February 14, 2022, opinions

Designated for publication McFarland v. Lumpkin, 19-70011, appeal from S.D. Tex. per curiam (Higginbotham, Southwick, Willett), habeas corpus, ineffective assistance of counsel, Brady claim, Sixth Amendment Affirming denial of habeas relief, after having granted COA on denial of claims of ineffective assistance of counsel, Brady violation, and Sixth Amendment violation. Reminiscent of the original panel … More February 14, 2022, opinions

October 12, 2021 opinions

Designated for publication Securities and Exchange Commission v. Blackburn, 20-30464, appeal from E.D. La. Costa, J. (Dennis, Higginson, Costa), securities law Affirming the district court’s summary judgment in favor of the SEC against three defendants for selling unregistered securities and misleading investors in operating a penny stock company, and affirming remedy of disgorgement of defendants’ … More October 12, 2021 opinions

September 10, 2021 opinions

Designated for publication Barilla v. City of Houston, 20-20535, appeal from S.D. Tex. Higginson, J. (Owen, Clement, Higginson), First Amendment, standing Reversing district court’s dismissal on grounds of lack of standing of First Amendment suit by plaintiff, an accordionist and would-be busker, challenging Houston ordinances that restrict busking. Plaintiff alleges “that but for the Busking … More September 10, 2021 opinions

Take the Fifth: May 14-17, 2021 opinions

Designated for publication Lillie v. Office of Financial Institutions State of Louisiana, 19-30705, appeal from M.D. La. Smith, J. (Smith, Graves, Ho), securities law Affirming denial of continuance for further discovery and grant of summary judgment to defendants (“SEI”) that were associated with Stanford International Bank, Ltd. in Robert Stanford’s Ponzi scheme, based on conclusion … More Take the Fifth: May 14-17, 2021 opinions

Take the Fifth: March 29-31, 2021 opinions

Designated for publication U.S. v. Burney, 20-10529, appeal from N.D. Tex. Smith, J. (King, Smith, Haynes), criminal, sentencing Affirming 60-month sentence on guilty plea to wire fraud. The presentence report recommended a guideline range of 12-18 months, “[b]ased on the severity of the offense, Burney’s acceptance of responsibility, and his criminal history,” but the district … More Take the Fifth: March 29-31, 2021 opinions