Disciplinary Actions
Read who has been found in contempt, reinstated, reprimanded and suspended in the most recent reporting period.
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Multi-jurisdictional estate planning requires research, collaboration
Every year like clockwork, when the leaves change and the temperature drops, thousands of Indiana residents flee the bitter Hoosier winter in favor of a warmer southern climate. Most often, these snowbirds find themselves wintering in Florida, and many decide to permanently relocate to the Sunshine State. While this decision to relocate is beneficial to […]
Suspended attorney facing theft charges in Delaware, Franklin, Lawrence counties
A suspended Indiana lawyer accused of stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from disabled and special needs clients was arrested and held without bond in the Johnson County Jail earlier this month after authorities in at least two counties issued warrants for his arrest.
2 convicted in killings of 3 during drug-related robbery
Two young men have been convicted in connection with the 2017 drug-related robbery and fatal shootings of three men in an Indianapolis apartment. The Marion County Prosecutor’s Office announced Monday that Troy Ward was convicted of c three counts of murder and three counts of felony murder, while Martell Williams was convicted of charges including three counts of felony murder, among other convictions for both.
Podcast on U.S. Supreme Court launches just as upheaval begins
Originally wanting to create a podcast about the Supreme Court of the United States, Indiana University Maurer School of Law professor Ian Samuel inadvertently proved, again, that timing is everything.
Indiana child welfare agency to spend $22M on raises
The Indiana Department of Child Services is spending $22 million on raises for staff as part of an effort to improve the agency that’s seen rising caseloads and internal battles. The raises will take effect Wednesday for more than 3,600 employees, or about 87 percent of the agency’s staff.
Firms cite 1851 law in Missouri boat accident, seek mediation
Two companies facing multiple lawsuits over a summer tourist boat accident in Missouri that killed 17 people have invoked an 1851 law that allows vessel owners to try to avoid or limit legal damages as they also seek settlement negotiations with victims’ family members. But Tia Coleman, an Indianapolis woman who survived the accident, and lawyers for others whose family members died denounced the filing as callous and insulting.
Hate crimes stalemate: Statehouse study committee offers no consensus
Several hours of testimony before a legislative study committee charged with examining a potential hate crimes law for Indiana heavily underscored one central point: there are many opinions and no common ground.
Judges, lawyers bemoan political nature of Kavanaugh hearings
Ask any constitutional scholar whether the process of confirming Justice Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court played out as was constitutionally intended, and the answer will likely be “no.” Federal judges and practicing lawyers agree: regardless of your politics, the animosity that exploded in the Senate over the last month was not what the Framers had in mind.
Diversity, mental health CLEs divide ISBA House of Delegates
The 2018 Indiana State Bar Association annual meeting began last week with an intense debate in the House of Delegates over a proposal designed to make a statement about the bar’s position on hot-button topics: should attorneys be required to attend CLE programs about diversity and mental health issues?
Indiana Court Decisions — Sept. 27-Oct. 9, 2018
Read Indiana appellate decisions from the most recent reporting period.
7th Circuit upholds judgment for Pearson on sex discrimination claim
A former employee of Pearson Education, Inc. has lost her sex discrimination appeal against the educational products supplier after the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals found the woman failed to show she was similarly situated to three male employees she claimed were treated better than her.
Lawyer who saw golf course slip, fall can’t represent victim
A Chicago attorney was removed from a northern Indiana federal personal injury case last week because he had witnessed an alleged golf course accident that was the basis of his client’s lawsuit.
Oral argument: Bright-line speeding rule requested in OWI case
The Indiana Supreme Court heard oral argument Monday morning on a speeding-turned-OWI case following its grant of transfer to the state’s appeal, including concerns regarding reasonable suspicion.
7th Circuit seeking public comment on jury instructions
The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals is seeking public comment on proposed revisions to criminal pattern jury instructions. Comments on the proposed changes will be accepted until Nov. 20.
Venue transfer appeal heads to Ivy Tech Indianapolis
Questions raised regarding the meaning of the term “principal office” will be heard in an Appeals on Wheels oral argument Tuesday morning at Ivy Tech Community College.
U.S. Supreme Court asked to review abortion law signed by Pence
Indiana is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to hear arguments over a law that bars women from having an abortion based on gender, race or disability. The law was signed in 2016 when Vice President Mike Pence was Indiana governor, but federal courts have blocked it.
Imprisoned ex-Indiana pastor wants electronics returned
An imprisoned ex- pastor from Columbus who admitted to charges in what prosecutors say was a scheme faking a burglary of his home in order to pay an opioid drug debt is asking for the return of confiscated electronics.
AG files complaints against 3 nurses after drugs diverted
The Indiana attorney general’s office has accused three nurses of diverting prescription drugs or medication from their workplaces.
Southwestern Indiana county gets grant to expand drug court
Knox County in southwestern Indiana has landed a $500,000 federal grant that will allow officials to nearly double the county’s drug court.