Criminal Justice

Man charged with impersonating lawyer after showing up at traffic stop

A Florida man wearing a suit and tie showed up to a traffic stop as officers were arresting the driver and allegedly said he was her lawyer, according to news reports.

Jun 11, 2026 9:38 AM CDT

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

Prosecutor admits to accessing databases to spy on romantic rival

A Connecticut state prosecutor admitted Monday in Middletown superior court in Connecticut to accessing two protected computer databases to get information about a woman with whom her husband got involved while struggling with his mental health.

Jun 9, 2026 10:07 AM 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

Sex Crimes Prosecutor Turned Law Professor: A personal essay on a career-defining moment

It was the first day of the semester of law school. There was excitement in the air. I was happy to be back. I love the start of a new semester. There were nervous faces, too. Some anxiety, especially among the 1Ls. I was sitting in my office; 20 minutes until my 1L class would begin. I usually keep the door open when I’m in my office. I like the noise. I like to talk to my colleagues. It’s welcoming to students. And I don’t mind interruptions.

Jun 8, 2026 3:07 PM CDT

Attorney convicted of theft is disbarred by state supreme court

The Ohio Supreme Court on Thursday permanently disbarred an attorney who had previously been convicted of theft after stealing more than $225,000 from an estate that he administered.

Jun 8, 2026 10:18 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

9th Circuit judge faces misdemeanor charges of battery and property damage

Updated: Judge Ryan Douglas Nelson, who sits on the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals at San Francisco, was charged in April with misdemeanor battery and property damage.

Jun 5, 2026 3:37 PM 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

Former judge sentenced to 60 days in jail for falsifying records

A former Ohio judge was sentenced Monday to 60 days in the county jail and fined $10,000 after pleading guilty to tampering with records, so that she could steer court business to a friend.

Jun 2, 2026 9:19 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