Disciplinary Actions
Read which Indiana attorneys have been reprimanded or suspended from the practice of law during the most recent reporting period.
Indiana Supreme Court
Articles
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.
Judge asked to reconsider double-murder suspect’s release
Prosecutors want a northwestern Indiana judge to reconsider his decision to release a man accused in the fatal shootings of a Gary woman and her 13-year-old son, calling him a “substantial” threat to the public.
Supreme Court declines transfer in 17 cases, grants 2
The Indiana Supreme Court declined to hear 17 cases out of 19 petitions for transfer last week, but granted transfer in two cases concerning an unwilling juror and a highly sought after gravesite.
Holcomb signs bill eliminating expungement wait time issue
Gov. Eric Holcomb on Wednesday signed into law a measure eliminating confusion in the courts and establishing that the waiting period to obtain an expungement begins on the date a felony conviction is entered and does not start anew if that conviction is later reduced to a misdemeanor.
Supreme Court hears arguments in stoplight crash suit against IPL
Indiana Supreme Court justices heard oral argument Thursday on the question of whether a utility may face liability for people injured in a traffic crash in which a malfunctioning stoplight played a role.
Some Indiana Supreme Court, COA oral arguments canceled
Several oral arguments scheduled to be heard by both the Indiana Supreme Court and the Indiana Court of Appeals have been canceled as of Wednesday.
Next steps unclear after dismissal of accusers’ suit against AG Hill
The four women who have accused Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill of sexual misconduct are considering their next steps after the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana dismissed their sexual harassment, discrimination and retaliation claims against Hill and the state.
Key themes emerge in Marion County retention interviews
The 13 Indianapolis judges who were recommended for retention March 9 were asked to opine on a variety of judicial issues, from civility to diversity to the new Marion County Community Justice Center and more.
Indiana Court decisions – Feb. 27-March 11, 2020
Read Indiana appellate decisions from the most recent reporting period.
Stafford: Justices’ expansion of Medical Malpractice Act does harm
A divided Indiana Supreme Court recently passed judgment on a case in which only two of the five justices could find reason instead of a callous abstraction of the law. The callous abstraction prevailed, as increasingly seems to be the style of our times.
Hill again urges dismissal of groping-related attorney discipline case
Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill is continuing his fight to have his lawyer discipline case dismissed, writing in a brief to the Indiana Supreme Court that if he must be sanctioned, it should be no more than a reprimand. Hill is also drawing on the recent discipline of three Indiana judges involved in a downtown Indianapolis shooting to argue that the recommended discipline against him is unfair.
Justices to hear arguments in stoplight outage crash suit against IPL
Oral arguments in a negligence case brought by a family severely injured in a crash in a traffic intersection after a 2016 storm will be heard by Indiana Supreme Court justices this week. Per an order issued Monday, attendance at the argument will be limited to parties and counsel, but the argument may be viewed online.
Pagano appointed judge pro tem in Lake Superior Court
Lake Superior Court Judge Clarence Murray will temporarily step down from his seat on the bench after informing the court that he would be unable to perform the duties of his office due to health reasons.
Adams County drug court judge abused office, discipline charges say
A northeastern Indiana judge who intervened on behalf of an employee of his drug court in a dispute with other county officials over her benefits committed judicial misconduct, an agency of the Indiana Supreme Court alleged Friday.