AG Hill’s 30-day suspension raises eligibility questions
For the first time in Indiana history, the elected attorney general has been suspended. But what the discipline means for Attorney General Curtis Hill remains to be seen.
Discipline
Articles
Despite lost support, AG Hill seemingly pushes forward
Statewide political leaders, including Republican leaders, are withdrawing support of embattled Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill, who next week begins a 30-day suspension for two ethics violations. But Hill so far has not indicated plans to step down from his role or leave the 2020 campaign trail once the suspension is over, even though his competition may be growing.
Holcomb asks Supreme Court whether AG Hill’s suspension creates vacancy
Just one day after the Indiana Supreme Court ordered Attorney General Curtis Hill to serve a 30-day suspension for ethical violations, Gov. Eric Holcomb is petitioning the high court for guidance on what the suspension means for Hill’s ability to remain in office and challenging Hill’s decision to appoint his chief deputy to serve in his absence. A ruling in Holcomb’s favor could permit him to appoint Hill’s replacement.
Second inmate disciplined for kissing allegations secures habeas relief
A second woman disciplined for allegedly kissing another inmate at the Rockville Correctional Facility has been granted habeas corpus relief, the Southern District Court ruled Friday.
AG Hill suspended for 30 days with automatic reinstatement
Finding Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill guilty of misdemeanor battery and two related violations of the Indiana Rules of Professional Conduct, the Indiana Supreme Court has ordered him to serve a 30-day suspension.
Suspended Warsaw attorney disbarred following theft, fraud conviction
A northern Indiana lawyer who was indefinitely suspended in March after he pleaded guilty to multiple felony theft charges was disbarred Wednesday by the Indiana Supreme Court.
Adams Co. judge receives public reprimand for judicial misconduct
The judge of the Adams County Drug Court has received a public reprimand from the Indiana Supreme Court after being found in violation of four judicial ethics rules related to his dispute with other county officials on behalf of his drug court coordinator.
Disciplinary Actions
Read who has been reinstated, resigned or suspended from the practice of law in the most recent reporting period.
Defendant in judges shooting case seeks jurists’ cellphone, JQC communications
The man charged with shooting two Indiana judges is seeking to bolster his self-defense claim by asking for four judges’ cellphone records and their communications with the Indiana Judicial Qualifications Commission related to the incident for which three judges were briefly suspended after the commission investigated and filed disciplinary charges against them.
Case against Indy attorney to proceed after client wins reversal
An Indianapolis attorney being sued by a former client in a post-conviction relief case faced a reversal Monday after the Indiana Court of Appeals found that the client’s complaint alleging violations of certain canons of the Rules of Professional Conduct did not deprive the trial court of jurisdiction over the case.
Hearing officer: No discipline necessary for lawyer in Park Tudor sex scandal
Despite a finding that prominent Indianapolis employment attorney Michael Blickman violated an ethical rule in his handling of a student-teacher sex scandal at Park Tudor High School, the hearing officer in Blickman’s disciplinary case is not recommending any action against his law license.
Hill accusers revive harassment suit with claims against Indiana Legislature
The federal litigation stemming from the sexual misconduct allegations against Attorney General Curtis Hill has been revived, this time with the plaintiffs suing the Indiana Legislature rather than the state. Hill’s accusers are also indicating that they plan to appeal the dismissal of several federal claims.
Bell and Grass: 3 things: The ethics of working from home
Moving your office into your home can pose unique ethical concerns you may not have considered. James Bell and Stephanie Grass discuss three things you need to know about the ethics of working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fishers attorney gets stayed suspension for professional misconduct
Indiana Supreme Court justices have issued a 60-day stayed suspension for a Fishers attorney who acknowledged he failed to properly represent a client in a divorce case and mishandled another client’s workplace sexual harassment claim.
Attorney suspended for failure to disclose in bar exam application
An attorney who failed to disclose in his bar exam application complaints made against him has been suspended from the practice of law effective immediately, the Indiana Supreme Court announced Tuesday.
Indiana justices accept Kokomo lawyer’s resignation
Indiana Supreme Court justices on Tuesday accepted a veteran Howard County lawyer’s resignation.
Lawyer conditionally reinstated years after taking bar funds
The Indiana Supreme Court on Wednesday conditionally reinstated a former Marion County Bar Association treasurer who was suspended without automatic reinstatement six years ago after admitting to taking more than $9,100 from the organization.
Despite inadequate defense, COA denies relief in 1999 Indy merchant’s murder
A man convicted of slaying an Indianapolis storekeeper in 1999 lost his post-conviction relief appeal Wednesday, even as the appellate panel acknowledged his since-suspended defense counsel failed to properly investigate alternate suspects, among other shortcomings.
Disciplinary Commission offers attorneys ethical tips during COVID-19 crisis
Hoosier attorneys have been offered some ethical tips from the Indiana Supreme Court Disciplinary Commission as lawyers statewide continue working remotely during the “new normal” caused by the novel coronavirus pandemic.
Disciplinary Actions
Read which Indiana attorneys have been reprimanded or suspended from the practice of law during the most recent reporting period.