April 23, 2026

Court of Appeals of Indiana
Katherine Gonzalez, Appellant-Defendant v. Plaza Services, LLC, Appellee-Plaintiff
No. 25A-CC-2424

Appeal from the Lake Superior Court, Magistrate Judge Robert Jeffrey Boling. Katherine Gonzalez appeals a garnishment order in favor of Plaza Services, LLC. The court erred by entering the order without holding a hearing, which is required by Indiana Trial Rule 69(E). Consequently, the Court of Appeals reverses the garnishment order and remands the case for the court to modify its prior orders and clarify that no hearing was held. Judge Bailey authored the opinion, with Judge Vaidik concurring and Judge Scheele concurring in result with a separate opinion. Appellant’s attorneys: Megan Stuart, Sarah Everett, Indiana Legal Services, Indianapolis and South Bend, Indiana. Appellee’s attorneys: None listed.

Court of Appeals of Indiana
Tradewinds Holding Company, Inc. v. CPUS Anson Building 8A, LP
No. 25A-PL-347

Appeal from Boone Superior Court, Judge Matthew C. Kincaid. Tradewinds Holding Company, Inc. appealed the Boone Superior Court’s partial summary judgment in favor of CPUS Anson Building 8A, LP, which found Tradewinds breached their lease agreement. The trial court awarded Anson over $3.5 million in damages, along with attorney fees and post-judgment interest. The appellate court affirmed Tradewinds’ breach of contract but found that the trial court erred in its damages calculation. The case was remanded for a recalculation of the damages owed by Tradewinds, specifically addressing the timeline for when rents and associated costs became due. Judge Scheele authored the opinion, with Judges Brown and Felix concurring. Appellants’ attorney: Alexander P. Pinegar, Church Church Hittle + Antrim, Noblesville, Indiana. Appellees’ attorneys: Jenny R. Buchheit, Robert A. Jorczak, Christina L. Fugate, Adam M. Alexander, Ice Miller LLP, Indianapolis, Indiana.

The following opinions were issued on April 22 following The Indiana Lawyer’s deadline.

Court of Appeals of Indiana
Terry L. Hargis, Jr., v. State of Indiana
No. 25A-CR-1194

Appeal from the Allen Superior Court, Judge David M. Zent. Terry L. Hargis, Jr. was convicted of two counts of Level 3 felony neglect of a dependent resulting in serious bodily injury, identified as a habitual offender, and sentenced to 52 years in prison. Hargis argued that the trial court erred by trying him in absentia, that his convictions constituted double jeopardy, and that his sentence was inappropriate. The court affirmed the absence ruling, finding Hargis waived his sentencing claim due to a lack of supporting argument. However, the court reversed one neglect conviction, determining the conduct constituted double jeopardy, and remanded to amend sentencing documents, instructing the court to apply the habitual-offender enhancement to the remaining conviction. Judge Vaidik authored the opinion, with Judges Mathias and Pyle concurring. Appellant’s attorney: Ryan M. Gardner, Deputy Public Defender, Fort Wayne, Indiana. Appellee’s attorney: Indiana Office of the Attorney General.

Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals
Keisha L. Lewis v. Indiana Department of Transportation
No. 25-1776

Appeal from the United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana, Judge Jane Magnus-Stinson. The court affirms the district court’s grant of summary judgment in favor of the Indiana Department of Transportation, concluding that Lewis failed to establish her claims of disability discrimination, race discrimination and retaliation. The court determined that no reasonable jury could find that Lewis’s termination was solely due to her disability, as her poor performance and insubordination were documented justifications for her dismissal. Chief Judge Brennan authored the opinion.

This content was created with the assistance of artificial intelligence and has been reviewed by an editor for accuracy.