US Courts

State v. Mason - Criminal Sentencing Appeal

The Minnesota Court of Appeals reversed and remanded a district court's sentencing decision for Paul Lewis Mason. The appellate court found the district court abused its discretion by imposing a downward durational departure in sentencing for felony threats of violence. The case is remanded for resentencing.

Krystal Drift v. Sean Swapinski - Harassment Restraining Order Affirmed

The Minnesota Court of Appeals affirmed a harassment restraining order (HRO) against Sean Swapinski, finding the district court did not err in admitting evidence or in its factual findings. The HRO prohibits Swapinski from contacting Krystal Drift or coming within 25 feet of her home for two years.

State v. Thompson - Criminal Competency Appeal

The Minnesota Court of Appeals affirmed a district court's order finding Nicholas Scott Thompson competent to proceed with criminal proceedings. The court found no error in declining to consider the appellant's request to discharge his counsel and that counsel's performance was objectively reasonable.

State of Minnesota v. Shane Joseph Gross - Criminal Appeal

The Minnesota Court of Appeals affirmed the conviction of Shane Joseph Gross on charges including drive-by shooting and assault. The court found no abuse of discretion in admitting evidence of jail calls and determined that a single remark during closing arguments did not affect the verdict.

Cup Foods v. City of Minneapolis - Property Taking Claim

The Court of Appeals affirmed the dismissal of a petition for a writ of mandamus filed by Cup Foods, Inc. and other business owners against the City of Minneapolis. The businesses alleged that the city's actions following George Floyd's death constituted an unconstitutional taking of their property. The court found no unconstitutional taking occurred.

Washington v. State of Iowa - Postconviction Relief Appeal

The Iowa Court of Appeals affirmed the denial of Bobby Ray Washington's application for postconviction relief. The court found that Washington's ineffective-assistance-of-counsel claim was not preserved and that he failed to prove actual innocence.

Dormire v. State of Iowa - Sexual Abuse Conviction Affirmed

The Iowa Court of Appeals affirmed a lower court's denial of postconviction relief for Caleb Dormire, who was convicted of sexual abuse in the second degree. The court found no merit in Dormire's arguments regarding ineffective trial counsel and newly discovered evidence.

Arreola v. State of Iowa - Postconviction Relief Application Dismissal

The Iowa Court of Appeals affirmed the dismissal of Jan De Jesus Coronel Arreola's application for postconviction relief and petition for writ of habeas corpus. The court found no error in the district court's decision.

Barnhardt v. State of Iowa - Appeal of Postconviction Relief Denial

The Iowa Court of Appeals affirmed the denial of Ryan Barnhardt's application for postconviction relief concerning his convictions for sexual abuse. Barnhardt alleged ineffective assistance of appellate counsel, but the court found no breach of duty.

State v. Jennings - Utah Supreme Court Opinion

The Utah Supreme Court issued an opinion in State v. Jennings, addressing the standard required for a defendant to establish a prima facie claim of justification under the Pretrial Justification Statute. The court clarified the evidentiary burden on defendants seeking to have a justification defense determined before trial.