Indian status test – Turtle Talk

Tenth Circuit Reverses Conviction Because Government Did Not Sufficiently Prove Defendant Was Non-Indian

January 13, 2026February 20, 2026Matthew L.M. Fletcher

Here is the opinion in United States v. Ruiz.

Briefs:

Government Brief

Update:

En banc petition.pdf Download

Tenth Circuit Affirms Criminal Conviction over Indian Status Challenge

August 31, 2024August 31, 2024Matthew L.M. Fletcher

Here is the opinion in United States v. Laskey.

Briefs here.

Tenth Circuit Decides Challenge to Indian Status of Cherokee Citizen Victim in Indian Country Crimes Act Case

October 31, 2023Matthew L.M. Fletcher

Here is the opinion in United States v. Walker.

Briefs:

Tenth Circuit Briefs in Challenge to “Indian Status” of Cherokee Nation Citizen

October 19, 2023Matthew L.M. Fletcher

Here are the briefs in United States v. Laskey:

Opening Brief.pdf Download

US Answer Brief.pdf Download