Disciplinary Actions: Jan. 1-March 28, 2022
Read a summary of disciplinary decisions handed down by the Indiana Supreme Court during the first quarter of 2022.
Discipline
Articles
Pro se attorney gets public reprimand from justices for direct email to opposing party
Describing an Indianapolis lawyer as “his own worst enemy” when it comes to electronic communications, a split Indiana Supreme Court has issued a public reprimand after the lawyer sent a threatening email directly to an opposing party rather than working through another lawyer. A dissenting justice, however, said the rule in question in this issue of first impression does not apply to pro se lawyers like the attorney who was disciplined.
Immigration attorney suspended again for unauthorized practice of law
An Indianapolis attorney already on probation following a suspension will have to serve the remaining balance of her suspended time after she was found to have practiced law while under a reciprocal suspension order.
Lying to client about filing lawsuit gets Indy attorney at least 1-year suspension
An Indianapolis attorney has been suspended from the practice of law for no less than one year without automatic reinstatement after he lied to a client about filing a lawsuit on her behalf and failed to inform her that she may have had an actionable malpractice claim against him.
Threatening to expose intimate photos gets attorney 90-day suspension
Angola attorney Allen R. Stout has been suspended from the practice of law for three months with automatic reinstatement after he was found to have deliberately deceived and bullied a woman who was seeking a protective order against his client.
Valpo attorney put on indefinite suspension for noncooperation
The Indiana Supreme Court has indefinitely suspended Valparaiso attorney Bryan M. Truitt from practicing law in Indiana for failing to cooperate with a disciplinary investigation against him.
Indianapolis attorney reinstated after suspension for lying on law school, bar applications
An Indianapolis attorney who was previously suspended for lying on his law school and bar admission applications may once again practice law in the Hoosier State.
Former Adams Co. judge banned from judicial service for life following campaign-related misconduct
A former Adams County Drug Court judge has been banned from judicial service in Indiana for life after violating judicial conduct rules related to his failed 2020 reelection campaign.
Suspended Indy attorney suspended again for noncompliance
Attorney J. David Massey has been suspended for failing to cooperate with the Indiana Supreme Court Disciplinary Commission’s investigation of a grievance filed against him.
Former Adams Co. judge Miller faces discipline charges related to judicial campaign
The Indiana Commission on Judicial Qualifications has filed disciplinary charges against a former Adams County Drug Court judge related to election matters during his time on the bench.
Attorney suspended without automatic reinstatement for misconduct resulting in 12 rule violations
Carmel attorney P. Adam Davis has been suspended from the practice of law for one year without automatic reinstatement after the Indiana Supreme Court found he violated 12 professional conduct and admission rules arising from two separate disciplinary actions.
Porter Co. judge receives public admonition for bond modifications
Porter Superior Judge Christopher Buckley received a public admonition Monday for actions related to his service as a town court judge, when he modified several defendants’ bonds without giving them notice or without a motion from the prosecution.
Southern Indiana attorney reprimanded for representing opposing parties in criminal matter
Carla Ginn, a solo practitioner in Scottsburg, has been publicly reprimanded for violating the prohibitions against conflict of interest by simultaneously representing a father, the alleged perpetrator, and his son, the alleged victim.
Indianapolis attorney suspended, ordered to refund client’s retainer
Indianapolis attorney Loren Comstock has been suspended from the practice of law for 120 days effective Dec. 14 for failing to provide competent representation and to keep his client reasonably informed about the progress of her federal lawsuit against her former employer and labor union.
Justices reprimand Plainfield lawyer, former bar foundation leader for ‘materially limited’ representation
The Indiana Supreme Court has publicly reprimanded a former Indianapolis Bar Foundation president for his role in providing legal advice to a former client despite being “materially limited” by his own personal interest in the matter.
Nonlawyer assistant’s failure to properly notarize is attorney’s responsibility, disciplinary commission advises
Attorneys are responsible for ensuring that their nonlawyer assistants properly notarize documents, a new advisory opinion from the Indiana Supreme Court Disciplinary Commission says. If not, supervising attorneys can face discipline.
Indianapolis officer faces excessive force charges
An Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department sergeant faces two felony charges and a recommendation to be fired after body camera video showed him using excessive force during a recent arrest, authorities said Tuesday.
Muncie attorney suspended after failure to communicate with client
A Muncie attorney who failed to communicate with an incarcerated client for years before withdrawing representation from the inmate’s case has been suspended from the practice of law in Indiana for 120 days with automatic reinstatement.
Inmate wins habeas relief from disciplinary sanction
A prisoner has been granted habeas relief from a disciplinary decision against him after the Northern Indiana District Court found he was denied the right to present evidence in his case.
Justices reinstate Noblesville attorney after satisfaction of unpaid costs
A Noblesville attorney who was set to begin serving a suspension for failing to pay costs in a discipline action has been reinstated to the Indiana bar.