Sanctions

Judge Denies Defense Request to Disqualify Norfolk DA and Imposes No Sanctions in Karen Read Murder Case

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In Dedham, Massachusetts, Judge Beverly J. Cannone has denied a defense request to disqualify or impose sanctions on Norfolk District Attorney Michael Morrissey regarding his extrajudicial comments and other decisions made in the controversial Karen Read murder case. The judge determined that no egregious misconduct had occurred that could substantially prejudice the defendant’s right to a fair trial, leading to her denial of the motion. Responding to the ruling, Read’s defense attorneys refrained from commenting. This recent decision follows another denial by Judge Cannone on Tuesday, concerning the defense’s request to dismiss the case. The … Read more

Seattle Lawyer Accused of Blocking $1.19 Billion Water Contamination Settlement Denies Allegations, Calls Sanctions Motion an “Intimidation Tactic”

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SEATTLE, Washington – A Seattle lawyer is fighting back against allegations that he held up a $1.19 billion water contamination settlement involving DuPont. Jeff Kray, of Marten Law, claims that the sanctions motion filed against him by class counsel is merely an “intimidation tactic” based on a “fantastical conspiracy theory.” Kray argues that class counsel failed to meet with him prior to filing the motion. The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, represented by Kray, is at the center of this legal battle. Mitchell Tilner, an attorney from Horvitz & Levy in Burbank, California, has … Read more

Former Wood County Sheriff’s Deputy Wins Sanctions in Lawsuit Against County Commission and Sheriff’s Department

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PARKERSBURG, West Virginia – A former Wood County Sheriff’s deputy has won a motion for sanctions against the County Commission and Sheriff’s Department for failing to provide requested materials for review in her lawsuit. Pleasants County Circuit Judge Timothy L. Sweeney, who is presiding over the case, also ruled that an adverse jury instruction will be allowed regarding lost or destroyed materials. The legal battle between former Wood County Sheriff’s Sgt. Della Matheny and the commission, department, and former Sheriff Steve Stephens began in November. Matheny alleges that Stephens harassed female employees, created a hostile … Read more

Sanctions Imposed on Tom Girardi’s Son-in-Law and Former Law Partner for Failing to Safeguard Clients’ Settlement Funds

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Los Angeles, California – Two lawyers connected to Tom Girardi’s defunct law firm have been sanctioned by a State Bar judge for failing to adequately protect clients from Girardi’s misappropriation of settlement funds. The judge’s decision last week imposes restrictions on David Lira, Girardi’s son-in-law and former employee, and suspends the law license of Keith Griffin, another attorney who worked with Girardi for two decades. Judge Phong Wang’s ruling prevents Lira from controlling bank accounts that hold client money and requires him to work under the supervision of another attorney until an upcoming trial. During … Read more