US Courts

Lombardi v. Commonwealth - Appeal of Denial of Motion to Dismiss

The Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts affirmed a single justice's denial of a petition for relief under G. L. c. 211, § 3. The petitioner sought to dismiss criminal charges based on an alleged extraterritorial arrest, but the court found that such claims must be raised on direct appeal after trial, not through extraordinary relief.

Supreme Judicial Court Vacates Plea Withdrawal Denial

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court vacated the denial of a motion to withdraw a guilty plea for Jorge Santana, who faces deportation. The court found that the defendant may be entitled to an evidentiary hearing on his claim that his plea counsel failed to adequately advise him of the deportation consequences of his plea.

Pierce Petitioner SJC Case Opinion - Habeas Corpus

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court issued an opinion in the case of Pierce Petitioner, addressing a petition for a writ of habeas corpus challenging civil commitment under G. L. c. 123A. The court vacated the order granting habeas corpus relief and remanded the case to treat the petition as a motion for relief from judgment.

Georgia Supreme Court Opinions Published February 3, 2026

The Georgia Supreme Court dismissed an appeal by NBCUniversal Media, LLC regarding a $500,000 default judgment in a garnishment action. The Court found it lacked jurisdiction as the trial court did not explicitly rule on the constitutional challenges raised by NBCUniversal.

Huitron v. Toby - Appeal of Habeas Corpus Denial

The Supreme Court of Georgia affirmed the denial of a habeas corpus petition filed by Alexandro Huitron, who was convicted of felony murder and other crimes. The court found that even if a conflict of interest existed with his appellate counsel, it did not adversely affect his performance.

Gibson v. State - Appeal of Guilty Plea Withdrawal Denial

The Supreme Court of Georgia is reviewing an appeal by Jeremy Wade Gibson, who seeks to withdraw his guilty plea for malice murder and other crimes. Gibson argues his attorney had a conflict of interest, preventing adequate investigation for his plea withdrawal motion. The court affirmed the trial court's denial of the motion.

NBCUniversal Media, LLC v. Walker et al. - Default Judgment

The Supreme Court of Georgia reviewed a default judgment exceeding $500,000 entered against NBCUniversal Media, LLC for failing to timely answer a summons of continuing garnishment. NBCUniversal challenged the constitutionality of Georgia's garnishment default statute. The court's decision addresses the application of the statute and constitutional challenges.

Muhammad Abdul-Warit Abdur-Rahim Reinstated to Practice Law

The Supreme Court of Georgia has ordered the reinstatement of Muhammad Abdul-Warit Abdur-Rahim to practice law in the state. This decision follows a review of a motion submitted by the State Bar of Georgia's Office of General Counsel, indicating that Mr. Abdur-Rahim has satisfied the conditions for reinstatement.

California Supreme Court Modifies Opinion on Free Speech Rights

The California Supreme Court has modified its opinion regarding free speech rights in the case of Los Angeles Police Protective League v. City of Los Angeles. The modification clarifies language concerning a consent decree with the federal government that impacted the city's ability to enforce certain advisory requirements for complaints against peace officers.

Court Denies Further Production in Books and Records Action

The Delaware Court of Chancery denied a plaintiff's request for further production of books and records from GenScript Corporation. The court found that the plaintiff had not met the burden to prove a compelling need for records beyond those already provided under Delaware General Corporation Law Section 220.