James Taylor

Correspondent

James Taylor

Capitol Hill correspondent, covers legislative and political stories.

Criminal Justice

Decisions covered by James Taylor

2,423 decisions
Mar 2 2026
11th Cir. 1:14-cr-20210-MGC-1 Published

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. MIKEL MIMS

The Eleventh Circuit held that a federal district court retains ancillary jurisdiction to enforce unsatisfied restitution obligations in a criminal case even after a defendant completes her probationary sentence. The court affirmed the lower court's order requiring the defendant to resume payments, rejecting arguments that the case closure or probation expiration divested the court of authority.

Criminal Fraud
Read summary →
Feb 27 2026
11th Cir. 2:19-cr-00004-TPB-NPM-2 Published

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. SYLVANIS BRICE

The Eleventh Circuit affirmed convictions for Hobbs Act robbery, holding that federal courts have jurisdiction over generally applicable federal crimes committed by Indians against Indians in Indian country. The court also ruled that while the district court erred by failing to perform an on-the-record balancing test before admitting prior conviction evidence, the error was harmless given the strength of the remaining evidence.

Criminal Robbery & Extortion
Read summary →
Feb 27 2026
United States Court… 24-1348 Panel Decision

Ryan J. Paul v. Federal Aviation Administration

The United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit held that the Federal Aviation Administration must independently review an airline's determination that a pilot refused a drug test. The court found the agency acted arbitrarily and capriciously by failing to conduct such a review as required by its own internal guidance.

Administrative / Agency Review Civil
Read summary →
Feb 27 2026
3rd Cir. 23-3258 Panel Decision

Nos. 23-3258 & 26-1120 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. ERIC HAFNER

The Third Circuit affirmed the denial of Eric Hafner's motion to withdraw his guilty plea, ruling that he failed to prove ineffective assistance of counsel or a fair and just reason for withdrawal. The court also upheld a 240-month sentence, finding no error in the application of sentencing enhancements for threatening conduct and obstruction of justice.

Criminal Sentencing Guidelines Violent Crimes
Read summary →
Feb 27 2026
3rd Cir. 26-1120 Panel Decision

United States v. Hafner

The Third Circuit affirmed the denial of Eric Hafner's motion to withdraw his guilty plea, finding he failed to prove ineffective assistance of counsel or a fair and just reason for withdrawal. The court also upheld a 240-month sentence that exceeded the advisory Guidelines range, ruling that the District Court properly applied enhancements for threatening conduct and obstruction.

Criminal Sentencing Guidelines Violent Crimes
Read summary →
Feb 27 2026
1st Cir. 23-1795 Panel Decision

UNITED STATES v. EMANUEL MUÑOZ-FONTÁNEZ

The First Circuit affirmed a 144-month sentence for a defendant convicted of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and marijuana distribution. The court held that the district court properly weighed sentencing factors without needing to explicitly address every mitigating fact or explain why recommended sentences were rejected.

Criminal Drug Trafficking Sentencing Guidelines
Read summary →
Feb 26 2026
5th Cir. 25-40027 Panel Decision

United States of America Plaintiff— v. David Lopez, Jr Defendant—

The Fifth Circuit affirmed a five-level sentencing enhancement for distributing child pornography in exchange for valuable consideration but vacated the sentence due to an incorrect application of a pattern-of-activity enhancement. The court held that while Lopez's participation in chatrooms constituted a valid exchange, the government failed to prove the requisite pattern of sexual abuse or exploitation.

Child Sexual Abuse Material Criminal Sentencing Guidelines Supervised Release
Read summary →