Take the Fifth: April 1-2, 2021 opinions

Designated for publication U.S. v. Knowlton, 19-41042, appeal from E.D. Tex. Elrod, J. (Elrod, Willett, Engelhardt), criminal Affirming conviction for receiving material containing child pornography. The Court held that the flash drives, external hard drives, and computer hard drives were “materials containing” child pornography and not merely child pornography itself, rejecting defendant’s argument that he … More Take the Fifth: April 1-2, 2021 opinions

Take the Fifth: March 12, 2021 opinions

Designated for publication U.S. v. Nelson, 19-41008, appeal from S.D. Tex. Higginbotham, J. (Higginbotham, Smith, Dennis), criminal, search and seizure, Miranda Affirming conviction for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 kilograms or more of marijuana, on conditional guilty plea reserving right to appeal from district court’s denial of motion to suppress evidence seized … More Take the Fifth: March 12, 2021 opinions

Take the Fifth: March 10, 2021 opinions

Designated for publication Hall CA-NV, LLC v. One Republic National Title Insurance Co., 20-10268, appeal from N.D. Tex. Ho, J. (Clement, Ho, Duncan), breach of contract, insurance Affirming dismissal of plaintiff’s suit for coverage for prior mechanic’s liens under title insurance policy, on basis that plaintiff had agreed to removal of such coverage. Judge Ho … More Take the Fifth: March 10, 2021 opinions

Take the Fifth: March 9, 2021 opinions

Designated for publication Williams v. Lockheed Martin Corp., 18-31162, appeal from E.D. La. Owen, C.J. (Owen, Willett, Oldham), federal officer jurisdiction, asbestos, sanctions Denying petition for en banc rehearing, granting petition for panel rehearing, vacating panel opinion, and issuing new decision affirming district court’s denial of motion to remand, summary judgment dismissal of asbestos-exposure claims, … More Take the Fifth: March 9, 2021 opinions

Take the Fifth: March 5, 2021 opinions

Designated for publication Playa Vista Conroe, a Condominium Association v. Insurance Co. of the West, 20-20307, appeal from S.D. Tex. Oldham, J. (Higginbotham, Costa, Oldham), insurance Affirming summary judgment holding insurer liable for coverage of Hurricane Harvey damage to boat slips suffered by condo association when the Lake Conroe Dam was opened by the San … More Take the Fifth: March 5, 2021 opinions

Take the Fifth: March 4, 2021 opinions

Designated for publication U.S. v. Clark, 19-10186, appeal from N.D. Tex. Costa, J. (Higginbotham, Costa, Oldham), criminal, garnishment Affirming district court’s garnishment order on defendant’s brokerage account and IRA account funds, as not being “income” necessary to comply with child support orders. After examining the distinction between “income” and “assets,” the Court held that “the … More Take the Fifth: March 4, 2021 opinions

Take the Fifth: March 1, 2021 opinions

Texas Association of Manufacturers v. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 17-60836, on petition for review of an order of the CPSC Owen, C.J. (Owen, Southwick, Higginson), administrative law, standing, Administrative Procedures Act Holding that the Consumer Product Safety Commission (“CPSC”) procedurally erred in promulgating a final rule limiting the concentration of 5 phthalates in children’s … More Take the Fifth: March 1, 2021 opinions

Take the Fifth: Feb. 19, 2021 opinions

Designated for publication U.S. v. Kim, 18-51024, appeal from W.D. Tex. Dennis, J. (Dennis, Southwick, Ho), criminal, sentencing, restitution Vacating restitution order and remanding for redetermination, but dismissing appeal regarding application of sentencing enhancement as barred by the guilty-plea appeal waiver. Defendant pled guilty to one count of criminal copyright infringement; the district court sentenced … More Take the Fifth: Feb. 19, 2021 opinions

Take the Fifth: Feb. 4, 2021 opinions

Unpublished U.S. v. Higgins, 19-10885, appeal from N.D. Tex. per curiam (Higginbotham, Jones, Costa), criminal, sentencing, supervised release Affirming special conditions as part of supervised release sentence the district court’s order to participate in treatment for substance dependency, to contribute to the cost of that treatment, and to abstain from the use of alcohol and … More Take the Fifth: Feb. 4, 2021 opinions

Take the Fifth: Jan. 27, 2021 opinions

Designated for publication Munoz-Rivera v. Wilkinson, 19-60376, petition for review of BIA order per curiam (Owen, Graves, Ho), immigration Dismissing petition for review of cancellation of removal order upon determining that “the use of an unauthorized social security number constitutes a crime involving moral turpitude (CIMT) such that petitioner is ineligible for cancellation of his … More Take the Fifth: Jan. 27, 2021 opinions