Articles

Jailed Fort Wayne attorney gets interim suspension for embezzlement convictions

A Fort Wayne attorney currently serving a six-month embezzlement sentence in federal prison has been suspended from the practice of law in Indiana effective immediately following his felony convictions. The Indiana Supreme Court issued an order of interim suspension against Randall B. Stiles, who was sentenced in March to six months behind bars for two counts of felony bankruptcy fraud and one count of misdemeanor failure to file a tax return.  

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Senior judges may endorse political candidates, JQC says

The Indiana Commission on Judicial Qualifications determined that senior judges may endorse candidates for public office, but retiring judges may not. The commission issued its advisory opinion in response to questions posed about endorsements of candidates for public office by retiring and senior judges.

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Justices reverse, reinstate truck ‘glider kit’ wrongful death case

When does a component-part manufacturer owe no duty, as a matter of law, to install safety features that an injured party alleges are necessary? Indiana Supreme Court justices answered that question Monday, reversing judgment previously entered for a national motor company on a defective design claim after a man was crushed by a semi that had no rearview safety features.

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Indianapolis attorney gets 2-year suspension for client neglect

An Indianapolis attorney with a lengthy disciplinary history has once again been suspended from the practice of law, this time for at least two years after repeatedly neglecting client cases and keeping unearned funds. The discipline divided the Indiana Supreme Court, with two justices believing the attorney’s conduct warranted disbarment.

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Judgment for trooper in motorcycle crash suit reversed

A motorcyclist injured in a crash after he attempted to evade a head-on collision with an oncoming state police trooper’s vehicle will have his day in court after the Indiana Court of Appeals reversed a trial court ruling for the officer.

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Goff discusses path to bench, sentencing reform efforts

Indiana Supreme Court Justice Christopher Goff won the lottery. That’s how he describes his legal career, at least. Goff spoke about his legal and judicial career during a Friday afternoon session at the Indiana State Bar Association Solo/Small Firm Conference, held over the weekend in French Lick.

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Justices hear 3 transfer cases, split over 3 more

Out of 25 cases, the Indiana Supreme Court chose only to hear three on petition to transfer, all of which the justices decided last week. Justices unanimously agreed to deny transfer in most of the cases but split over three cases it ultimately rejected to hear.

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IPAC chief Powell stepping down in October; successor chosen

A new leader has been selected to head the Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys Council as longtime executive director David Powell announced his retirement from the role Thursday. Powell has been a leading Statehouse voice advocating on criminal law matters for nearly a decade.

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Indiana Supreme Court blocks disputed Brownsburg annexation

Brownsburg has lost its final bid to annex nearly 4,500 acres of land after fighting residents who objected all the way to the Indiana Supreme Court. Justices ruled the town “did not satisfy its burden of proving it had met the statutory requirements for annexing the disputed territory.” 

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Justices: Trucking contract jurisdiction dispute may yield new rules

The Indiana Supreme Court affirmed the dismissal of a Hoosier trucking company’s amended complaint regarding a clause in a driver’s contract, although it found error with the dismissal’s basis on lack of personal jurisdiction. Justices also said this case will prompt consideration of rules so litigants can move to enforce contractual forum-selection clauses.

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CLE, fee violations lead to suspension of 144 attorneys

Nearly 145 attorneys have been suspended from the practice of law in Indiana, including national and international practitioners, after they failed to either pay annual fees and/or comply with continuing legal education requirements or both.

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