SCOTUS denies Indiana judicial canons case
The Supreme Court of the United States has refused to take a case asking whether Indiana’s judicial canons constitutionally infringe on the free speech rights of those on or vying for seats on the bench.
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COA rules on unjust enrichment issue for first time
For the first time, the Indiana Court of Appeals addressed an issue involving express contracts and equitable remedies and decided that the existence of a contract, in and of itself, doesn’t preclude equitable relief which isn’t inconsistent with the contract.
First impression issue on ‘in loco parentis’ doctrine
Until Friday, Indiana courts had never specifically addressed the application of the in loco parentis doctrine in the context of a private club sport that isn’t affiliated with a school. The Indiana Court of Appeals addressed the issue in a lawsuit against a private club volleyball coach and the volleyball club following the injury of a minor player while on private property.
Opinions April 29, 2011 ILD
Indiana Supreme Court had posted no opinions at IL deadline.
Indiana Court of Appeals
Joni Gabriel, personal representative of the estate of Eugene A. Gabriel Jr. v. Loretta Gabriel, personal representative of the estate of Eugene A. Gabriel Sr.
34A04-1007-ES-438
Estate, supervised. Affirms trial court properly determined that Loretta’s action was not barred and the evidence supported the findings that Eugene Sr. had not transferred stock to Eugene Jr. Reverses determination regarding the ownership of the stock and the percentage of the estate that is to be distributed to Loretta and the remaining heirs. Remands with instructions to hear further evidence if necessary and to make additional findings as to the distribution of the estate.
Edwin Blinn, Jr. v. The Law Firm of Johnson, Beaman, Bratch, Beal and White, LLP
27A05-1011-CT-721
Civil tort. Affirms dismissal of Blinn’s complaint against the law firm, alleging the firm was vicariously liable for Beal’s malpractice. The trial court properly dismissed Blinn’s complaint because it was time-barred and was not saved by the Journey’s Account Statute.
Thomas J. Tarrance v. State of Indiana
60A01-1010-CR-570
Criminal. Dismisses Tarrance’s appeal of his sentence following a guilty plea to Class B felony robbery while armed with a deadly weapon. Tarrance didn’t timely file his notice of appeal, so it’s dismissed for lack of subject matter jurisdiction.
Aaron R. Nichols v. State of Indiana
29A04-1008-CR-589
Criminal. Affirms denial of motion to correct error challenging the denial of Nichols’ motion to order the Indiana Department of Correction to amend the Sex Offender Registry to reflect that he was required to register as a sex offender for a 10-year period instead of for life. Rejects Nichols’ interpretation of “unrelated” to require a “conviction-and-re-offense” sequence. The reporting period is determined by law, not by the trial court or the DOC.
City of Mitchell, Indiana, et al. v. Steven Blair (NFP)
47A04-1011-PL-754
Civil plenary. Affirms trial court order reversing the Indiana Board of Works and Public Safety’s decision to terminate Blair’s employment with the Mitchell Police Department, and reinstating him with back pay.
John Pagorek v. Adrienne Garippo and Jimmy Warren (NFP)
45A03-1005-SC-243
Small claim. Affirms denial of Pagorek’s motion to correct error.
Brent Sims v. State of Indiana (NFP)
82A01-1007-CR-328
Criminal. Affirms convictions of felony murder and Class D felony neglect of a dependent.
Timothy Rene Warren v. State of Indiana (NFP)
02A03-1009-CR-461
Criminal. Affirms sentence following guilty plea to theft.
Construction Labor Contractors, Inc. v. Masiongale Electrical-Mechanical, Inc. (NFP)
18A02-1008-CC-881
Civil collections. Reverses denial of Construction Labor Contractors Inc.’s denial of its motion to correct error seeking additur following a judgment in its favor against Masiongale Electrical-Mechanical. Remands with instructions.
Amy Whitaker v. State of Indiana (NFP)
48A04-1010-PC-698
Post conviction. Affirms denial of petition for post-conviction relief.
Paternity of E.W.; L.W. v. C.M. (NFP)
65A01-1010-JP-588
Juvenile. Affirms order denying father’s petition to modify the physical custody of his daughter and the issuance of a modified parenting-time order.
