Justia Criminal Law Opinion Summaries

A man lived with his girlfriend for several years, and her brother moved in with them from Mexico. After neighbors heard alarming noises from their apartment, family members, prompted by disturbing messages from the man, entered the residence and found the bodies of both the girlfriend and her brother, who had died from numerous stab wounds. The apartment was extremely cold due to a newly purchased air conditioning unit placed to slow decomposition. The man was later found in Mexico and extradited to Los Angeles.At trial in the Superior Court of Los Angeles County, the prosecution charged the man with two counts of murder. The defense sought to introduce a handwritten note found at the crime scene, in which the man claimed he killed the victims in a rage after discovering them having sex. The trial court excluded the note during the prosecution’s case under Evidence Code section 352, reasoning its probative value was outweighed by the danger of undue prejudice and that it could not be properly tested without the man’s testimony. As a result, the man testified in order to introduce the note, and was subsequently convicted by a jury of first degree murder for his girlfriend and second degree murder for her brother.The California Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District, Division Seven, reviewed the case. It held that the trial court erred in excluding the note during the prosecution’s case, as its probative value concerning provocation and the defendant’s state of mind was not substantially outweighed by the risk of undue prejudice, and a limiting instruction could have adequately addressed concerns. The Court of Appeal found the error prejudicial, as it forced the man to testify and likely affected the verdicts. The court reversed the convictions and directed the trial court to vacate them and set the matter for a new trial. View "People v. Tzul" on Justia Law

Federal authorities investigated a drug trafficking scheme operating within Tennessee prisons, led by members of the Aryan Nation gang. Michael Bailey, while incarcerated, coordinated with James Payne (outside prison) to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl. Bailey used contraband cell phones to direct drug purchases and sales, communicating with his girlfriend, mother, and other associates to manage the operation and profits. Law enforcement apprehended several participants, seized drugs and cash, and collected evidence, including recorded calls and testimony from co-conspirators.After an indictment, a jury in the United States District Court for the Western District of Tennessee found Bailey guilty of two counts of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. He was sentenced to concurrent 300-month prison terms. Bailey moved for a judgment of acquittal and a new trial, arguing errors in jury instructions, evidence admission, and insufficient evidence, but the district court denied his motions. He then appealed to the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit.The Sixth Circuit reviewed Bailey’s claims. It held that the jury instructions on conspiracy accurately stated the law, even after subsequent amendments to the pattern instructions. The court found no error in not giving a specific instruction on law enforcement testimony, as the standard instructions on witness credibility sufficed. The district court did not abuse its discretion in admitting evidence of gang affiliation, disciplinary records regarding cell phone possession, or a recorded phone call, finding them relevant and not unfairly prejudicial. Lastly, the appellate court held that sufficient evidence supported Bailey’s convictions. The court affirmed the district court’s judgment. View "United States v. Bailey" on Justia Law

Police officers found the defendant unconscious in the driver’s seat of a vehicle parked behind an apartment building. During the ensuing welfare check, officers observed a firearm with a large drum magazine in the vehicle’s center console, along with suspected narcotics, a digital scale, sandwich bags (some containing substances), empty bags, cash, and several cellphones. The substances later tested positive for controlled drugs, including cocaine, fentanyl, methamphetamine, and psilocin. The vehicle was registered to another individual, Francine Gill. After his arrest, the defendant made jail calls referencing large amounts of money on Cash App cards and discussing the car with Gill.A federal grand jury indicted the defendant on six counts, including possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute, using or carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. At trial in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, the prosecution presented evidence connecting the defendant to the drugs, cash, and firearm, including the jail call excerpts. The district court overruled the defendant’s objection to the admission of the calls. The jury convicted the defendant of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. He was acquitted on other drug counts. The district court sentenced him to 154 months’ imprisonment after considering his health conditions and criminal history, but declined to grant a downward departure or variance.The United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit affirmed the convictions and sentence. The court held that sufficient evidence supported the convictions, that the district court did not abuse its discretion in admitting the jail calls, and that the sentence was substantively reasonable. The court also held that the denial of a downward departure was unreviewable because the district court understood its authority to grant one. View "United States v. Curry" on Justia Law

Marion Thomas was stopped by Chicago police officers after failing to signal a turn. During the stop, officers reported smelling marijuana coming from his vehicle. After Thomas partially rolled down his window and refused to comply with several commands, officers opened his door and removed him from the car. Thomas was handcuffed and his car was searched, revealing a marijuana cigarette and a tray. Thomas claimed the items did not belong to him and experienced a medical issue, after which he was taken to the hospital. He was cited for the traffic violation and marijuana possession.Following his arrest, Thomas filed suit in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against the officers and the City of Chicago, alleging illegal search, illegal seizure, false arrest under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, and malicious prosecution under state law. Some claims and defendants were dismissed at summary judgment. At trial, the jury found for the defendants. Thomas moved for a new trial, arguing that the jury instructions were erroneous, that an officer gave misleading testimony, and that a question about his criminal record was prejudicial. The district court denied his motion.The United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit reviewed the case. It held that the challenged jury instructions accurately stated the law, including the principle that probable cause to arrest for any crime defeats a false arrest claim. The court found no abuse of discretion regarding the officer’s testimony about a marijuana “grinder,” as there was no evidence of fraud or prejudice. The court also determined that the question about Thomas’s criminal record did not prejudice the jury, since the objection was sustained and no answer was given. The Seventh Circuit affirmed the district court’s judgment. View "Thomas v McAuliffe" on Justia Law

