Attorney General
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South Dakota Supreme Court Issues Companion Decisions Clarifying Effect of Pretrial Self Defense Immunity Rulings Once a Case Proceeds to Trial
PIERRE, South Dakota, June 12 -- South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley issued the following news release on June 11, 2026:
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South Dakota Supreme Court Issues Companion Decisions Clarifying Effect of Pretrial Self Defense Immunity Rulings Once a Case Proceeds to Trial
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley commends the South Dakota Supreme Court for its separate opinions in State v. Bendel, 2026 S.D. 35, and State v. Braveheart, 2026 S.D. 36, where each involved a conviction for first degree manslaughter arising from violent confrontations that resulted in death.
The Court held,
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PIERRE, South Dakota, June 12 -- South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley issued the following news release on June 11, 2026:
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South Dakota Supreme Court Issues Companion Decisions Clarifying Effect of Pretrial Self Defense Immunity Rulings Once a Case Proceeds to Trial
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley commends the South Dakota Supreme Court for its separate opinions in State v. Bendel, 2026 S.D. 35, and State v. Braveheart, 2026 S.D. 36, where each involved a conviction for first degree manslaughter arising from violent confrontations that resulted in death.
The Court held,for the first time, that once a circuit court determines that a defendant is not entitled to statutory immunity from prosecution under SDCL 22 18 4.8, and the case proceeds to trial, any challenge to that immunity ruling becomes moot after a final judgment of conviction. Because the purpose of immunity is to shield a defendant from the burdens of prosecution and trial, the Court concluded that it cannot grant effectual relief after a conviction has already occurred. Defendants who wish to challenge an adverse immunity ruling must do so before trial through a petition for intermediate appeal. Once a case has been tried and a jury has found guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, the Court cannot revisit the pretrial immunity decision which has a much lower burden.
"These decisions provide important clarity on how South Dakota's self defense immunity statute operates once a case proceeds to trial," said Attorney General Jackley. "By confirming that immunity challenges can only be raised before trial, the Court has given prosecutors, defense counsel, and circuit courts a clear procedural framework moving forward."
In Bendel, the defendant beat his long time friend with a two by four board after an initial chokehold. The victim fled, but Bendel pursued him for approximately 50 yards and struck him multiple times as he lay on the ground, causing extensive injuries that led to his death. Bendel sought pretrial dismissal based on statutory immunity. The circuit court denied the motion after finding the State rebutted his prima facie showing by clear and convincing evidence.
In Braveheart, the defendant shot and killed an unarmed man during a confrontation in a store parking lot. A pretrial evidentiary hearing was held on Braveheart's claim of self defense immunity, and the circuit court denied the motion. At trial, the State presented eyewitness testimony and video evidence showing that although the victim slapped Braveheart multiple times, the victim had stepped back and raised his hands when Braveheart fired the fatal shot.
The juries in both cases convicted the men of first-degree manslaughter.
These companion decisions provide the Court's first explicit guidance on the effect of immunity rulings under South Dakota's 2021 self defense statutory framework. The Supreme Court held that the issue of immunity is no longer justiciable after a conviction, because the harm the statute was designed to prevent--prosecution itself--has already occurred.
In addition to the shared mootness holding, the Court affirmed both convictions, concluding that the juries had a sufficient evidentiary basis to reject claims of self defense and find the elements of first degree manslaughter satisfied.
The Attorney General's office represented the State in both appeals. The opinions were released Thursday. They can be found here:
https://ujs.sd.gov/media/iywf0w5l/31107.pdf
https://ujs.sd.gov/media/ur3bekmu/30927.pdf
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Original text here: https://atg.sd.gov/OurOffice/Media/pressreleasesdetail.aspx?id=3094
Md. A.G. Brown Announces That No Charges Will Be Filed in the February 24, 2026 Fatal Police-Involved Shooting in the City of Baltimore
BALTIMORE, Maryland, June 12 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on June 11, 2026:
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Attorney General Brown Announces that No Charges Will Be Filed in the February 24, 2026 Fatal Police-Involved Shooting in the City of Baltimore
Today, Attorney General Anthony G. Brown announced his decision not to seek charges in the Tuesday, February 24, 2026 fatal police-involved shooting that occurred in the city of Baltimore, Maryland.
