May 27, 2026

Court of Appeals of Indiana
Clifford Vance v. State of Indiana
No. 25A-CR-1741

Appeal from the Clark Circuit Court, Judge Bradley Jacobs. Clifford Vance appealed his convictions for drug-related offenses, arguing that the officers’ entry into and search of his motel room violated his rights under Article 1, Section 11 of the Indiana Constitution. The Court agreed, emphasizing that the officers’ degree of concern was low, the intrusion was moderate to high, and the law enforcement need was modest. The Court found that the State failed to demonstrate the reasonableness of the search, concluding that the trial court erred in admitting the evidence found, and ultimately reversed Vance’s convictions. Judge Vaidik authored the opinion, with Judge DeBoer concurring and Chief Judge Tavitas concurring in result with a separate opinion. Appellant’s attorney: Matthew J. McGovern, Fishers, Indiana. Appellee’s attorney: Office of the Indiana Attorney General.

Court of Appeals of Indiana
Daniel Ryan, Appellant-Defendant v. State of Indiana, Appellee-Plaintiff
No. 25A-CR-2839

Appeal from the Marion Superior Court, Judge Cynthia L. Oetjen. Daniel Ryan appeals his convictions for two counts of Level 4 felony child molesting. He argues that the conviction on Count II is unsupported by sufficient evidence and that both convictions violate substantive double jeopardy principles. The court found sufficient evidence for Count II and determined the convictions did not violate double jeopardy, affirming the trial court’s judgment. Judge DeBoer authored the opinion, with Judges Brown and Altice concurring. Appellant’s attorneys: Talisha Griffin, Ellen M. O’Connor, Marion County Public Defender Agency, Indianapolis, Indiana. Appellee’s attorney: Office of the Indiana Attorney General.

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