Criminal Procedure

Nick Reiner seeks $1.5M from trust fund to defend against murder charges involving parents

The son of the late filmmaker Rob Reiner is pursuing unpaid money from a trust fund established by his parents containing as much as $1.5 million to pay for his legal defense against allegedly killing his father and mother.

Jun 10, 2026 2:32 PM CDT

Judge halts use of nitrogen gas for execution, citing cruel and unusual punishment

A federal judge in Alabama has prohibited the state from executing an inmate this week using nitrogen gas, ruling that it amounts to cruel and unusual punishment in violation of the U.S. Constitution.

Jun 10, 2026 9:26 AM CDT

Bonding Experience: Chickie Leventhal did it her way in the male-dominated bail bonds business

In 2003, famed musical producer Phil Spector was in police custody in Alhambra, California, on suspicion of murder. His attorney, Robert Shapiro, wanted his client released without delay. He sent Chickie Leventhal to post a $1 million bond. Leventhal’s road to having such renowned lawyers calling her to spring their celebrity clients had humble beginnings.

Jun 9, 2026 3:28 PM CDT

Wills and trust attorney gets 20 years in prison for stealing over $500K from kids’ trust

A San Antonio attorney received a 20-year prison sentence last week after pleading guilty of stealing more than $500,000 from six kids whose parents died in a murder-suicide five years ago.

Jun 9, 2026 9:31 AM CDT

Attorney charged with trying to smuggle drugs into prison, allegedly possessing child pornography

A prominent New Mexico defense attorney who had been accused of bringing drugs into a prison now faces additional charges of allegedly possessing child pornography.

Jun 8, 2026 9:49 AM CDT

Hawaii Supreme Court considers whether refusing sobriety tests is evidence of guilt

The Hawaii Supreme Court is considering whether refusing sobriety tests can be used as evidence that a driver knew they were intoxicated.

Jun 5, 2026 7:05 AM CDT

DOJ seeks 8-year prison sentence for SCOTUSblog founder Tom Goldstein

The U.S. Department of Justice has asked a federal judge to sentence former U.S. Supreme Court lawyer and SCOTUSblog co-founder Tom Goldstein to eight years in prison after a jury convicted him on tax and financial crime charges earlier this year.

Jun 4, 2026 11:40 AM CDT

Lawyers plead not guilty in alleged insider trading ring

Fifteen defendants, including an ex-Goodwin Procter associate, pleaded not guilty Monday to allegedly participating in an insider trading scheme involving confidential information about mergers and acquisitions allegedly stolen from some of the largest U.S. law firms.

Jun 2, 2026 9:37 AM CDT

Guardianship rights may have fueled woman’s actions for allegedly shooting 2 lawyers outside courthouse

Disappointment over losing guardianship rights over her mother may have fueled the actions of a North Carolina woman who has been accused of the nonfatal shooting of two lawyers outside a courthouse following a hearing for a civil case.

Jun 1, 2026 3:16 PM CDT

Texting-and-driving charges dropped against woman without right hand

A Florida woman’s traffic citation for driving while texting with her right hand was dropped after bodycam footage showed that she only had one hand.

May 29, 2026 10:03 AM CDT

Lawyer sentenced to year in prison after conviction in $20M bank fraud trial

A New York compliance lawyer was sentenced Tuesday to 12 months and a day in prison for his role in a fraudulent scheme to steal $20 million from an Emigrant Bank unit.

May 27, 2026 11:15 AM CDT

Former Texas US attorney for the Southern District arrested, charged with felony hit-and-run

The former U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Texas faces felony charges after police say she fled the site of a car crash that injured another driver.

May 22, 2026 11:13 AM CDT

Alleging millions in fraud involving Medicaid and other programs, DOJ charges 15 individuals

The Justice Department on Thursday announced criminal charges against 15 individuals accused of stealing more than $90 million from Minnesota Medicaid and other taxpayer-funded social service programs.

May 22, 2026 10:33 AM CDT

Former DOJ prosecutor charged with allegedly stealing copies of classified report on Trump documents case

A former prosecutor for the Department of Justice has been indicted for allegedly sending herself copies of former special counsel Jack Smith’s report on his investigation into President Donald Trump and classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago home in Florida.

May 21, 2026 1:59 PM CDT

Lawyer arrested in alleged hit man plot involving custody dispute between influencer, boy band member

A Florida lawyer accused of conspiracy to commit murder related to a child custody dispute was arrested on a California warrant and appeared before a Seminole County, Florida, judge Tuesday.

May 20, 2026 1:53 PM CDT