R.W. v. Review Board (NFP)
93A02-1007-EX-802
Civil. Affirms finding that R.W. was discharged by his employer for just cause.
Simon Shulkin v. State of Indiana (NFP)
30A01-1012-CR-607
Criminal. Vacates conviction of Class C misdemeanor failure to stop after damage to a vehicle. Remands for a new trial.
Robert Arnold v. State of Indiana (NFP)
49A05-1010-CR-651
Criminal. Affirms conviction of Class C felony child molesting.
Timothy A. Strait v. State of Indiana (NFP)
71A03-1009-CR-536
Criminal. Affirms convictions of and sentence Class C felony child molesting, Class D felony domestic battery, and Class D felony criminal confinement, which was entered as a Class A misdemeanor.
Avonte Yarbrough v. State of Indiana (NFP)
49A02-1010-CR-1088
Criminal. Affirms conviction of Class B felony battery.
Indiana Tax Court had posted no opinions at IL deadline.
Opinions April 29, 2011
Indiana Court of Appeals
Steven A. Coppolillo v. Anthony Cort
45A05-1007-PL-433
Civil plenary. Reverses summary judgment in favor of Cort on Coppolillo’s suit for unjust enrichment. The parties’ contract does not preclude Coppolillo’s claim in equity against Cort. There is a material dispute of fact as to whether Cort was unjustly enriched. Remands for further proceedings.
Judges split on stalking conviction
The Indiana Court of Appeals was divided Friday in reversing a man’s conviction of stalking. The decision hinged on their interpretations of the term “repeated” in Indiana’s anti-stalking laws.
Indianapolis attorney to represent accused USS Cole bomber mastermind
A week after the federal government announced it would seek the death penalty against the prime suspect in the 2000 bombing of the USS Cole, the Department of Defense has appointed an Indianapolis attorney to represent the man who will face the first military tribunal under President Barack Obama’s administration.
Opinions April 28, 2011 ILD
Indiana Supreme Court had posted no opinions at IL deadline.
Indiana Court of Appeals
Ben and Elaine Life v. F.C. Tucker Company, Inc., et al.
49A02-1008-CC-931
Civil collections. Affirms denial of the Lifes’ motion to correct error following summary judgment in favor of defendants F.C. Tucker Co. and Tucker Home Link. The Lifes’ response to Tucker’s motion for summary judgment was late and the trial court didn’t err in striking it along with the designation of evidence and attached affidavits. There is no contract between Tucker and the Lifes, so summary judgment for Tucker on the breach of contract claim and negligence claim was appropriate.
Term. of Parent-Child Rel. of I.A., et al.; K.B. v. IDCS (NFP)
02A03-1008-JT-437
Juvenile. Affirms termination of parental rights.
Rodney A. Covington v. State of Indiana (NFP)
48A04-1007-CR-465
Criminal. Affirms revocation of work release and imposition of the balance of Covington’s suspended sentence.
Brandon Lee Johnson v. State of Indiana (NFP)
02A03-1006-CR-367
Criminal. Affirms convictions of and sentence for murder and attempted murder.
Michael Fields v. State of Indiana (NFP)
49A05-1008-CR-480
Criminal. Affirms conviction of Class A misdemeanor possession of paraphernalia.
Kendall D. McGee v. State of Indiana (NFP)
20A03-1010-CR-568
Criminal. Affirms convictions of Class C felony criminal confinement, Class D felony strangulation, Class A misdemeanor battery, and finding that McGee is a habitual offender.
John W. Williams v. State of Indiana (NFP)
49A05-1009-CR-555
Criminal. Affirms conviction of Class D felony criminal recklessness.
Terry Martin v. State of Indiana (NFP)
49A02-1010-CR-1130
Criminal. Affirms conviction of Class A misdemeanor domestic battery.
Mary Maksimik v. SLB Mobil, Inc., et al. (NFP)
64A03-1010-CT-526
Civil tort. Affirms summary judgment in favor of SLB and other defendants in Maksimik’s suit alleging breach of duty of care.