On February 24, 2026, at 6:15 p.m., three detectives with the Baltimore Police Department (BPD) Group Violence Unit (GVU)
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BALTIMORE, Maryland, June 12 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on June 11, 2026:
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Attorney General Brown Announces that No Charges Will Be Filed in the February 24, 2026 Fatal Police-Involved Shooting in the City of Baltimore
Today, Attorney General Anthony G. Brown announced his decision not to seek charges in the Tuesday, February 24, 2026 fatal police-involved shooting that occurred in the city of Baltimore, Maryland.
On February 24, 2026, at 6:15 p.m., three detectives with the Baltimore Police Department (BPD) Group Violence Unit (GVU)entered a store in the 3600 block of Belair Road in Baltimore, Maryland. When a man, later identified as Dwight Hawkins, exited the store shortly after the detectives entered, the detectives followed him. Hawkins began to run from the detectives.
Detectives Arthur Fuog and Omar Rodriguez gave Hawkins multiple commands to stop and show his hands, but Hawkins did not comply. As Hawkins continued to run, he pulled out a handgun, coming in close proximity to Detective Fuog. Detectives Fuog and Rodriguez fired their service weapons, striking Hawkins.
The detectives rendered medical aid until emergency medical services (EMS) arrived on scene. Hawkins was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. A handgun was recovered near Hawkins at the scene.
The Attorney General's Independent Investigations Division (IID) began investigating the fatal police-involved shooting on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, and concluded its investigation on June 4, 2026. After completing its investigation and evaluating all the available evidence, the Office of the Attorney General has determined that the subject officers did not commit a crime under Maryland law. Accordingly, the Attorney General has declined to prosecute the subject officers in this case.
A copy of the IID's detailed investigative findings and analysis of relevant legal issues can be found in its declination report.
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Original text here: https://oag.maryland.gov/News/pages/Attorney-General-Brown-Announces-that-No-Charges-Will-Be-Filed-in-the-February-24,-2026-Fatal-Police-Involved-Shooting-in-t.aspx
Va. A.G. Jones Joins Multistate Effort Urging Formula 1 Racing to End Tobacco and Nicotine Product Sponsorships
RICHMOND, Virginia, June 11 -- Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones issued the following news release on June 10, 2026:
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Attorney General Jay Jones Joins Multistate Effort Urging Formula 1 Racing to End Tobacco and Nicotine Product Sponsorships
Attorney General Jay Jones today joined a coalition of attorneys general from 19 states and jurisdictions in calling on the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) and Formula 1 to prohibit sponsorships involving tobacco and nicotine products, including nicotine pouches -- and to terminate all existing sponsorship agreements involving those
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RICHMOND, Virginia, June 11 -- Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones issued the following news release on June 10, 2026:
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Attorney General Jay Jones Joins Multistate Effort Urging Formula 1 Racing to End Tobacco and Nicotine Product Sponsorships
Attorney General Jay Jones today joined a coalition of attorneys general from 19 states and jurisdictions in calling on the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) and Formula 1 to prohibit sponsorships involving tobacco and nicotine products, including nicotine pouches -- and to terminate all existing sponsorship agreements involving thoseproducts.
In a letter sent to FIA and Formula 1 leadership, the coalition expressed concern that tobacco companies are once again reaching young audiences through high-profile motorsports sponsorships. The letter specifically cites nicotine pouch advertising connected to Formula 1 teams and events, including products marketed by major tobacco companies.
"As the attention of the world is focused on Formula 1 so are the eyes of Virginia's children. Highly addictive products are making their way into F1 sponsorships and they're targeting our kids," said Attorney General Jones. "Racing organizations must take responsibility for how these sponsorships influence viewers, especially children. My office is committed to addressing the public health threat of tobacco and nicotine addiction and will continue working to keep Virginians safe."
The coalition noted that Attorneys General have a longstanding history of protecting consumers and young people from the harms of tobacco marketing. The 1998 Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement restricted tobacco advertising practices that targeted youth, including sponsorship limitations tied to sporting events and auto racing.
