneficiary, Memorial Hospital, closed. The court found no error in the trial justice's consideration of changed circumstances in healthcare provision.

State v. Brian Smith - Supreme Court of Rhode Island Opinion

The Supreme Court of Rhode Island affirmed a lower court's order denying a defendant's request for declaratory and injunctive relief in an ongoing criminal proceeding. The defendant had pleaded nolo contendere to child molestation charges.

Destiny Viera v. State of Rhode Island - Criminal Case

The Supreme Court of Rhode Island quashed orders removing an attorney in two criminal cases, finding the removal for a potential conflict of interest was not warranted at the time. The court's decision impacts the right to counsel and attorney selection in criminal proceedings.

In the Matter of Raymond T. Trebisacci - Disbarment Order

The Supreme Court of Rhode Island has issued an order disbarring attorney Raymond T. Trebisacci on consent. The order also appoints Special Masters to manage his client files and accounts, ensuring client interests are protected. This action follows an investigation into professional misconduct.

Apostolico v. Pagliaro - Property Tax Dispute

The Supreme Court of Rhode Island affirmed a lower court's amended final judgment regarding property tax responsibility. The court held that the defendant was responsible for her share of property taxes, aligning with precedent from Koszela v. Wilcox.

DEP v. Grant Twp. - Environmental Law

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court affirmed an order from the Commonwealth Court in DEP v. Grant Twp. of Indiana Co. The case involves an appeal related to environmental regulations. The court's decision was unanimous and issued on February 18, 2026.

Supreme Court of Pennsylvania Opinion on Condemnation Case

The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania issued an opinion in a condemnation case involving the City of Philadelphia. The court affirmed an order quashing an appeal, clarifying what constitutes a final, appealable order under the Eminent Domain Code regarding preliminary determinations versus final confirmation of a viewers' report.

Commonwealth v. Smith - Pennsylvania Supreme Court Opinion

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court reversed an order dismissing a PCRA petition in Commonwealth v. Smith. The court found that the PCRA court improperly dismissed the appellant's claim of ineffective assistance of counsel regarding evidence introduced during a resentencing hearing. The case is remanded for a new penalty-phase hearing.

Commonwealth v. Wakeley - Criminal Appeal

The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania granted a petition for allowance of appeal in Commonwealth v. Wakeley, vacating a Superior Court order. The case is remanded for reconsideration in light of a recent Supreme Court precedent.