In this case, law enforcement learned from a confidential informant that Christian Ferrari was manufacturing and selling privately made firearms, commonly called “ghost guns,” without the required federal license or serial numbers, making the weapons untraceable. Between March and May 2023, Ferrari sold 22 unregistered AR-15 style rifles, including 20 short-barreled rifles, to undercover ATF agents in four separate cash transactions. During these sales, Ferrari failed to ask for or provide paperwork, complete background checks, or exchange identification. The agents told Ferrari that the guns were intended for use in protecting marijuana grows in Northern California and for transport to Mexico.Ferrari was charged in the United States District Court for the Southern District of California and pled guilty to four counts of willfully dealing firearms without a license. The Presentence Investigation Report recommended a sentencing enhancement for firearms trafficking under U.S.S.G. § 2K2.1(b)(5), based on Ferrari having “reason to believe” the guns would be used unlawfully. Ferrari objected, arguing there was no evidence he believed the agents were unlawful possessors or would use the guns unlawfully. The district court overruled his objection, finding the totality of circumstances gave Ferrari reason to believe in unlawful use, and applied the enhancement, resulting in a 37-month sentence.On appeal to the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, Ferrari changed his argument, claiming the Sentencing Guidelines required that the transferee in fact be an unlawful possessor or intend unlawful use. The Ninth Circuit, reviewing de novo, held that Application Note 13 to § 2K2.1(b)(5) does not require that what the defendant had reason to believe was actually true. Because Ferrari did not dispute he had reason to believe the agents were unlawful possessors, the district court correctly applied the enhancement. The Ninth Circuit affirmed the sentence. View "USA V. FERRARI" on Justia Law

Law enforcement uncovered a drug trafficking operation that imported large quantities of methamphetamine from Mexico into central Arkansas and other parts of the United States. Gabriel Aguirre, residing in Mexico, was identified as a U.S.-based leader who coordinated deliveries of methamphetamine to distributors and customers. The organization collected proceeds from drug sales and sent money to Aguirre in Mexico using various methods to conceal the transfers. In October 2017, law enforcement intercepted communications revealing Aguirre’s involvement in coordinating a methamphetamine shipment to Little Rock, Arkansas. The shipment was intercepted, and 18 kilograms of methamphetamine were seized. Evidence also showed Aguirre had direct contact with couriers and managed aspects of the operation.The United States District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas considered the presentence investigation report, which recommended sentencing enhancements for Aguirre’s role as a manager or supervisor and for engaging in criminal conduct as a livelihood. The district court overruled Aguirre’s objections to these enhancements, finding that he coordinated significant drug shipments and that the drug trafficking was his primary occupation. The court applied a three-level enhancement for his managerial role and a two-level enhancement for engaging in the offense as a livelihood, resulting in an advisory guidelines range of 292 to 365 months. Aguirre was sentenced to 300 months’ imprisonment.On appeal, the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit reviewed whether the district court correctly applied the sentencing enhancements and whether the sentence was substantively reasonable. The court held that there was no clear error in finding Aguirre was a manager or supervisor, nor in finding sufficient evidence that he engaged in drug trafficking as a livelihood. The appellate court also found the sentence within the guidelines and substantively reasonable. Accordingly, the Eighth Circuit affirmed the judgment of the district court. View "United States v. Aguirre" on Justia Law

In two separate cases, the defendants were charged with unlawful possession of large capacity firearms or feeding devices after police investigations uncovered evidence of such weapons. One defendant was found with multiple AR-15 style rifles, pistols, and high-capacity magazines in his home following a tip and search warrant. The other was arrested after a domestic disturbance, during which police discovered a loaded pistol with a fifteen-round magazine in his possession. Both defendants were indicted in the Superior Court Department for violations of G. L. c. 269, § 10 (m), among other offenses.Upon pleading guilty, each defendant was sentenced by a Superior Court judge to a State prison term of one year to one year and one day for the § 10 (m) violations. The Commonwealth objected to these sentences, arguing that the maximum term was unlawful because the statute requires a maximum term of at least two and one-half years. The Commonwealth filed timely motions to revise and revoke the sentences as illegal, but these were denied by the sentencing judges. The Commonwealth appealed, and the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts transferred the cases from the Appeals Court on its own initiative.The Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts held that for convictions under G. L. c. 269, § 10 (m), the maximum term of an indeterminate State prison sentence must be at least two and one-half years. The court concluded that sentences with a maximum term less than two and one-half years are unlawful. It also held that principles of double jeopardy did not bar resentencing because the Commonwealth acted within the procedural time limits and the defendants did not have a legitimate expectation of finality in their sentences. The court reversed the denial of the Commonwealth's motions, vacated the sentences, and remanded for resentencing. View "Commonwealth v. Psikarakis" on Justia Law