The Attorneys General emphasized that Formula 1's rapidly growing youth audience heightens concerns about exposure to nicotine product advertising. According to Formula 1 reports, viewership among children and teenagers has increased significantly in recent years, alongside major growth across streaming platforms and social media. The coalition also highlighted Formula 1's expanding partnerships with youth-oriented entertainment and consumer brands, including toy manufacturers and media companies.
In March, 160 international public health organizations and advocates similarly called on Formula 1 to eliminate tobacco and nicotine sponsorships from the sport. Research shows that tobacco advertising and marketing exposure can increase the likelihood of youth nicotine use and future tobacco initiation.
Co-led by Hawaii Attorney General Anne Lopez and Vermont Attorney General Charity Clark, Attorney General Jones is joined in the comment letter by the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, and Washington.
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Original text here: https://www.oag.state.va.us/media-center/news-releases/3038-attorney-general-jay-jones-joins-multistate-effort-urging-formula-1-racing-to-end-tobacco-and-nicotine-product-sponsorships
S.D. A.G. Jackley Honors Those Graduating Friday From Basic Telecommunicator Certification Course
PIERRE, South Dakota, June 11 -- South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley issued the following news release on June 10, 2026:
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Attorney General Jackley Honors Those Graduating Friday From Basic Telecommunicator Certification Course
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley congratulates the 16 students who graduate Friday from the state Basic Telecommunicator Certification Course held in Pierre.
"Every day, 911 telecommunicators are the calm voice in the moments of emergency situations," said Attorney General Jackley. "Without them, law enforcement and first responders could not
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PIERRE, South Dakota, June 11 -- South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley issued the following news release on June 10, 2026:
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Attorney General Jackley Honors Those Graduating Friday From Basic Telecommunicator Certification Course
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley congratulates the 16 students who graduate Friday from the state Basic Telecommunicator Certification Course held in Pierre.
"Every day, 911 telecommunicators are the calm voice in the moments of emergency situations," said Attorney General Jackley. "Without them, law enforcement and first responders could notdo their jobs."
Graduation completes the two-week course for the students who represent 11 different law enforcement or communication centers statewide. The course includes training and hands-on exercises on issues such as public safety telecommunications, how to respond to questions from the caller, how to handle both emergency and non-emergency calls for service, and how to prioritize multiple incidents happening at one time.
Instructors are staff from the State Division of Criminal Investigation's Office of Law Enforcement Training, which is part of the Attorney General's Office; experienced 911 telecommunicators from across the state, and public safety stakeholders.
Friday's graduation starts at 3:30 p.m. CDT in the George S. Mickelson Criminal Justice Center in Pierre. Chief Deputy Attorney General Brent Kempema is the keynote speaker.
Members of the 81st session of the Basic Telecommunicator Certification Course and their law enforcement organization are:
*** Addison Besler, Meade County Sheriff's Office
*** Macie Black, Metro Communications
*** Jasmine Burch, Fall River County Sheriff's Office
*** Grace Campbell, Lincoln County Sheriff's Office
*** Kaylen Crandall, Roberts County Sheriff's Office
*** Eric Elsberry, Bon Homme County Sheriff's Office
*** Amy Fleischhacker, Huron Department of Public Safety/State Radio
*** Mathew Fritsch, Clay Area Emergency Communications
*** Kerrigan Hoesing, Clay Area Emergency Communications
*** Carissa Oien, Roberts County Sheriff's Office
*** Sidney Overbay, Huron Police Department
*** Sidney Robinson, University of South Dakota Police Department
*** Kayla Scholl, Lake County 9-1-1 Communications
*** Jewelia Siegler, Roberts County Sheriff's Office
*** Amity Wilde, Meade County Sheriff's Office
*** Christopher Williams, Brookings Police Department
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Original text here: https://atg.sd.gov/OurOffice/Media/pressreleasesdetail.aspx?id=3092
N.J. A.G. Davenport Sues Trump Administration Over Unlawful Mandates on Federal Contractors
TRENTON, New Jersey, June 11 -- New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport issued the following news release on June 10, 2026:
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AG Davenport Sues Trump Administration Over Unlawful Mandates on Federal Contractors
Federal Demands Complicate State Contracting Requirements in Latest Ideological Fight Against Diversity
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Attorney General Jennifer Davenport today joined a coalition of 20 attorneys general in suing the Trump Administration over the addition of new terms to federal contracts that impose unclear requirements on contractors that depart from established antidiscrimination policies
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TRENTON, New Jersey, June 11 -- New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport issued the following news release on June 10, 2026:
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AG Davenport Sues Trump Administration Over Unlawful Mandates on Federal Contractors
Federal Demands Complicate State Contracting Requirements in Latest Ideological Fight Against Diversity
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Attorney General Jennifer Davenport today joined a coalition of 20 attorneys general in suing the Trump Administration over the addition of new terms to federal contracts that impose unclear requirements on contractors that depart from established antidiscrimination policiesand threaten severe penalties on federal contractors without adequate notice of what is prohibited.
