O’Melveny Achieves Key Win For Criminal Defense in Defining ‘Crime of Violence’

O’Melveny achieved a precedent-setting victory in the Supreme Court by narrowing the definition of “violent crime” to exclude attempted Hobbs Act robbery. The Hobbs Act prohibits actual or attempted robbery or extortion affecting interstate or foreign commerce.

O’Melveny represented Justin Taylor on whether attempted Hobbs Act robbery is categorically a crime of violence under the Armed Career Criminal Act. Justice Neil Gorsuch wrote for the seven-justice majority in favor of O’Melveny’s client.

The ruling will allow Taylor and other defendants who have received between five and 10 extra years added to their sentences to challenge those convictions and sentences.