Blog

Tenth Circuit issues major decision on marijuana industry

On Wednesday the Tenth Circuit issued a mixed-bag opinion for the burgeoning marijuana industry. Beginning with bad news for the industry: the decision in Safe Streets Alliance v. Hickenlooper struck a blow in holding that a landowner adjacent to a state licensed marijuana grow operation had a plausible claim under the federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Practices Act (“RICO”). The… read more…

Court enters judgment against Trooper for $2M

A Tulsa County District Court Judge has entered judgment for $2,000,000.00 against former Oklahoma Highway Trooper, Sheldon Robinson, in the death of Michael Swatosh. Robinson killed Swatosh after an encounter on a motel stairway in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Robinson claimed he shot Swatosh in self-defense, but an investigation revealed inconsistencies in Robinson’s explanations. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol terminated… read more…

Bryan & Terrill named to 2017 SuperLawyers

The 2017 SuperLawyers recently published their list of attorneys for Oklahoma and once again it includes attorneys from Bryan & Terrill. Started in 2011, Bryan & Terrill handles a broad spectrum of personal injury claims. The firm is also a recognized leader in the area of civil rights. In 2013, the attorneys at Bryan & Terrill… read more…

Nowata Sheriff, Undersheriff, and Jail Administrator all resign

According to reports, Sheriff Rick Miller, the Undersheriff, and the Jail Administrator have all turned in their resignations. The resignations are surprising given the relative importance of the three positions, both individually and collectively. In most counties, the Board of County Commissioners relies on the Jail Administrator to keep it apprised of jail operations, including use of… read more…

Title IX and Sexual Assaults on Campus

Schools and campuses are supposed to be a place where students can learn and should feel safe. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. Whether it is the school or college’s reputation or the fear of repercussions based upon an investigation, a problem is growing on campuses everywhere. Sexual violence on campuses is going unreported by… read more…

What to know about injuries caused by fireworks

As we wrap up another July 4th celebration, most of us are a little sluggish the next day due to fireworks continuing late into the night. For others, the long term consequences of their July 4th celebrations are far more serious with long lasting injuries. The vast majority of fireworks injuries occur where an individual inadvertently… read more…

City settles case of extended stop

This month the City of Checotah settled a case alleging its police officer unlawfully extended a traffic stop in violation of Rodriguez v. United States. In Rodriguez the Supreme Court held that police cannot prolong a routine traffic stop to conduct an investigation that is unrelated to the mission of the stop itself. In other… read more…

Court: Fido is an “effect” under the Fourth

Can a police officer violate the Fourth Amendment by shooting your dog? On Monday the Tenth Circuit joined a growing number of appellate courts that have answered the question in the affirmative. In Mayfields v. Bethards, two deputies left their patrol car, entered the Mayfield’s property without a warrant, approached the porch and shot their… read more…