Indiana justices accept Kokomo lawyer’s resignation
Indiana Supreme Court justices on Tuesday accepted a veteran Howard County lawyer’s resignation.
Indiana Supreme Court
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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.
AG Hill: Supreme Court lacks authority to order release of DOC inmates
Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill is asking the Indiana Supreme Court to decline a request to use its rulemaking authority to order the release of inmates vulnerable to the novel coronavirus.
Justices remand for reconsideration in Munster misuse of public funds case
A unanimous Indiana Supreme Court has remanded a case, reinstating state claims against two former Munster school officials accused of misappropriation of funds. The court cited its recent decision concerning a case involving a Jennings County bookkeeper.
Justices extend COVID-19 procedures, halt non-emergency warrants
The Indiana Supreme Court has extended the effective date of Indiana trial court Administrative Rule 17 orders issued in response to the coronavirus pandemic, leaving them in place through May 4, according to a Friday announcement from the high court.
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.
State leaders urge release of low-risk inmates, non-violent juveniles
Leaders of all three branches of state government issued a joint letter Friday providing local communities guidance in releasing those detained in jails, correctional facilities and juvenile detention in an effort to stem the spread of coronavirus.
Indiana Tax Court deadlines relaxed, in-person filing halted due to pandemic
The Indiana Supreme Court has relaxed deadlines and suspsended in-person filing for matters in the Indiana Tax Court, granting emergency relief amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Justices affirm denied motion to dismiss in TPR dispute
A unanimous Indiana Supreme Court has affirmed the denial of a mother’s motion to dismiss her termination of parental rights petition after finding she wasn’t entitled to a dismissal under the circumstances.
Justices clash but rule for fired employee in duty-to-testify case
Indiana Supreme Court justices split Tuesday a dispute involving an employee who was fired after testifying at an unemployment compensation hearing, with the majority reversing in his favor. A dissenting justice would have affirmed, arguing the man didn’t have a reasonable belief of a duty to cooperate with an unissued, non-existent subpoena.
Judge certifies class action against rent-to-buy company Rainbow Realty
A federal lawsuit filed against Rainbow Realty, a rent-to-buy real estate company in Indianapolis, will proceed as a class action after the Southern Indiana District Court certified several plaintiffs’ claims including discrimination, failure to disclose and violating state habitability requirements.
Coronavirus update: Indiana Supreme Court issues 5 orders giving flexibility
Cases handled by the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office continue to be rescheduled or continued as the Indianapolis courts adjust operations in response to the novel coronavirus pandemic.
Legislation on summonses revisited amid pandemic
Legislation that would have favored summons over jail time for low-level misdemeanors didn’t pass the Indiana Senate, but in light of COVID-19 restrictions, the Indiana Supreme Court urged trial courts to take a similar approach. Local law enforcement seems to be following suit to keep inmates at low risk for exposure.
Disciplinary Actions
Read which Indiana attorneys have been reprimanded or suspended from the practice of law during the most recent reporting period.
ACLU of Indiana petitions to release inmates at risk for coronavirus
An emergency petition submitted Monday by the American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana is requesting immediate action from the Indiana Supreme Court to stem the spread of COVID-19 in the Indiana Department of Correction and Indiana’s county jails.
Recovery case against former bookkeeper to continue in part
A case seeking to recover public funds from a former Jennings County bookkeeper will continue after the Indiana Supreme Court determined two of the three claims brought by the state were not governed by the discovery rule and, thus, were timely filed. The third claim, however, was governed by the discovery rule.
Application deadline extended for Marion Superior judicial vacancies
The application deadline for three Marion County judicial vacancies has been extended to June 19 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Indiana Supreme Court announced Wednesday. Interviews of potential Indianapolis judges likewise are expected to be delayed until late summer or early fall.
Johnson County lawyer suspended over trust account mismanagement
A 45-year attorney in Johnson County will be suspended briefly and then subject to a probationary period for improper oversight and management of his small firm’s trust accounts, the Indiana Supreme Court has ordered.
Suspension extended for Warsaw attorney guilty of fraud, theft
Indiana Supreme Court justices on Monday indefinitely suspended a Warsaw attorney who earlier this month pleaded guilty to multiple fraud and theft charges and agreed to repay more than $51,000 to his former law firm, clients and a bank.
Justices find turnover provision valid, give Floyd County justice center title
After considering a dispute over ownership of a Floyd County criminal justice center, the Indiana Supreme Court on Monday concluded a turnover provision in a lease between the county and the building authority is valid and enforceable. Justices granted title to the county in a long-running dispute.