US State

State v. Lavallie - Criminal Appeal Opinion

The Washington Court of Appeals Division II issued an unpublished opinion in the case of State v. Lavallie. The opinion was filed on February 18, 2026, and concerns a criminal appeal from Pierce County Superior Court.

State of Washington v. Charles Eli Stapleton - Criminal Appeal

The Washington Court of Appeals Division II has filed an opinion in the case of State of Washington v. Charles Eli Stapleton. The opinion is unpublished and should not be cited per GR 14.1(a). The case originated from the Cowlitz Superior Court.

Hoffner v. Hoffner - Marriage Dissolution Appeal

The Washington Court of Appeals Division II has filed an opinion in the case of In Re The Marriage Of: Jenae Hoffner, Appellant And Dylan Hoffner, Respondent. The opinion was filed on February 18, 2026, and pertains to an appeal from Pierce County Superior Court.

Ninth Circuit Vacates Submission, Orders Supplemental Briefs on Rule Consistency

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals vacated its submission in Garcia Morales v. Bondi, ordering parties to file supplemental briefs by March 13, 2026. The briefs must address the consistency of the Circumvention of Lawful Pathways rule with the Immigration and Nationality Act. Amici curiae are also invited to submit briefs.

USA v. Ho-Romero - Criminal Case Sentencing Vacated

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals vacated the sentence of David Ho-Romero and remanded for resentencing. The court found that the district court erred by applying an obstruction of justice enhancement without making a finding of intent. The case involved a guilty plea to methamphetamine importation.

Cante Mijangos v. Bondi - Immigration Asylum Petition Review

The First Circuit Court of Appeals denied a petition for review in Cante Mijangos v. Bondi. The court found that the petitioner failed to establish the required nexus between her abuse and her protected status for asylum, affirming the Board of Immigration Appeals' denial.

Khanal v. Bondi - Immigration Appeal

The First Circuit Court of Appeals vacated an order from the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) that dismissed a petition for asylum, withholding of removal, and protection under the Convention Against Torture. The court found that the BIA failed to consider crucial documentary and testimonial evidence and applied an incorrect legal standard.

United States v. Rowell - Sex Trafficking Conviction Appeal

The First Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the conviction of Keion Rowell for sex trafficking of a minor. Rowell appealed his conviction, challenging the denial of his motion to suppress evidence, a claim of structural error regarding courtroom sealing, the admission of certain statements, and procedural issues with alternate jurors. The court rejected all of Rowell's arguments.

Wise v. Aramark et al - Prisoner Condition Suit

A civil case titled Wise v. Aramark et al was filed on February 18, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The suit concerns prisoner conditions and names Aramark, San Francisco City and County, and other entities as defendants. The plaintiff, Steven Michael Wise, is seeking to proceed in forma pauperis and have counsel appointed.

Johnson v. Sanford et al - Civil Rights Prisoner Case

The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California has filed a new civil rights case, Johnson v. Sanford et al. The case, docketed as 3:26-cv-01404-VC, was filed on February 18, 2026, and involves prisoner civil rights under 42 U.S.C. § 1983. A filing fee is due by February 28, 2026.