July 6, 2026

Indiana Court of Appeals
Zachary Clay Parksey v. State of Indiana
No. 25A-PC-2268

Appeal from the Vanderburgh Circuit Court, Judge Ryan D. Hatfield, Magistrate Celia M. Pauli. Zachary C. Parksey, after pleading guilty to Level 2 felony voluntary manslaughter, sought post-conviction relief, claiming he was not informed of the mandatory lifetime parole that accompanied his plea. The post-conviction court denied relief, asserting that no advisement of the parole requirement was necessary. The appellate court determined that mandatory lifetime parole is a direct consequence of the plea and that a defendant must be advised of it before pleading guilty. It found the post-conviction court had erred in its reliance on outdated case law, reversing the ruling and remanding the case for the necessary factual determinations regarding whether Parksey had been advised and whether this would have impacted his decision to plead guilty. Judge Altice authored the opinion, with Judges Brown and DeBoer concurring. Appellant appeared pro se. Appellee’s attorney: Office of the Indiana Attorney General.

Indiana Court of Appeals
In the Matter of the Paternity of A.R.D.: J.B. (Father), Appellant-Petitioner v. D.D. (Mother), Appellee-Respondent
No. 26A-JP-92

Appeal from the Clay Circuit Court, Judge David O. Thomas. The trial court found the father in contempt for failing to pay child support and comply with discovery orders, sentencing him to 10 days in jail. The father could purge his contempt by paying $10,000 towards his arrears or by posting a bond. The court affirmed, finding no abuse of discretion in the contempt ruling or the sanctions imposed. Judge Bradford authored the opinion. Chief Judge Tavitas and Judge Felix concurred. Appellant’s attorney: Faith E. Alvarez, Alvarez Legal LLC, Indianapolis, Indiana.

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