Corey Pannell v. State of Indiana (NFP)
49A04-1008-CR-513
Criminal. Affirms convictions of Class B felony possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon, Class D felony intimidation, and Class D felony criminal recklessness.
Jonathan Grider Jr. v. State of Indiana (NFP)
16A01-1011-CR-599
Criminal. Affirms order revoking probation and ordering Grider to serve the balance of his suspended sentence.
John Bradley IV v. State of Indiana (NFP)
57A03-1009-CR-488
Criminal. Affirms denial of motion to withdraw guilty plea.
Steve A. Thomas v. Phyllis A. Briggs (NFP)
09A04-1007-DR-446
Domestic relation. Affirms order that Thomas pay a child support arrearage.
Carl Hoover v. State of Indiana (NFP)
49A05-1008-CR-519
Criminal. Affirms conviction of Class D felony child seduction, upon which conviction was entered as a Class A misdemeanor.
Anahel A. Amaya v. State of Indiana (NFP)
20A05-1008-CR-598
Criminal. Revises sentence for 10 counts of child molesting as Class A felonies to 60 years.
Scott Wayne Mosby and Shelly M. Mosby (NFP)
62A01-1011-DR-579
Domestic relation. Affirms order that Scott Mosby pay permanent maintenance of $1,000 a month.
Phillip D. Hartsough v. State of Indiana (NFP)
20A03-1006-CR-343
Criminal. Affirms convictions of Class B felony dealing in methamphetamine and Class A misdemeanor resisting law enforcement.
Gale S. Shawyer v. State of Indiana (NFP)
29A04-1007-CR-503
Criminal. Affirms revocation of probation.
Term. of Parent-Child Rel. of D.H., et al.; Y.H. v. IDCS (NFP)
71A03-1009-JT-507
Juvenile. Affirms involuntary termination of parental rights.
R.B. v. Review Board (NFP)
93A02-1004-EX-497
Civil. Affirms denial of unemployment benefits.
Indiana Tax Court had posted no opinions at IL deadline.
Opinions April 28, 2011
7th Circuit Court of Appeals
Andrew C. Koons v. United States of America
09-3025
U.S. District Court, Southern District of Indiana, Evansville Division, Chief Judge Richard L. Young.
Civil. Affirms denial of Koons’ motion to vacate his guilty plea to being a felon in possession of a firearm. Koons failed to establish that his trial counsel’s performance was constitutionally deficient.
Judges rule on first impression escrow matter
For the first time, the Indiana Court of Appeals addressed whether it’s possible to create an escrow absent an escrow agreement or fee.
7th Circuit rejects ineffective trial assistance claim
The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld the denial of a defendant’s motion to vacate his guilty plea, claiming ineffective assistance of trial counsel. The judges found the record foreclosed any claim that the man’s attorney was constitutionally ineffective or that the man didn’t otherwise knowingly and voluntarily plead guilty.
Appellate court to visit Wabash for arguments
The Indiana Court of Appeals travels to Wabash Friday to hear arguments in an insurance case.
COA splits on need for evidentiary hearing in revocation
The Indiana Court of Appeals split as to whether only a chronological case summary entry indicating a man’s admissions to violating terms of community corrections placement is enough to bypass holding an evidentiary hearing.
Credit-time statute amendment not retroactive
An amendment to the statute governing credit-time eligibility for people on home detention in criminal corrections programs is not retroactive, therefore, a defendant isn’t entitled to credit time under the amendment, the Indiana Court of Appeals concluded Wednesday.
Justices reverse forfeiture of truck
The Indiana Supreme Court agreed with the lower appellate court that a man’s truck shouldn’t have been lost in a civil forfeiture action because the state didn’t prove any substantial connection between the truck and the commission of a crime.
Opinions April 27, 2011 ILD
Indiana Court of Appeals
Doe Corporation v. Lolita Honoré, as special administratrix of the estate of Andrea Honoré
49A05-1007-MI-408
Miscellaneous. Reverses grant of motion to dismiss Doe Corp.’s motion for a preliminary determination of law regarding the validity of an opinion of a medical review panel appointed in the medical malpractice action filed by Lolita Honoré. The trial court did possess subject matter jurisdiction over the issue as it involved a request for enforcement of the requirement that the medical review panel chair carry out his statutory duties. The trial court also erred by dismissing the motion for PDL on Trial Rule 12(B)(8) grounds. Remands for further proceedings.
