US Courts

Murphy v. State - Appeal of Murder Conviction

The Supreme Court of Georgia affirmed Dacha vous Murphy's convictions for felony murder and other crimes stemming from a 2011 nightclub shooting. Murphy appealed, arguing various trial court errors, including the exclusion of evidence and ineffective assistance of counsel. The court found no reversible error and upheld the convictions.

Rivers v. The State - Appeal of Malice Murder Conviction

The Supreme Court of Georgia affirmed Karre Rivers's conviction for malice murder and related crimes. Rivers appealed, asserting the trial court erred in charging the jury on excessive force. The court found no plain error and upheld the conviction and life sentence without parole.

Supreme Court Georgia: Wilmington Trust v Ameritas

The Supreme Court of Georgia addressed whether a life insurance policy was void under Georgia law as an illegal wagering contract on human life. The court clarified the circumstances under which a third party can be considered to have "procured or caused to be procured" a life insurance policy, even if the insured played a role.

Bryan Matthew Pritchett Disbarred by Georgia Supreme Court

The Georgia Supreme Court has disbarred attorney Bryan Matthew Pritchett following his default in disciplinary proceedings. Pritchett admitted to forging client signatures to negotiate checks and using the proceeds for personal purposes, violating multiple Rules of Professional Conduct.

Samuels v. State - Murder Conviction Appeal

The Supreme Court of Georgia affirmed the murder conviction of Dyanta Derall Samuels. Samuels appealed his 2022 convictions for malice murder and other crimes related to two separate incidents in 2020, arguing insufficient evidence and trial court errors. The court found the evidence sufficient and denied the appeal.

Dempsey v. State - Appeal of Felony Murder Convictions

The Supreme Court of Georgia affirmed the felony murder convictions of Le’Quan Dempsey for the shooting deaths of John Pendrak and Aiden Reynolds. Dempsey appealed, arguing insufficient evidence and improper admission of evidence regarding his probation status. The court rejected these arguments.

Owens v. State - Supreme Court Reverses Murder Convictions

The Supreme Court of Georgia reversed Maria Owens's murder convictions, finding that the trial court erroneously instructed the jury on mutually exclusive mental states for crimes arising from a single act. The court applied its own previously overruled precedent, leading to the reversal of the felony murder conviction but allowing for retrial.

Bradford v. State - Felony Murder Conviction Appeal

The Supreme Court of Georgia is reviewing Xavier Bradford's appeal of his felony murder conviction related to Keneisha Carr's death. The case highlights significant delays in post-conviction proceedings and issues with access to trial transcripts for indigent defendants.

Chapple v. State Supreme Court of Georgia - Criminal Conviction Appeal

The Supreme Court of Georgia affirmed Johnny Chapple's convictions for felony murder and firearm offenses. The court addressed Chapple's contentions regarding the exclusion of expert testimony, the standard applied to his motion in limine, a continuing witness objection, and ineffective assistance of counsel. The decision upholds the trial court's rulings and the life sentence without parole.

Georgia Supreme Court Reverses Murder Convictions in Owens v. State

The Georgia Supreme Court reversed Maria Owens's murder convictions, finding the trial court gave an erroneous jury charge. While Owens may be retried for felony murder, her child cruelty conviction remains unchanged, though its sentence was vacated. The court's decision addresses complex issues of mutually exclusive verdicts and the law of the case doctrine.