Decisions

Every decision we've summarized — searchable, filterable, neutral.

Feb 27 2026
7th Cir. 25-2134 Panel Decision

IN RE: GREENPOINT TACTICAL INCOME FUND LLC Debtor. BALLARD SPAHR LLP v. OFFICIAL COMMITTEE OF EQUITY SECURITY HOLDERS

The Seventh Circuit affirmed that an investment fund debtor is not liable for legal fees incurred by its managing member when engagement letters explicitly identified the individual as the client. The court held that without a signed writing or clear contractual obligation, the bankruptcy estate cannot be charged for the manager's personal legal debts.

Bankruptcy Civil
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Feb 27 2026
3rd Cir. 23-3258 Panel Decision

Nos. 23-3258 & 26-1120 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. ERIC HAFNER: 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
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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
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Feb 27 2026
1st Cir. 25-1249 Panel Decision

IN RE: STEVEN T. SAVAGE; VIRGINIA A. SAVAGE Debtors COASTAL CAPITAL, LLC v. STEVEN T. SAVAGE; VIRGINIA A. SAVAGE

The First Circuit affirmed the denial of a Chapter 7 bankruptcy discharge for the Savages because they failed to satisfactorily explain the disposition of assets received from their company prior to filing. The court rejected the argument that only substantial asset losses or those sufficient to pay all liabilities require explanation under the Bankruptcy Code.

Civil Tax (Civil)
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Feb 27 2026
1st Cir. 25-1137 Panel Decision

ELAINE DA SILVA-QUEIROGA v. PAMELA J. BONDI Attorney General

The First Circuit denied a petition for review of an asylum claim because the petitioner failed to prove she suffered past persecution or had a well-founded fear of future persecution. The court affirmed the Immigration Judge and Board of Immigration Appeals' determination that the petitioner's experiences did not meet the statutory severity threshold required for asylum, withholding of removal, or Convention Against Torture protection.

Civil Immigration (Civil)
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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
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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
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