2019 Criminal Law Legal Updates

New Hampshire Abolishes, Federal Government Reinstitutes Capital Punishment

July 25, 2019. New Hampshire’s repeal of the death penalty was consistent with the gradual national trend. The federal government went the other way.

SCOTUS: Police Don't Need Warrants for Blood Testing of Unconscious DUI Suspects

June 27, 2019. The Supreme Court of the United States held that the police usually don't need a warrant for a blood test if the driver is unconscious and therefore can't do a breath test for BAC evidence.

Governor Stops Executions in California

March 13, 2019. Governor Newsom signed an executive order putting a moratorium on the death penalty.

SCOTUS: Defense Lawyer Can't Refuse to File Appeal Even If Client Has Given up Appeal Rights

February 27, 2019. The client had plea agreements with "appeal waivers," but the Court said the lawyer provided ineffective assistance of counsel by failing to begin an appeal.

SCOTUS: Excessive Fines Ban Applies to State Governments

February 20, 2019. The U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision potentially limiting the states' civil forfeiture power.