May 12 2026
4th Cir. 25-1448 Panel Decision

American Acceptance Corporation of South Carolina v. Gietz

The United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit affirmed a lower court ruling that law enforcement did not violate due process by retaining seized motorcycles as evidence in a murder investigation. The court held that the Fourth Amendment defines the process due for property seizures in criminal cases, and no further notice or hearing was required while the investigation remained active.

Apr 30 2026
9th Cir. 5:22-cr-00251-EJD-1 Unpublished

USA v. Broderick

The Ninth Circuit affirmed Brian Broderick's conviction for transmitting a threat under 18 U.S.C. § 875(c), finding the evidence sufficient to establish a true threat. The court held that Broderick waived his challenge to excluded psychiatric testimony by withdrawing his notice of intent to present such evidence before the district court ruled.

Apr 28 2026
11th Cir. 0:22-cr-60078-RAR-6 Per Curiam

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. WILBER VIGIL-BENITEZ

The Eleventh Circuit affirmed Wilber Vigil-Benitez's conviction for murder in aid of racketeering, ruling that the district court's jury instructions on motive and participation were legally correct. The court held that the defendant waived his challenge to the motive instruction by expressly accepting it and that the refusal to give a separate "mere presence" instruction was proper because the aiding-and-abetting charge already covered the defense theory.

Apr 28 2026
3rd Cir. 24-2260 Panel Decision

COREY R. KENDIG v. NICHOLAS STOLAR

The Third Circuit affirmed summary judgment for Trooper Nicholas Stolar, holding that while omitting self-defense evidence from a probable cause affidavit can violate the Fourth Amendment, the right was not clearly established at the time of the arrest. Consequently, Trooper Stolar retains qualified immunity despite the court's new rule requiring officers to disclose known facts that conclusively negate the mental state of a charged crime.

Apr 28 2026
3rd Cir. 24-2260 Panel Decision

COREY R. KENDIG v. NICHOLAS STOLAR

The Third Circuit affirmed a summary judgment ruling that granted qualified immunity to a state trooper who omitted self-defense evidence from a probable cause affidavit. While the court established that officers must disclose known facts showing self-defense negates the mental state of charged crimes, it found the law was not clearly established at the time of the incident.

Apr 27 2026
7th Cir. 24-2489 Panel Decision

United States v. Corruthers

The Seventh Circuit affirmed an above-guidelines sentence for a defendant who facilitated a straw purchase of a firearm that was later used to kill a police officer. The court held that the district court acted within its discretion to vary from the Sentencing Guidelines based on the unique circumstances and consequences of the offense.

Apr 27 2026
7th Cir. 24-2672 Panel Decision

United States v. Corruthers

The Seventh Circuit affirmed an above-guidelines sentence for a defendant convicted of conspiring to illegally purchase and transfer a firearm. The court held that the district court did not abuse its discretion in rejecting the standard sentencing guideline for straw purchasers due to the unique and violent consequences of the defendant's actions.

Apr 27 2026
7th Cir. 24-2489 Panel Decision

United States v. Corruthers

The Seventh Circuit affirmed a 48-month above-guidelines sentence for a defendant who facilitated a straw purchase of a firearm that was subsequently used to kill a police officer. The court held that the district court did not abuse its discretion in rejecting the standard sentencing guidelines for straw purchasers due to the severe consequences of the defendant's conduct.