Hotel Horror: Victims Awarded $4 Million After Assault Due to Security Lapse at Longmont Econo Lodge

Longmont, Colorado — A mother and daughter were violently attacked in a hotel room after a man gained access to them using a key mistakenly issued by the front desk, according to a civil lawsuit stemming from the incident. The case, which has drawn significant attention, highlights concerns about hotel security as a jury awarded the victims over $4 million in damages. On January 3, 2023, Carol Gonzales and her daughter were staying at the Econo Lodge. Unbeknownst to them, Cody Czichos, a man not registered at the hotel, had asked for and received a … Read more

Federal Judge Upholds Colorado’s Decision to Use Jury Award for Restitution, Sparking Controversy Over Rights and Due Process

A federal judge in Colorado has upheld a decision allowing the state to redirect a multimillion-dollar jury award intended for a disabled man towards his outstanding restitution obligations, a ruling that has sparked debate over rights and compensation. U.S. District Judge S. Kato Crews confirmed that the Colorado Department of Corrections acted within its rights by applying more than $3.6 million awarded to Jason Brooks against his existing debt from a 2010 criminal conviction for securities fraud. The jury’s decision, which followed a finding that Brooks’ rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act were violated, … Read more

Legal Expert Warns of Due Process Crisis as Judge Defies Administration on Immigrant Deportation Case

An Illinois law professor has raised concerns over the implications of recent deportation practices that bypass judicial hearings, labeling it a “public and open test of due process.” On Wednesday, a federal district judge rejected the Justice Department’s motion to postpone a case involving Kilmar Obrego Garcia, a Maryland resident who was deported to El Salvador. Both the U.S. District Court and the Supreme Court have mandated the Trump administration to assist in his repatriation. Professor Victoria Carmona from the Chicago-Kent College of Law emphasized the broader ramifications of denying due process, stating, “The violation … Read more

Federal Judge Rejects ACLU’s Request to Halt Deportations Under 1798 Law Amid Concerns of Due Process

WASHINGTON — A U.S. District Court judge on Thursday refused an emergency injunction to halt the immediate deportation of alleged members of a Venezuelan gang, underscoring the limited authority of the court following a recent Supreme Court decision. Judge James Boasberg of the District Court for Washington, D.C., highlighted his inability to take action regarding the deportation under the 1798 Alien Enemies Act, a law recently utilized by the Trump administration against the suspected gang members. During the hearing, Boasberg stated, “I’m sympathetic to your conundrum, but I don’t think I have the power to … Read more