Courts & Litigation

Hewitt v. United States - Felony Murder Conviction Vacatur

The District of Columbia Court of Appeals ruled in Hewitt v. United States that trial courts must vacate the predicate felony conviction when a defendant is convicted of both first-degree felony murder and the underlying felony, to avoid violating the Double Jeopardy Clause. The court clarified that the trial court has no discretion to choose which conviction to vacate.

Grant v. United States - Court Opinion on Motion to Suppress

The District of Columbia Court of Appeals affirmed a trial court's denial of a motion to suppress evidence in Grant v. United States. The court found that the police did not seize the appellant until after he discarded a satchel containing a gun, thus the evidence was not the fruit of an illegal seizure.

District of Columbia Court of Appeals - Disbarment of Paul Gerard Wersant

The District of Columbia Court of Appeals has disbarred Paul Gerard Wersant from the practice of law. This action follows the Supreme Court of Florida's permanent revocation of his license and his failure to respond to the court's order to show cause. His disbarment is effective pending his compliance with specific filing requirements.

Helms v. State - Second-Degree Murder Appeal

The Wyoming Supreme Court affirmed a conviction for second-degree murder in Helms v. State. The appellant claimed self-defense immunity and errors in jury instructions and evidence sufficiency. The court found no abuse of discretion and sufficient evidence for the conviction.

Joshua John O'Dell v. State of Wyoming - Criminal Appeal

The Wyoming Supreme Court affirmed a conviction for first-degree sexual assault of a minor. The defendant appealed, challenging rulings on cross-examination and evidence admissibility. The court found no abuse of discretion in the trial court's decisions.

Castaner v. State of Wyoming - Sentencing Appeal

The Wyoming Supreme Court affirmed a district court's sentence for a juvenile convicted of second-degree murder. The appellant argued the sentence violated constitutional prohibitions against cruel or unusual punishment, but the court found it was within statutory limits.

Allen v. Allen - Marital Property Division Appeal

The Wyoming Supreme Court affirmed a district court's decision in the divorce case of Allen v. Allen. The appellant husband appealed the division of marital property and an equalization payment of $850,000, but the court found no abuse of discretion.

Baier v. State of Wyoming - Restitution Award Appeal

The Wyoming Supreme Court affirmed a restitution award of $92,722.79 against Kylea Rae Baier. Baier appealed, arguing that certain credit card charges should be excluded from the award because the victim received a benefit. The court found no abuse of discretion in the district court's decision.

Office of Lawyer Regulation v. Bryant H. Klos - Disciplinary Action

The Wisconsin Supreme Court released an opinion in the case of Office of Lawyer Regulation v. Bryant H. Klos on January 9, 2026. This case involves disciplinary action against a legal professional. The full opinion is available in PDF format.

State v. Michael Joseph Gasper - Criminal Opinion

The Wisconsin Supreme Court released its opinion in State v. Michael Joseph Gasper on January 14, 2026. This is a published opinion, meaning it is the final version and will appear in the official reports.