Federal court reverses man's murder conviction
U.S. Court News
A federal court has reversed a Southern California man's conviction in the bludgeoning death of his wife.
The Orange County Register reports that a three-judge panel for the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled this week that 75-year-old Marvin Vernis Smith didn't receive a fair trial.
A jury found Smith guilty of murdering his wife 66-year-old Minnie Smith in 2007. She was found dead in their Cypress home, bludgeoned to death in the head and face with a metal fireplace log roller on Dec. 15, 2005.
The court ruled that a jury instruction violated Smith's right to receive proper notice of charges against him and prepare a defense.
The district attorney's office will request that the state attorney general ask the U.S. Supreme Court to review the decision.
Related listings
-
NM court to hear case over educator pension cuts
U.S. Court News 09/09/2013New Mexico's highest court is mulling whether the state can cut cost-of-living increases for retired educators to help shore up the pension system's long-term finances. The state Supreme Court is to hear from lawyers on Wednesday in a case brought by...
-
Custody dispute goes to Okla. Supreme Court
U.S. Court News 09/03/2013An Oklahoma man who is seeking custody of his Cherokee daughter has appealed a lower court decision to the Oklahoma Supreme Court. Dusten Brown filed a writ of prohibition Friday in Oklahoma Supreme Court. The filing is appealing a decision from Nowa...
-
Ind. high court to hear eminent domain lawsuit
U.S. Court News 08/29/2013The Indiana Supreme Court has agreed to hear an eminent domain case involving land in southern Indiana that a local board claimed for a planned airport runway expansion. The state's high court recently vacated the Indiana Court of Appeals' ruling in ...
The Law Offices of John M. Lynch, LLC - Our goal is to serve you and make your experience a pleasant one
Our firm founder John M. Lynch is a proven trial lawyer with a record of success in state and federal courts. His former service as a police investigator and federal drug task force agent enable him to see a case from all sides. He is routinely hired by other attorneys to assist with criminal cases. His peer recognition is also evident in the recognition that he has earned with Top 100 Trial Lawyers, AV Preeminent Rating and Super Lawyers. He has also been named as one of the Best Attorneys in St. Louis, a Rising Star in Missouri and a Rising Star in Kansas. His unique and broad -based experience has led to unparalleled success that include dismissal of charges, acquittal and markedly beneficial settlements.
Attorney John M. Lynch comes from a strong law enforcement background with a decade of experience as a police investigator and federal drug task force agent. Paired with his legal degree from St. Louis University School of Law, Mr. Lynch provides a unique and candid perspective for people charged with a full range of criminal activities.