Verdict . News

Connecticut Supreme Court

Jan 13, 2026•4 min read

Connecticut Supreme Court Rules in State v. Christon M. Home Invasion Case

The Connecticut Supreme Court has issued a decision in State v. Christon M., involving a defendant convicted of home invasion and first-degree assault by firearm discharge. The case addresses important statutory interpretation questions regarding Connecticut's home invasion law.

•Defendant convicted of home invasion and first-degree assault by firearm discharge after entering residence and shooting occupant

•Case addresses statutory interpretation issues regarding Connecticut's home invasion law Section 53a-100aa

•Colorado Supreme Court issued unanimous en banc decision in People v. Castorena on January 12, 2026

Jan 12, 2026•4 min read

Colorado Supreme Court

Colorado Supreme Court Issues En Banc Decision in People v. Castorena

The Colorado Supreme Court issued an en banc opinion on January 12, 2026, in *People v. Juan Manuel Castorena*, addressing procedural questions involving both the First and Seventeenth Judicial Districts. The case, designated as 2026 CO 2, originated as an original proceeding under Colorado Appellate Rule 21 from Adams County District Court.

•Case involves original proceeding under Colorado Appellate Rule 21 addressing Criminal Procedure Rule 16(I)(c)(2)

•Colorado Supreme Court grants certiorari in Trujillo v. Colorado case on January 12, 2026

Jan 12, 2026•4 min read

Colorado Supreme Court

Colorado Supreme Court Reviews Pre-Testimony Witness Retaliation Laws

The Colorado Supreme Court granted certiorari in *Trujillo v. Colorado* to examine whether state witness retaliation laws apply when victims have not yet testified or been scheduled to testify, challenging a 1999 precedent.

•Case challenges 1999 People v. Hickman precedent on when witness retaliation laws apply

•Colorado Supreme Court unanimously ruled that a district court must allow a second competency evaluation after initially ordering one

Jan 12, 2026•4 min read

Colorado Supreme Court

Colorado Supreme Court Orders Second Competency Evaluation in Criminal Case

The Colorado Supreme Court unanimously ruled that a district court erred in denying a defendant's request for a second competency evaluation after initially ordering one. The court held that once a competency evaluation is ordered, proper statutory procedures must be followed.

•Court rejected trial judge's attempt to retroactively deny the request based on dilatory tactics concerns

Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals

Jan 9, 2026•4 min read

11th Circuit Upholds 16-Year Sentence for Georgia Drug Distribution Case

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit affirmed the conviction and 192-month sentence of Nathaniel Hilliard for multiple drug distribution charges, firearm possession by a convicted felon, and failure to appear at court proceedings. Hilliard had argued his Sixth Amendment right to self-representation was violated.

•Eleventh Circuit affirmed Hilliard's conviction on three heroin distribution counts, firearm possession, and failure to appear

•Court rejected Hilliard's claim that his Sixth Amendment right to self-representation was violated

Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals

Jan 9, 2026•4 min read

Tenth Circuit: District Courts Can Resolve Attorney-Client Disputes

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit ruled that district courts may address disagreements between criminal defendants and their attorneys without improperly participating in plea negotiations. The January 9, 2026 decision in *United States v. Eckstein* provides guidance on the boundaries of judicial involvement in attorney-client conflicts.

•District courts may resolve attorney-client disputes without improperly participating in plea negotiations

•The ruling provides precedential guidance throughout the Tenth Circuit on judicial boundaries in criminal cases

Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals

Jan 8, 2026•4 min read

5th Circuit Withdraws Opinion, Affirms in Berryman Prison Case

The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals granted rehearing in *Berryman v. Huffman*, withdrew its 2025 opinion, and issued a brief substituted ruling that affirmed the lower court's decision. Circuit Judge Dana Douglas dissented, highlighting concerns about a 1,233-day delay before trial.

•Fifth Circuit withdrew 2025 opinion and granted panel rehearing in prison-related case

•Court issued brief substituted opinion affirming lower court without detailed explanation

Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals

Jan 7, 2026•4 min read

4th Circuit Vacates Maryland Drug Conviction Over Evidence Disclosure

The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals vacated Robert Gary Moore's drug possession conviction after finding the state introduced undisclosed evidence during trial. The split 2-1 decision raises questions about prosecutorial disclosure obligations in criminal cases.

•Fourth Circuit vacated Maryland drug conviction in 2-1 split decision over late evidence disclosure

•State introduced undisclosed chain of custody report on second day of three-day trial

•Nebraska Supreme Court ruled appellate courts cannot disturb sentences within statutory limits absent abuse of discretion

Jan 2, 2026•4 min read

Nebraska Supreme Court

Nebraska Supreme Court Reaffirms Trial Judge Discretion in Sentencing

The Nebraska Supreme Court ruled Thursday in *State v. Rejai* that appellate courts cannot disturb criminal sentences within statutory limits absent an abuse of discretion by trial judges. The decision reinforces established standards for reviewing allegedly excessive sentences on appeal.

•Court defined abuse of discretion as decisions based on untenable reasoning or actions clearly against justice

Connecticut Supreme Court

Dec 23, 2025•4 min read

Connecticut Supreme Court Rules on Prearrest Silence in Murder Case

The Connecticut Supreme Court addressed whether prosecutors can cross-examine defendants about their failure to report self-defense claims to police before arrest. The case involved Joseph Thorpe, convicted of murder after claiming self-defense in a shooting death.

•Connecticut Supreme Court ruled on whether prosecutors can cross-examine defendants about prearrest silence in murder cases

•Joseph Thorpe was convicted of murder after unsuccessfully claiming self-defense in a shooting death