US Courts

Selby v. Stangl - Court Reverses Elder Abuse Claim Dismissal

The California Court of Appeal reversed in part a trial court's dismissal of claims brought by Rikki Selby against her broker, Greg Stangl. The court found that collateral estoppel did not bar Selby's claims for breach of fiduciary duty and financial elder abuse, and that her allegations were sufficient to state a cause of action for elder abuse.

California Court of Appeal Denies Petition on Probation Program Suitability

The California Court of Appeal denied a petition for writ of mandate filed by Chase Aaron Armstrong, who sought entry into a deferred entry of judgment pilot program. The court upheld the probation department's determination that Armstrong was ineligible due to not residing in Santa Clara County, affirming the trial court's acceptance of this decision.

People v. Lopez - Child Molestation Conviction Reversed

The California Court of Appeal reversed Gerald Lopez's conviction for possession of child pornography and misdemeanor child molestation. The court found insufficient evidence for the child pornography conviction and that Lopez was denied a fair trial, remanding the case for further proceedings.

People v. Padilla - Affirmation of Denial of Resentencing Petition

The California Court of Appeal affirmed the denial of Daniel Carlos Padilla's petition for resentencing under Penal Code section 1172.6. The court found Padilla's contentions without merit and upheld the trial court's order.

People v. Matthews - Assault Conviction Appeal Denied

The California Court of Appeal denied an appeal filed by Michael James Matthews, who was convicted of assault with a deadly weapon and three driving offenses. The court affirmed the lower court's decision and ordered a correction to the abstract of judgment.

Marriage of Ubamos - Spousal Support, Domestic Violence, Property Deed Ruling

The California Court of Appeal affirmed a judgment of dissolution in the Marriage of Ubamos case. The court addressed issues including due process regarding video evidence, enforcement of an interspousal transfer deed, domestic violence findings, and the effective date of spousal support modifications.

In re L.H. - Dependency Orders Affirmed

The California Court of Appeal affirmed dependency orders for three children in the case of In re L.H. The court found substantial evidence supported the jurisdictional findings against the mother, despite her arguments regarding statutory framework application. The decision upholds the juvenile court's orders.

People v. Tidwell - Judgment affirmed, 4-year sentence

The California Court of Appeal affirmed a judgment against Vernon Lamont Tidwell, upholding his conviction for felony firearm possession, purchasing a firearm while prohibited, misdemeanor driving under the influence, and driving with a suspended license. Tidwell was sentenced to a total of four years in state prison.

People v. Dearman - Petition for Factual Innocence Denied

The California Court of Appeal denied Ryan Alan Dearman's petition for a finding of factual innocence related to a domestic violence case. The court found the petition untimely and insufficient to establish innocence, affirming the trial court's order.

People v. Watkins - Incompetent to Stand Trial, Medication Order Affirmed

The California Court of Appeal affirmed a lower court's order for involuntary medication for a defendant found incompetent to stand trial. The court found substantial evidence supported the order, which was necessary for the defendant's treatment and mental health.