A Pennsylvania federal judge’s statements during a plea colloquy served to expand the appellate rights of the defendant beyond what was contained in the plea agreement, the 3rd Circuit has ruled, remanding for resentencing the case of an Internet company owner convicted in a $74 million fraud scheme.

A lawyer who became romantically involved with a client in a divorce case, and later reported that the former client was stalking her via emails, Facebook messages and other forms of unwanted attention, has lost her appellate court bid for a restraining order.

Facing accusations of mortgage fraud and nepotism, the presiding justice of the Appellate Division, 1st Department, has hired two prominent attorneys, who confirm that a state commission has opened a preliminary inquiry into the matter.

An Appellate Division panel orders a trial judge to explain in detail why frequent-filer Robert Triffin should not be required to pay counsel fees for frivolous bad check claims.

The Appellate Division puts some gloss on a rule that lets judges dun parties who fail to appear, calling a $25,318 sanction for missing a day in court “a mistaken exercise of discretion.”