US Federal

Reconsidering State Procedures for Competent Counsel in Capital Cases

The DOJ's Office of Legal Counsel has withdrawn its 2009 opinion regarding the Attorney General's authority to condition expedited habeas proceedings on state competency standards for capital case counsel. This reconsideration, prompted by the Supreme Court's decision in Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo, shifts the interpretation of 28 U.S.C. § 2265(a)(1).

DOJ OLC Opinion on Federal Housing Assistance and PRWORA

The DOJ Office of Legal Counsel has issued a memorandum opinion clarifying that federal housing assistance programs administered under Section 214 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1980 are considered 'Federal means-tested public benefits' under the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA). Alien applicants must now satisfy eligibility requirements under both statutes.

DOJ Opinion: 18 U.S.C. § 1715 Unconstitutional for Protected Firearms

The Department of Justice's Office of Legal Counsel has issued an opinion stating that 18 U.S.C. § 1715 is unconstitutional as applied to protected firearms, including handguns. The DOJ may no longer enforce this statute with respect to such firearms, and the Postal Service should modify its regulations accordingly.

DOJ: Texas Man Sentenced for Antitrust Conspiracy

The Department of Justice announced that Roberto Garcia Villarreal was sentenced to 30 months in prison and a $50,000 fine for his role in a conspiracy to monopolize the international transit industry. The scheme involved price fixing and extorting competitors.

DOJ and USPTO Statement of Interest on Innovation Incentives

The Department of Justice and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office filed a statement of interest in a patent infringement case, reaffirming the importance of preserving incentives to innovate. The filing supports the patent owner's ability to seek injunctive relief to prevent infringement, which is crucial for economic growth and competition.

DOJ: Former Commercial Roofing Executive Pleads Guilty to Bid Rigging

The Department of Justice announced that Gregg Wallick, former executive of a commercial roofing company, pleaded guilty to a conspiracy to rig bids on roofing projects in Florida. The scheme illegally obtained over $3.5 million and violated the Sherman Act.

US Arrests Alleged Tren de Aragua Leader for Chilean Charges

The Department of Justice announced the arrest of Rafael Enrique Gamez Salas, an alleged leader of the Tren de Aragua criminal organization, at the request of Chile. Gamez Salas faces charges in Chile for criminal association, extortion, and kidnapping resulting in homicide. This action highlights international cooperation in combating transnational crime.

DOJ Antitrust: Adobe Agrees to $150 Million Settlement for ROSCA Violations

The Department of Justice announced a proposed $150 million settlement with Adobe Inc. for alleged violations of the Restore Online Shoppers’ Confidence Act (ROSCA). The settlement includes $75 million in civil penalties and $75 million in free services to resolve claims of deceptive subscription practices and difficult cancellation processes.

DOJ Charges Virginia Man with Illegal Firearm Sales

The Department of Justice announced the arrest and charging of a Virginia man for illegally selling firearms, including one used in a campus shooting at Old Dominion University. The defendant faces up to 35 years in prison if convicted.

DOJ: Nine Antifa Operatives Convicted for Riot, Weapons, Obstruction

The Department of Justice announced the conviction of nine Antifa operatives for their roles in a riot, weapons and explosives use, obstruction, and attempted murder at the Prairieland ICE Detention Center. The verdict follows a 12-day trial in Fort Worth, Texas.