Justices suspend Indianapolis attorney for felony drug possession conviction
Grant Helms, who has no prior disciplinary actions, was found guilty of possession of methamphetamine.
Indiana Supreme Court
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Judicial panel opts not to make sanction recommendations for ex-magistrate banned from bench
The Indiana Commission on Judicial Qualifications is requesting that the law license of a former Hamilton County magistrate busted in a meth sting only be reinstated if he can maintain a sustained recovery and fully comply with the Judges & Lawyers Assistance Program.
COA: liability precedent applies to hospitals and non-hospital medical providers
In a lawsuit over a missed areteriovenous fistula, the Indiana Court of Appeals has ruled the Indiana Supreme Court precedent which holds that a hospital can be held vicariously liable for the negligence of an independent-contractor physician also applies to a non-hospital facility.
Justices to hear premises-liability arguments against Menards
The case stems from an injury a man sustained after a sink fell on him at an Elkhart County Menards store.
Indiana Court Decisions – April 22-May 5, 2021
Read Indiana appellate court decisions from the most recent reporting period.
After veto override, governor turns to courts
In the legal brawl between Gov. Eric Holcomb and the Indiana General Assembly over who has the power to call the Statehouse into a special session, the Marion Superior Court will first have to determine which lawyers are actually representing the executive branch.
Justices to hear certified questions in medical malpractice case
The case stems from claims Jeffrey Cutchin brought against Sylvia Watson after she ran a red light and struck his vehicle, killing his wife and daughter.
Supreme Court extends authority for expanded remote hearings
As Indiana courts prioritize their safe return to live and in-person hearings, the Indiana Supreme Court announced that public health conditions will likely require trial courts to retain expanded authority for remote hearings.
Justices reject appeal to make public Indianapolis’ Amazon HQ2 offer
The Indiana Supreme Court has declined to hear an appeal from a tax trade publication that sought disclosure of tax dollars and incentives Indianapolis and the state offered Amazon in the city’s failed attempt to lure the online retail giant’s coveted second headquarters project known as HQ2.
Split Supreme Court upholds denial of LWOP defendant’s pro se request
A Boone County murder defendant convicted and sentenced to life without parole failed to convince a majority of the Indiana Supreme Court that the trial court improperly denied his request to proceed pro se. The majority provided an analysis for considering pro se requests in capital and LWOP sentences, but minority justices raised concerns about the majority “till(ing) new constitutional soil.”
Former Marion Superior Judge Moores certified as senior judge
Longtime Marion County juvenile judge Marilyn Moores has been certified as a senior judge following her retirement last year.
SCOTUS denies juvenile LWOP sentence appeal in 1994 Ball State murder
The United States Supreme Court waited exactly three years to reject the appeal petition of a defendant sentenced to life without parole for a murder he committed near Ball State University 27 years ago when he was 17.
Attorney suspended 90 days after second domestic violence conviction
A Logansport lawyer who was convicted for a second time of beating his wife will have his law license suspended for 90 days with automatic reinstatement, the Indiana Supreme Court has ruled.
Lawyer who sexted client draws 30-day suspension
An Indianapolis attorney will serve a 30-day suspension for sending sexually explicit text messages to a client, the Indiana Supreme Court ordered.
Evansville lawyer on probation after OWI plea
A longtime Evansville lawyer is on probation following his guilty plea several months ago to a charge of operating a vehicle while intoxicated.
Angola lawyer reprimanded for not telling opposing counsel about deposition
An Angola lawyer who failed to inform a litigant’s lawyers that the litigant was asked to sit for a deposition has been publicly reprimanded by the Indiana Supreme Court.
Supreme Court certifies 3 senior judges
Three northern Indiana trial court judges have been approved for senior judge certification.
Holcomb signs bill changing Lake, St. Joe JNCs
The structure of judicial selection in Lake and St. Joseph counties will soon change now that Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb has signed controversial legislation changing the composition of the judicial selection panels in the northern Indiana counties.
Lawyers question Rokita’s actions in lawsuit filed by governor
Attorney General Todd Rokita’s move to insert himself into the dispute between Gov. Eric Holcomb and the Indiana General Assembly over executive power is being challenged by members of the legal profession who see the state’s top lawyer as violating his oath and overstepping his authority.
Justices to hear arguments in tax jurisdiction case but deny another argument to IBM litigation
The Indiana Supreme Court will hear arguments in a case involving the dismissal of assessment challenges filed by multiple homeowners associations. However, the court has declined to hear arguments again in a dispute between the state and IBM Corp. over a broken contract.