United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. JERONE TYRELL HOLMAN

The Fourth Circuit affirmed Jerone Holman's conviction and 66-month sentence for possessing a firearm as a felon, rejecting his Second Amendment challenge based on established precedent. The court also upheld the district court's application of the large-capacity magazine enhancement and clarified the rigorous standards for plain error review under Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 52(b).

TODD GIFFEN v. WARDEN FMC ROCHESTER; USDC/EASTERN DISTRICT OF NORTH CAROLINA; UNITED STATES ATTORNEY GENERAL

The Fourth Circuit affirmed the dismissal of Todd Giffen's habeas petition because his informal brief failed to challenge the district court's reasoning. This ruling reinforces that appellate review in the Fourth Circuit is strictly limited to issues preserved in the informal brief.

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. SEAN JARRED DAVIS

The Fourth Circuit affirmed Sean Jarred Davis's drug conspiracy sentence and dismissed his appeal regarding a livelihood enhancement. The court held that Davis's plea agreement waiver was enforceable, barring challenges to the livelihood enhancement while allowing review of the leadership enhancement claim.

TODD MICHAEL GIFFEN v. WARDEN FMC ROCHESTER; USDC/EASTERN DISTRICT OF NORTH CAROLINA

The Fourth Circuit affirmed the district court's dismissal of Todd Michael Giffen's habeas corpus petition and its subsequent denial of reconsideration. The court found no reversible error in the lower court's orders and determined that oral argument was unnecessary given the record.

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. DALLAS MICHAEL ACOFF

HARRY GINGOLD v. WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY BOARD OF GOVERNORS, for and

The Fourth Circuit affirmed the district court's dismissal of Harry Gingold's employment-related claims against West Virginia University officials. The appellate court found no reversible error in the lower court's denial of Gingold's motions to alter the judgment or amend his complaint.

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. EARL LAMONT TAYLOR

ARIEL CARRASCO INESTROZA v. PAMELA JO BONDI, Attorney General

The Fourth Circuit denied a petition for review challenging the denial of asylum and removal proceedings against a Honduran national. The court rejected the petitioner's argument that his Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals status shielded him from removal, finding his status had terminated and he was statutorily ineligible due to criminal convictions.

DELROY SPENCE v. PAROLE BOARD

ELIZABETH FEDYNICH v. LYNCHBURG REDEVELOPMENT AND HOUSING AUTHORITY

The Fourth Circuit affirmed the dismissal of Elizabeth Fedynich's civil rights complaint, ruling that her claims were barred by the statute of limitations and that she was not entitled to equitable tolling. The court also upheld the denial of her motion to seal court documents, finding she failed to demonstrate a countervailing interest sufficient to override the public's right of access.