Late at night, police officers responded to a 911 call reporting a man with a gun in an area known for gang activity. The caller provided a description and stated that the man put a gun in a white Kia parked nearby. An officer recognized someone matching the description—later identified as Perez—who entered a nearby apartment. Officers, without a warrant or exigent circumstances, approached the residence, saw Perez inside through the screen door, and ordered him to come out at gunpoint. Perez initially did not comply but eventually exited and was detained outside. A witness identified Perez as the suspect, and a subsequent search of the Kia and Perez’s person uncovered a firearm, drugs, and related evidence.Perez moved to suppress the evidence in the Superior Court of Orange County, arguing that his seizure inside the apartment violated the Fourth Amendment because the officers lacked probable cause and a warrant. The prosecution argued that the initial detention was justified by reasonable suspicion and that no warrant was necessary since officers did not physically enter the residence. The trial court denied the motion, finding that the detention was proper, and Perez ultimately pleaded guilty and was sentenced.The California Court of Appeal, Fourth Appellate District, Division Three, reviewed the case. It held that Perez was seized while still inside the residence and that, under the Fourth Amendment, such a seizure requires both probable cause and a warrant or exigent circumstances. The court rejected the prosecution’s arguments that the officers’ conduct was permissible as a mere detention or as a warrantless arrest effected from outside the home. The judgment was reversed, and the case was remanded with instructions to allow Perez to withdraw his plea and to grant suppression of the evidence and identification derived from the unlawful seizure. View "People v. Perez" on Justia Law

Three defendants were charged following a federal investigation into La Asociación Ñeta, an organization originally founded to advocate for prisoners’ rights in Puerto Rico, but later alleged to have evolved into a criminal enterprise engaged in drug trafficking and violence. The defendants were accused of conspiring to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, and of conspiring to possess with intent to distribute heroin, cocaine, and marijuana. The indictment described La Ñeta as an enterprise whose members facilitated drug transactions and other criminal conduct. The defendants were tried jointly before a jury and convicted on both counts.After conviction in the United States District Court for the District of Puerto Rico, the defendants appealed to the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. Their appeals were consolidated with those of several codefendants. In an earlier opinion, the First Circuit rejected most challenges but found that it could not resolve whether certain hearsay statements used at trial were admissible under United States v. Petrozziello because the District Court had not made the required findings. The First Circuit remanded for the District Court to make explicit findings about whether the statements were made by coconspirators during and in furtherance of the conspiracy, and retained jurisdiction over the appeals.After the District Court made its findings, the First Circuit reviewed the record and supplemental briefs. The court held that the challenged statements were properly admitted under Petrozziello or, where any error occurred, it was harmless given the overwhelming evidence of guilt. The court also rejected a cumulative error argument, finding no basis to overturn the convictions. The United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit affirmed the convictions of all three defendants. View "United States v. Rosario-Orangel" on Justia Law

The defendant was involved in an incident in August 2022 in which, while intoxicated, he assaulted a woman with whom he had a long-term relationship, causing physical injuries that required medical attention. When deputies attempted to arrest him, he resisted and injured two officers. He was subsequently charged with several offenses, including resisting an executive officer and inflicting corporal injury on a cohabitant, and admitted to aggravating factors based on his prior convictions. Pursuant to a plea agreement, he was sentenced to county jail on the misdemeanor count and received a four-year suspended prison sentence with four years of probation on the felony count, along with presentence custody credits.After being arrested for a new offense and failing to comply with the conditions of his release, his probation was revoked by the Superior Court of Los Angeles County (Judge Emily Cole), and the previously suspended four-year prison sentence was imposed. The court recalculated his presentence custody credits, but an error was made in the calculation. While his appeal was pending, appellate counsel notified the trial court (Supervising Judge Michelle deCasas) of the miscalculation, requesting correction. The trial court acknowledged the mistake but concluded it lacked jurisdiction to correct it after the notice of appeal had been filed.The California Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District, Division Seven, reviewed the case. The court held that Penal Code section 1237.1 expressly confers jurisdiction on the trial court to correct errors in presentence custody credit calculations even after a notice of appeal is filed, provided the defendant requests the correction. The court found that the miscalculation was conceded by both parties and modified the judgment to award the correct amount of 400 days of presentence custody credit. The judgment was otherwise affirmed as modified. View "People v. Taft" on Justia Law