US Courts

De Castro v. State Farm Fire and Casualty Company - Insurance Coverage Dispute

The U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado issued an opinion regarding an insurance coverage dispute between property owners Claudio and Dulce De Castro and State Farm Fire and Casualty Company. The case involves a claim for damages to a property following a hail storm.

District of Colorado Grants Interim Class Counsel Appointment

The U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado granted a motion to appoint interim class counsel in the case of Lura Huber v. Intermountain Health Care, Inc. The court appointed Brandt P. Milstein, Andrew H. Turner, Matthew Scott Parmet, and Don J. Foty as interim class counsel. Defendants did not oppose the motion.

State v. Smith - Criminal Conviction Appeal

The Idaho Court of Appeals filed an opinion affirming the conviction of Adam James Smith for domestic battery with traumatic injury and attempted strangulation, with a persistent violator enhancement. Smith's appeal argued the district court erred by denying his motion for substitute counsel and imposing an excessive sentence.

DC Retirement Board v. OEA - Employment Appeal

The DC Court of Appeals reversed a trial court's order, ruling that the Office of Employee Appeals (OEA) lacked jurisdiction to hear an employee's appeal of her termination. The court directed the trial court to remand the case to OEA for dismissal of the appeal, finding that the employee was not covered by the relevant adverse action procedures.

Stevenson & Thomas v. US - Criminal Conviction Appeal

The DC Court of Appeals issued an opinion in Stevenson & Thomas v. US, addressing challenges to convictions for murder and assault. The court affirmed most convictions but vacated several firearm charges, agreeing with the government that they should be vacated.

Woodley v. Woodberry Village Apartment - Landlord Renovation Process

The DC Court of Appeals reversed and remanded a lower court's decision in Woodley v. Woodberry Village Apartment, clarifying landlord obligations for temporary unit recovery for renovations. The court emphasized that landlords must demonstrate compliance with D.C. Code § 42-3505.01(f)(1) before a tenant's failure to vacate can be used to mitigate damages.

Griffin v. United States - Motion to Suppress Evidence Ruling

The DC Court of Appeals vacated Mr. Griffin's convictions, ruling that the police lacked sufficient basis for the initial traffic stop. The court found that the officer's belief that any front windshield tint was illegal was mistaken, and the court did not rely on the alleged failure to signal. The case is remanded for further proceedings.

Willis v. United States - Amended Court Opinion

The DC Court of Appeals issued an amended opinion in Willis v. United States, reversing in part and affirming in part the lower court's convictions. The court found that the admission of expert testimony regarding cell site location information was erroneous and not harmless, warranting a new trial for murder charges.

Dina Mendoza v. Aetna Life Insurance Company - ERISA Coverage Dispute

The Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the dismissal of a lawsuit against Aetna Life Insurance Company concerning ERISA coverage for newborn medical expenses. The court found the plaintiff failed to state a plausible claim that Aetna was the primary insurer, but remanded to allow amendment of the complaint.

Mencia v. United States - Motion to Vacate Conviction

The Eleventh Circuit affirmed the denial of Andres Mencia's motion to vacate his conviction for conspiracy to dispense controlled substances. The court found that Mencia's argument regarding an intervening change in law was untimely as a matter of law.