"Once again, the Trump Administration is making it more difficult to do business with the State and to efficiently deliver government services," said Attorney General Davenport. "If left unchecked, this latest demand will result in the squandering of limited state resources and drive up costs, all in service of the Administration's ideological war on diversity."
In their lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, Attorney General Davenport and the coalition challenge the federal agencies' rushed implementation of President Trump's Executive Order No. 14398, which purports to purge "diversity, equity, and inclusion" (DEI) from federal contracting. The executive order, issued March 26, 2026, directs federal agencies to adopt new contract terms prohibiting federal contractors, including State agencies, from engaging in unspecified "DEI activities."
The lawsuit asks the court to hold the agencies' actions unlawful and enjoin the agencies from imposing the new contract terms.
In implementing the executive order, federal agencies took shortcuts around regular procedures designed to promote good government. For example, the agencies failed to invite comments from the public as required by law. Largely because of these shortcuts, contractors have no clear guidance on what the new contract terms require in practice, or whether or how the new requirements differ from existing antidiscrimination law. Contractors that fail to comply face severe penalties, including cancellation of their contracts, exclusion from all future federal contracts, and lawsuits under the False Claims Act. These vague contract terms impose needless costs on contractors and threaten to chill lawful efforts to prevent, detect, and remedy discrimination.
Federal agencies began adding the new terms into contracts in April 2026 and have been directed to modify existing contracts by July 24, 2026. The federal government estimates the order could affect as many as 640,000 contracts and subcontracts nationwide, including more than 160,000 contracts with over 34,000 unique vendors.
New Jersey and its agencies contract with the federal government, and the coalition states collectively hold existing federal contracts worth billions of dollars.
The coalition alleges that the federal agencies implementing the executive order violated the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) by failing to provide notice to the public or accept comments as required by federal procurement law, exceeding their legal authority, and neglected to adequately explain or justify the new requirements.
Joining Attorney General Davenport in filing the lawsuit are the attorneys general of California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.
View Complaint (https://www.njoag.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2026-0610_Complaint.pdf)
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Original text here: https://www.njoag.gov/ag-davenport-sues-trump-administration-over-unlawful-mandates-on-federal-contractors/
Attorney General Skrmetti Announces Opening of Claims Process in $6.5 Million Metropolis Parking Settlement
NASHVILLE, Tennessee, June 11 -- Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti issued the following news:
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Attorney General Skrmetti Announces Opening of Claims Process in $6.5 Million Metropolis Parking Settlement
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On January 12, 2026, Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti announced a multi-million dollar settlement with Metropolis Technologies, Inc. ("Metropolis") following an extensive investigation into its business practices in Tennessee. Part of the settlement included millions of dollars in restitution for Tennessee consumers who were improperly charged by the company. The claims process
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NASHVILLE, Tennessee, June 11 -- Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti issued the following news:
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Attorney General Skrmetti Announces Opening of Claims Process in $6.5 Million Metropolis Parking Settlement
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On January 12, 2026, Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti announced a multi-million dollar settlement with Metropolis Technologies, Inc. ("Metropolis") following an extensive investigation into its business practices in Tennessee. Part of the settlement included millions of dollars in restitution for Tennessee consumers who were improperly charged by the company. The claims processfor restitution payments opens today, and payments are expected to be made in early 2027.
