Courts & Litigation

United States v. Castro Alavez - Conviction Affirmed in Part, Vacated in Part

The Ninth Circuit affirmed in part and vacated in part the conviction and sentence of Luis Miguel Castro Alavez. The court agreed that the jury instruction regarding knowledge of drug type and quantity was erroneous and not harmless for the attempted possession charge, vacating the sentence for that count.

BLM Wild Horse Management Plans Revision Ordered by D.C. Circuit

The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) must revise its ten-year wild horse management plans. The court found that the plans impermissibly allowed for indefinite removals without proper determination of excess horses or consultation, requiring BLM to clarify future gather processes.

US v. McBreairty - Criminal Contempt Appeal

The First Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed a district court's criminal contempt order against Danielle McBreairty. McBreairty refused to testify in a federal trial, even after being granted statutory immunity under 18 U.S.C. §§ 6002-6003, invoking her Fifth Amendment privilege against self-incrimination.

US v. Yoon - Health Care Fraud Conviction Appeal

The First Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the health care fraud conviction of Chang Goo Yoon, who submitted over a million dollars in false claims. The court upheld evidentiary rulings and sentencing enhancements, affirming his conviction for defrauding private insurers and his own car insurer.

Swartz et al v. Nationstar Mortgage LLC et al - Consumer Credit

A new civil case, Swartz et al v. Nationstar Mortgage LLC et al, was filed on February 20, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The case involves consumer credit and names Nationstar Mortgage LLC and Rocket Mortgage, LLC as defendants. The filing fee was $405.

Last Brand Inc. v. Deckers Outdoor Corporation - Antitrust Case Filing

Last Brand, Inc. has filed an antitrust case against Deckers Outdoor Corporation in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The case, bearing number 3:26-cv-01540, was filed on February 20, 2026, with the initial complaint and related documents submitted.

Global Ampersand LLC v. Bank of America - Civil Case

Global Ampersand LLC has filed a civil lawsuit against Bank of America, N.A., in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The case, identified by docket number 3:26-cv-01534, was filed on February 20, 2026, and involves a notice of removal from a state court case. TD Bank, N.A. also filed a notice of removal and a certificate of interested entities.

Yee v. Snap, Inc. - Civil Case Filing

A new civil case, Yee v. Snap, Inc., was filed on February 20, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The case, bearing number 4:26-cv-01528, was filed under diversity jurisdiction with a nature of suit described as P.I.: Other.

Zhaolu v. Transportation Security Administration - Civil Rights Case

A civil rights case has been filed by Zhang Zhaolu against the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The case, based on federal question jurisdiction, was filed on February 20, 2026.

Machado v. Mental Health Association - Civil Rights Case

A civil rights case, Machado v. Mental Health Association of San Mateo County et al., was filed on February 20, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The case involves a complaint filed by Jordan Machado against the County of San Mateo, the Housing Authority of The County of San Mateo, and the Mental Health Association of San Mateo County.