A story made for television: FBI agent murdered during a bank robbery. A confession obtained through torture by the Mexican police. The trial judge previously investigated for corruption, fraud, and perjury by the very FBI agent that was killed. And the defendant sentenced to death.
Ninth Circuit case from July 25, 2018. The case is Echavarria v. Filson. Presumptive bias occurs when a judge may not actually be biased, but has the appearance of bias such that the probability of actual bias is too high to be constitutionally tolerable. In other words, we must satisfy an appearance of justice.
Read Full Opinion: http://cdn.ca9.uscourts.gov/datastore/opinions/2018/07/25/15-99001.pdf
Filed under: Federal Crimes
Anton Vialtsin, Esq., E.I. is a San Diego criminal defense attorney and CJA Panel member in the Southern and Central Districts of California. New case breakdowns every Wednesday on YouTube.
Related articles
- FLOCK CAMERA Searches Violate the 4th Amendment; Federal Judge Throws Out ALL Evidence!October 7, 2026 · ▶ Video
- Scratched Serial Numbers Enhancement Does NOT Count If Gun Is Traceable. Glock Machine Gun Switch.September 30, 2026 · ▶ Video
- Can Cops Use a Thermal Camera on Your Home Without a Warrant? | Kyllo v. USJuly 22, 2026 · ▶ Video
- “He Put Stuff in My Room, Bro” — Kid Destroys 4th Amendment Defense (US v. Gatkuoth)June 10, 2026 · ▶ Video