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DOJ Proposes Rule to Expedite State Death Penalty Cases

The Department of Justice has proposed a rule to streamline federal habeas review of state death penalty cases, aiming to reduce the time between conviction and execution. This proposal seeks to remove barriers to certification for states with established postconviction capital counsel systems, making certification decisions final.

DOJ: Mississippi Man Sentenced to Nine Years for Armed Carjacking

The Department of Justice announced that Un’Darius Dickerson was sentenced to nine years in prison for armed carjacking and brandishing a firearm. The sentencing is part of the DOJ's Violent Crime Initiative.

W International Companies Pay $10.5M to Settle False Claims Act Allegations

The Department of Justice announced that W International LLC and related companies will pay $10.5 million to resolve allegations under the False Claims Act for overcharging the U.S. Air Force and Navy for weld tables. The settlement includes a whistleblower award of over $1.8 million.

Buonauro v. Scott - Unjust Enrichment Damages Upheld

The Virginia Court of Appeals upheld a trial court's judgment awarding damages for unjust enrichment. The court found sufficient evidence for the jury's award and affirmed that unjust enrichment, rather than quantum-meruit, was the proper remedy in this case.

Ashby v. Wythe County Dept. of Social Services - Child Neglect Finding Affirmed

The Virginia Court of Appeals affirmed a trial court's finding of child abuse and neglect against Benjamin Howard Ashby. The court found no abuse of discretion in admitting testimony regarding a child's sexualized behavior, deeming any error harmless.

Virginia Court of Appeals Affirms Judgment on Daughter Contact Condition

The Virginia Court of Appeals affirmed a trial court's judgment, upholding a condition of a suspended sentence that prohibited contact with the appellant's daughter. The court found no abuse of discretion and that constitutional rights were not violated.

Kyle Wayne Thacker v. Commonwealth of Virginia - Child Pornography Conviction

The Virginia Court of Appeals upheld the conviction of Kyle Wayne Thacker for reproducing child pornography. The court found sufficient evidence to prove Thacker reproduced the material found on his cellphone, affirming the trial court's decision.

Levi William Wheeler, Jr. v. Commonwealth of Virginia - Malicious Wounding Conviction

The Virginia Court of Appeals affirmed a trial court's decision finding sufficient evidence for a malicious wounding conviction. The court remanded the case for correction of an error in the sentencing order.

Joan Altizer v. William Curtis Bull, Jr. - Real Property Deed Affirmation

The Virginia Court of Appeals affirmed a lower court's decision, upholding a 2008 warranty deed that conveyed real property interests to siblings as trustees. The court found the deed valid despite the trust not being explicitly named, as the grantees were identified as trustees and the trust was sufficiently identified. Other claims were waived.

Michael W. Martin v. The City of Waynesboro, Virginia - Whistleblower Claim

The Virginia Court of Appeals ruled on a whistleblower claim against the City of Waynesboro. The court upheld the city's sovereign immunity for the whistleblower claim but reversed in part the finding of sovereign immunity for a supervisor, remanding the case.