The Fourth Circuit’s decision in United States v. Williamson shows how juror-bias and McDonough challenges fail under a deferential standard of review.
The Fourth Circuit held in United States v. Scott that Virginia’s firearm-use-during-robbery statute is not a “crime of violence” under the Sentencing Guidelines, vacating a 33-month sentence.
The Fourth Circuit affirmed HIPAA and obstruction convictions in United States v. Russell, with key rulings on voluntary statements, Confrontation Clause limits, and the broad scope of protected health information.
NC Court of Appeals rejects “ultimate user” defense in State v. Banks opioid trafficking case involving a deceased spouse’s leftover prescription pills.
The Fourth Circuit vacated a sentence in United States v. Franklin, holding that a firearm enhancement requires express findings even absent an objection.
The Fourth Circuit vacated a supervised release revocation in U.S. v. McLaurin, ruling that standard conditions never orally pronounced at sentencing are legal nullities under the Rogers rule.
The NC Court of Appeals ruled the State Bar lacks disciplinary jurisdiction over out-of-state attorneys who practice exclusively in federal court in North Carolina.
The Fourth Circuit’s decision in United States v. Griffin holds that area-wide drug activity and stale allegations cannot justify searching a home.
The Fourth Circuit’s US v. Lawrence ruling explains when federal courts join multiple fraud schemes in one trial and when severance is required.
NC State Bar v. Sheffield: trust account mismanagement, abandoning a client without withdrawal, and ignoring Bar notices each cost one Durham attorney his license for three years.
