Every decision we've summarized — searchable, filterable, neutral.
The Seventh Circuit affirmed a 324-month sentence for drug trafficking, ruling that defense counsel's explicit agreement with the Presentence Report's drug quantity constituted a deliberate waiver of any challenge to those facts. The court held that strategic choices made during sentencing cannot be undone on appeal simply because they later appear unwise.
The Eleventh Circuit affirmed convictions under the Maritime Drug Law Enforcement Act for drug trafficking within a foreign nation's exclusive economic zone. The court rejected challenges regarding subject-matter jurisdiction, the vessel's nationality, and due process violations.
The United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit dismissed an appeal filed by a pro se litigant before the district court entered a final order. The court held that it lacked jurisdiction because the appeal was premature and did not concern a final or appealable interlocutory order.
The Fifth Circuit granted a motion to withdraw filed by appointed counsel who argued the appeal presented no non-frivolous issues. The court dismissed the appeal after reviewing the Anders brief and finding no meritorious grounds for review.
The Seventh Circuit affirmed a thirty-two hundred and twenty-four month sentence for drug trafficking and reentry offenses. The court held that the defendant waived any challenge to the drug quantity finding by accepting the corresponding sentencing guideline level.
The Eleventh Circuit affirmed a 60-month prison sentence for a defendant who made multiple interstate threats against a federal judge and her family. The court held that the district court acted within its discretion to impose an upward variance based on the premeditated and terroristic nature of the conduct, despite the defendant's arguments regarding mitigating personal history.
The Fifth Circuit affirmed the dismissal of Erwin Eugene Semien's civil rights complaint, ruling that he abandoned several claims and failed to adequately allege constitutional violations. The court held that Semien did not state a claim for due process or equal protection because he lacked a protected property interest and failed to identify specific comparators.
The Fourth Circuit affirmed the district court's judgment revoking Cecil Edward Jackson's supervised release and imposing a time-served sentence followed by one year of supervision. The court held that the revocation was supported by Jackson's voluntary admission and the sentence was procedurally and substantively reasonable under applicable law.
The Fourth Circuit affirmed the dismissal of nine consolidated civil actions filed by Miyuki Maureen Johnson, ruling that her claims were frivolous under 28 U.S.C. § 1915(e)(2)(B)(i). The court held that Johnson failed to prove the existence of any lawful trust and cannot proceed pro se on behalf of non-existent entities.
The Seventh Circuit affirmed Michael Madigan's federal bribery convictions, ruling that wiretap recordings and circumstantial evidence sufficiently proved a quid pro quo exchange between the former Illinois Speaker and utility company ComEd. The court further held that jury instructions regarding the definition of official acts and corrupt intent were legally sound and not prejudicial.