Tyrone G. Postell v. State of Indiana (NFP)
49A02-1008-CR-914
Criminal. Affirms convictions of Class A felony criminal deviate conduct and Class C felony intimidation. Remands with instructions to set aside the conviction of and sentence for Class A misdemeanor criminal mischief.
Daniel Farris v. State of Indiana (NFP)
49A02-1009-CR-973
Criminal. Affirms conviction of Class A misdemeanor invasion of privacy.
Jon D. Holman v State of Indiana (NFP)
48A05-1008-CR-499
Criminal. Affirms sentence following guilty plea to Class B felony arson, two counts of Class C felony burglary, Class D felony unlawful possession of a syringe, Class D felony theft, and Class A infraction possession of paraphernalia.
Jesse Savage v. State of Indiana (NFP)
49A02-1002-CR-286
Criminal. Affirms convictions of and sentence for three counts of Class A felony child molesting and one count of Class C felony child molesting.
Andrew D. Patterson v. State of Indiana (NFP)
71A04-1009-CR-664
Criminal. Dismisses appeal because none of the issues raised are properly before the court.
Aubra Ferguson v. State of Indiana (NFP)
87A05-1008-PC-565
Post conviction. Affirms denial of petition for post-conviction relief.
Alton Moss v. State of Indiana (NFP)
27A05-1005-CR-310
Criminal. Affirms convictions of murder and Class B felony burglary.
Gary M. Kincade v. State of Indiana (NFP)
49A02-1009-CR-978
Criminal. Affirms conviction of Class A misdemeanor battery.
Term. of Parent-Child Rel. of J.C., et al.; C.C. v. I.D.C.S. (NFP)
49A02-1008-JT-1018
Juvenile. Affirms involuntary termination of parental rights.
Bradley Laycock v. State of Indiana (NFP)
84A04-1009-CR-593
Criminal. Affirms order sentencing Laycock to eight years in the Department of Correction following his guilty plea to Class B felony neglect of a dependent.
Jerome Taylor v. State of Indiana (NFP)
49A05-1009-CR-551
Criminal. Affirms revocation of placement in community corrections work release program and order that Taylor serve the balance of his sentence in the Department of Correction.
Steven L. Fortner v. Janet M. Fortner (NFP)
67A01-1011-DR-564
Domestic relation. Affirms order following remand in all respects except that the appellate court remands for findings based upon and satisfying the requirements of the child support worksheet. Judge Friedlander concurs in part and dissents in part.
Jacqueline Gaff v. State of Indiana (NFP)
02A03-1007-CR-417
Criminal. Affirms conviction of Class D felony possession of a controlled substance.
Indiana Tax Court had posted no opinions at IL deadline.
The Indiana Supreme Court denied transfer to nine cases for the week ending April 22.
Opinions April 27, 2011
Indiana Supreme Court
Martin Serrano v. State of Indiana and the City of Fort Wayne
02S03-1104-CV-241
Civil. Reverses trial court judgment in favor of the state allowing for the forfeiture of Serrano’s truck. The state concluded he used the truck to transport or facilitate the transportation of a controlled substance for purposes of committing a drug-related offense. There was insufficient evidence to establish by a preponderance that Serrano’s drug possession at the time he was arrested was furthered by the use of his truck or that his truck was used for the purpose of possessing cocaine.
Judge: Governor doesn’t have to testify in IBM case
Marion Superior Judge David Dreyer has ruled that Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels doesn’t have to testify about his involvement in the cancelled multi-million dollar IBM contract to modernize the state’s welfare system.
COA affirms transfer penalty for nursing home resident
The Indiana Court of Appeals has affirmed a finding by the Family and Social Services Administration that an elderly woman was not entitled to Medicaid nursing home benefits in the eight months after she gave $35,500 to her nephew and his wife.