James Taylor

Correspondent

James Taylor

Capitol Hill correspondent, covers legislative and political stories.

Criminal Justice

Decisions covered by James Taylor

1,523 decisions
Apr 2 2026
5th Cir. 25-40363 Per Curiam

United States of America Plaintiff— v. Noel Mercado Defendant—

The Fifth Circuit remanded the case to correct a clerical error in the Presentence Investigation Report that retained an inapplicable obstruction of justice enhancement. The court ordered the district court to amend the record to ensure official documents accurately reflect the sentencing proceedings without altering the defendant's conviction or sentence.

Criminal Obstruction of Justice Sentencing Guidelines
Read summary →
Apr 2 2026
11th Cir. 2:22-cr-00026-LGW-BWC-4 Per Curiam

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. RACHAEL BYRD

The Eleventh Circuit granted the Government's motion to dismiss Rachael Byrd's appeal, enforcing the sentence-appeal waiver contained in her plea agreement. The court held that such waivers remain binding if made knowingly and voluntarily, regardless of any sentencing comments or alleged legal errors raised by the appellant.

Criminal Other Criminal
Read summary →
Apr 2 2026
1st Cir. 25-1259 Panel Decision

United States v. Ponzo

The First Circuit affirmed the prison sentences and multi-million dollar forfeiture orders imposed on the Ponzo brothers for their bribery and fraud schemes involving the Mass Save program. The court rejected arguments regarding sentencing guideline calculations, enhancements, and the constitutionality of the forfeiture amounts, finding the district court's decisions supported by the evidence.

Criminal Forfeiture / Penalty Fraud
Read summary →
Apr 2 2026
5th Cir. 25-10292 Per Curiam

United States v. Ealey

The Fifth Circuit granted appointed counsel's motion to withdraw after finding no nonfrivolous issues for appeal. The court dismissed the appeal, leaving the underlying conviction intact without oral argument.

Anders Brief Criminal
Read summary →
Apr 2 2026
11th Cir. 8:08-cr-00027-RAL-TGW-1 Per Curiam

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. CHEDDIE LAMAR GRIFFIN

The Eleventh Circuit dismissed Cheddie Lamar Griffin's appeal from his § 2255 motion denial because his notice of appeal was filed after the statutory deadline. Although the prison mailbox rule applied, the filing date of March 10 missed the 60-day window that expired on March 4.

Constitutional Habeas Corpus - Federal Prisoner (28 USC 2255) Habeas Corpus - General (28 USC 2241)
Read summary →
Apr 2 2026
1st Cir. 25-1203, 25-1259, 25-1327 Panel Decision

United States v. Ponzo

The First Circuit affirmed the sentences and multi-million dollar forfeiture orders against the Ponzo brothers, rejecting their challenges to sentencing enhancements and the calculation of criminal proceeds. The court held that the brothers' elaborate bribery scheme involving Mass Save contractors justified the prison terms and forfeiture amounts under federal law.

Criminal Forfeiture / Penalty Fraud Guidelines Departure
Read summary →
Apr 2 2026
5th Cir. 25-11045 Per Curiam

United States v. Fulton

The Fifth Circuit granted the Federal Public Defender's motion to withdraw from representing Joshua Gene Fulton after determining the appeal presented no nonfrivolous issues. The court dismissed the appeal without reaching the merits of any potential arguments.

Anders Brief Criminal
Read summary →
Apr 2 2026
11th Cir. 8:04-cr-00327-VMC-NHA-1 Per Curiam

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. EFRAIN RODRIGUEZ-CANDELARIA

The Eleventh Circuit affirmed the district court's denial of a compassionate release motion, ruling that a defendant's extensive criminal history and the need for public safety outweighed his rehabilitation efforts. The court held that the district court did not abuse its discretion when it found the statutory sentencing factors favored maintaining the original sentence.

Compassionate Release Criminal Drug Trafficking Supervised Release
Read summary →
Apr 2 2026
1st Cir. 25-1203, 25-1259, 25-1327 Panel Decision

United States v. Ponzo

The First Circuit affirmed the sentences and forfeiture orders of the Ponzo brothers, who orchestrated a massive bribery scheme involving the Mass Save energy program. The court rejected arguments regarding sentencing miscalculations and the constitutionality of the multi-million dollar forfeiture, upholding the penalties as reasonable and supported by the evidence.

Criminal Forfeiture / Penalty Fraud Sentencing Guidelines
Read summary →
Apr 2 2026
5th Cir. 25-50371 Per Curiam

United States v. Galvan-Martinez

The Fifth Circuit affirmed the denial of Jorge Galvan-Martinez's motion to suppress evidence, ruling that a Border Patrol agent had reasonable suspicion to stop his vehicle. The court held that the totality of circumstances, including proximity to the border and recent illegal activity, supported the stop under established legal standards.

Criminal Immigration (Criminal)
Read summary →