Topic
Every decision we've filed under Criminal.
The Eleventh Circuit affirmed a 120-month sentence for human smuggling and firearm possession, rejecting the defendant's claim of substantive unreasonableness. The court held that the district court adequately explained its upward variance and that the sentence remained well below the statutory maximum.
The Seventh Circuit affirmed the conviction of a felon for possessing a firearm found in his vehicle. The court held that the traffic stop was supported by reasonable suspicion and that the evidence was sufficient to prove constructive possession.
The Tenth Circuit affirmed the denial of a motion to suppress evidence found during a vehicle search. The court held that the defendant voluntarily consented to further questioning after the traffic stop mission had concluded.
The Eighth Circuit affirmed a conviction for methamphetamine distribution after the district court refused to give a duress jury instruction. The court held that the defendant failed to prove the threats were immediate or that he lacked a reasonable legal alternative to committing the crimes.
The Fourth Circuit affirmed a district court order denying a defendant's motion for a sentence reduction under federal law. The appellate court found no reversible error in the lower court's handling of the request.
The Eighth Circuit affirmed the wire fraud and conspiracy convictions of a former general manager of a telemarketing company. The court found sufficient evidence that the defendant knowingly participated in a scheme to deceive consumers into purchasing new magazine subscriptions.
The Fourth Circuit affirmed the conviction and sentence of Damian Costello for drug conspiracy charges. The court found no reversible error regarding alleged prosecutorial misconduct and sentencing enhancements due to a lack of objections at trial.
The Sixth Circuit affirmed a thirty-three-month prison sentence for a defendant convicted of methamphetamine conspiracy. The court held that the defendant waived his right to be present at resentencing and that prior rulings on drug quantity preclude re-litigation of the issue.
The Fourth Circuit affirmed a one hundred month sentence for a convicted felon possessing a firearm. The court held that any potential error in calculating the Sentencing Guidelines range was harmless because the district court would have imposed the same sentence regardless.
The Fourth Circuit affirmed a district court order denying a defendant's motion for a sentence reduction. The court found no error in the lower court's application of the Sentencing Guidelines and its consideration of statutory factors.