Some consumers will immediately begin receiving email notices with information about filing a claim to receive payment from the restitution. The fastest way to file a claim is by using the unique Claimant ID and Access Code listed at the top of the email notice. Eligible consumers may file a claim even if they do not receive an email. Eligible consumers may need to provide documentation of these violations to receive payment.
To be eligible for payment, you: (1) must have paid for a parking session at a Metropolis parking lot in Tennessee between July 1, 2021, and January 6, 2026; (2) were wrongfully overcharged, ticketed, or booted; and (3) have not previously received a full refund from Metropolis for your parking session.
"I encourage every eligible Tennessean to file a claim and collect what they're owed as Metropolis works to make things right," said Attorney General Skrmetti. "This settlement means real money back where it belongs, with the hard-working people who got ripped off."
The electronic claim form can be found at www.metropolisparkingsettlement.com.
If you have any questions, please visit the settlement website. If you need further assistance, please contact the settlement administrator by emailing info@metropolisparkingsettlement.com or by filling out a contact request form on the settlement website.
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Original text here: https://www.tn.gov/attorneygeneral/news/2026/6/11/pr26-24.html
Attorney General Bonta Urges Congress to Continue Funding Legal Services for Low-Income Americans and Vulnerable Communities
SACRAMENTO, California, June 11 -- California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Bonta Urges Congress to Continue Funding Legal Services for Low-Income Americans and Vulnerable Communities
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OAKLAND -California Attorney General Rob Bonta, alongside a bipartisan coalition of 40 attorneys general, urged Congressional leaders to continue funding the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) in the Fiscal Year 2027 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill. LSC is the nation's largest funder of civil legal aid for low-income Americans,
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SACRAMENTO, California, June 11 -- California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Bonta Urges Congress to Continue Funding Legal Services for Low-Income Americans and Vulnerable Communities
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OAKLAND -California Attorney General Rob Bonta, alongside a bipartisan coalition of 40 attorneys general, urged Congressional leaders to continue funding the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) in the Fiscal Year 2027 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill. LSC is the nation's largest funder of civil legal aid for low-income Americans,supporting a nationwide network of 129 independent legal aid organizations, which operate more than 900 offices across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories.
"Justice should not be reserved only for those who can afford it," said Attorney General Bonta. "LSC-funded organizations help veterans access earned benefits, support survivors of domestic violence, and assist families facing serious legal challenges. California will always fight for equal access to justice, and we urge Congress to continue funding this critical work."
Created by Congress in 1974, LSC plays a critical role in ensuring access to justice for people who cannot afford legal representation in civil matters. Nearly 95% of LSC's federal funding is distributed directly to local legal aid providers and their programs that help millions of Americans each year. These programs address critical issues including housing, family safety, consumer protection, and veterans' benefits. LSC-partnered organizations also play a role in providing essential legal services to natural disaster victims - including Californians -who are rebuilding their lives in the wake of tragedy. In 2025 alone, more than 20.8 million Americans in disaster-stricken areas were eligible for LSC-funded services. These programs help survivors navigate filing insurance claims, appealing FEMA denials, and replacing vital documents. Moreover, studies show that every dollar invested in civil legal aid generates an average of seven dollars in societal benefits, making LSC an effective and efficient use of taxpayer resources.
In their letter to Congressional appropriations leaders, the attorneys general highlighted the vital role LSC-funded programs play in expanding access to justice in rural communities, where attorney shortages can leave residents without legal assistance when facing significant civil legal challenges. LSC grantees assisted more than 44,000 veterans and their families last year with significant legal needs, including securing rightful benefits, preventing homelessness, and removing arbitrary employment barriers.
In sending this letter, Attorney General Bonta joins the attorneys general of Colorado, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Alaska, American Samoa, Arizona, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, the District of Columbia, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
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Original text here: https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-urges-congress-continue-funding-legal-services-low-income
