Case Results
Civil Quiet Title/Probate
In defense of a Jefferson County quiet title action that was merged into a Denver Probate case, after four days of contested hearings, Mr. Willett secured a defense verdict for $77,764.22. The case is currently on appeal. Estate of Joseph T. Gallegos, Case No. 2020PR420 (Denver Probate).
TRIAL MATTERS
Criminal Sexual Assault
In a Boulder child sexual assault case, after a week-long trial in which the jury was deadlocked 11-1 for a not guilty verdict, a mistrial was declared by the court. Within 45 days, the Boulder County District Attorney moved to dismiss the case. The case has been sealed and therefore case information may not
be disclosed.
TRIAL MATTERS
Contractor Dispute
In a Denver County Court case, Mr. Willett obtained a $15,881.24 judgment for a countertop installer who was not paid by the countertop company. Castellon v. Bellagio Stone, Case No. 2023C54110 (Denver County).
TRIAL MATTERS
Domestic Violence
In a felony case charging an elderly woman with assaulting her elderly husband, the Boulder County District Attorney moved to dismiss the entire matter. The case has been sealed and therefore case information may not be disclosed.
TRIAL MATTERS
Personal Injury/Governmental Immunity
In a governmental immunity case, judgment of the trial court dismissing the case under the Colorado Governmental Immunity Act reversed and remanded. Case is pending a petition for certiorari to the Colorado Supreme Court. Dozier v. Jefferson County, Case No. 2021CA1726 (Colorado Court of Appeals
May 25, 2023).
APPEALS
Sexual Assault
The Colorado Court of Appeals reverses a trial court judgment on Speedy Trial grounds, ordering the lower court to vacate the convictions. The case is pending a petition for certiorari to the Colorado Supreme Court. People v. Brown, Case No. 2022CA0238 (Colorado Court of Appeals December 14, 2023).
The Colorado Court of Appeals orders the trial court to re-examine and disclose in camera records concerning the complaining witness, which the trial court previously held was non-disclosable. People v. Aaker, Case No. 2022CA366 (Colorado Court of Appeals March 21, 2024).
In a published opinion, the Colorado Court of Appeals holds that intellectually disabled persons are entitled to relief and may petition courts for de-registration from the Sex Offender Registry regardless of the seriousness of the triggering offense. People v. Warren, 2024COA60 (Colorado Court of Appeals May
30, 2024).
APPEALS
Personal Injury
In a bad faith insurance case, the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals reverses the United States District Court’s judgment granting dismissal of the bad faith claim. Auer v. State Farm Insurance Co., Case No. 23-1062 (United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit February 27, 2024).
APPEALS
Real Property
In a contract and trespass case, the Idaho Supreme Court in a published opinion reverses a judgment against a limited partnership and reinstates the trespass claims denied by the trial court. Axelrod v. Reid Limited Partnership, Case No. 49628 (April 17, 2024).