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Opinions May 28, 2014 ILD

May 28, 2014

Indiana Court of Appeals
Jeremy L. Honaker v. State of Indiana (NFP)
39A01-1306-PC-291
Post conviction. Affirms denial of petition for post-conviction relief.

Napoleon Wilson v. State of Indiana (NFP)
45A04-1308-CR-434
Criminal. Affirms denial of motion to suppress the results of a traffic stop.

Jory D. Peters v. State of Indiana (NFP)
45A03-1305-CR-177
Criminal. Affirms murder conviction.

Idowa Hood v. State of Indiana (NFP)
48A02-1309-CR-828
Criminal. Reverses sentence and orders trial court to resentence Hood and calculate his pretrial credit time in accordance with I.C. 35-38-3-2(b)(4).

In the Matter of the Termination of the Parent-Child Relationship of: S.S. (Minor Child), and S.S. (Mother) v. The Indiana Department of Child Services (NFP)
49A02-1309-JT-784
Juvenile. Affirms order denying mother’s motion for relief under Indiana Trial Rule 60(B) and involuntarily terminating her parental rights.

Rachel M. Swaney and Eric Swaney v. Chrysler Group LLC and Grieger's Motor Sales, Inc. (NFP)
64A03-1401-CT-25
Civil tort. Reverses dismissal of the Swaneys’ complaint for failure to prosecute and remands for further proceedings.

Gary Maxwell v. State of Indiana (NFP)
49A05-1308-CR-427
Criminal. Affirms conviction of Class A misdemeanor operating a vehicle while intoxicated in a manner that endangers a person.

In the Matter of the Termination of the Parent-Child Relationship of: A.C. (Minor Child) and E.C. (Mother) and R.C. (Father) v. The Indiana Department of Child Services (NFP)
48A02-1310-JT-875
Juvenile. Affirms involuntary termination of parental rights.

Johnnie Winford v. State of Indiana (NFP)
22A01-1307-CR-303
Criminal. Affirms conviction of Class C felony nonsupport of a dependent child.

Mercedes Jones v. State of Indiana (NFP)
49A02-1311-CR-962
Criminal. Affirms conviction of Class A misdemeanor theft.

Jeffrey Duncan v. State of Indiana (NFP)
32A01-1310-CR-456
Criminal. Affirms conviction of Class A misdemeanor operating a vehicle with a BAC equivalent to 0.15 and determination as a habitual substance offender.

Kevin A. Deubner v. State of Indiana (NFP)
49A05-1309-CR-439
Criminal. Affirms revocation of placement in community corrections program.

Deandrew Russell v. State of Indiana (NFP)
79A04-1308-CR-389
Criminal. Affirms sentence for Class C felony criminal confinement.

Vincent W. Hren v. State of Indiana (NFP)
32A01-1310-CR-436
Criminal. Affirms sentence for Class D felonies operating a vehicle as a habitual traffic violator and operating a vehicle while intoxicated.

Michael Widup v. State of Indiana (NFP)
49A02-1310-CR-861
Criminal. Affirms conviction for Class A felony child molesting and three convictions of Class C felony child molesting but vacates one conviction of Class C felony child molesting as it violates double jeopardy. Vacates sentence imposed on that count.

William Crockett v. State of Indiana (NFP)
71A04-1307-PC-374
Post conviction. Affirms denial of petition for post-conviction relief.

Jesse Clements v. Davina Curry (NFP)
49A02-1308-CT-713
Civil tort. Affirms dismissal of Clements’ counterclaim, reverses grant of summary judgment to Curry and remands for a hearing.

Rashawn Speed v. State of Indiana (NFP)
35A02-1308-CR-696
Criminal. Affirms convictions of Class A felony child molesting, Class C felony child molesting and Class B felony sexual misconduct with a minor.

Steve D. Boyd v. State of Indiana (NFP)
73A01-1310-CR-438
Criminal. Affirms convictions of Class A felony dealing in cocaine and Class B felony dealing in narcotics.

Justin M. Alexander v. State of Indiana (NFP)
02A03-1310-CR-403, 02A03-1310-CR-404, 02A03-1310-CR-405
Criminal. Affirms convictions and sentences in three separate, but related, criminal appeals. Remands for clarification of the sentencing orders.

Jason Johnson v. State of Indiana (NFP)
49A02-1310-CR-891
Criminal. Affirms convictions of Class D felony residential entry, Class A misdemeanor interference with reporting a crime and Class A misdemeanor conversion.

The Indiana Supreme Court and Tax Court posted no opinions by IL deadline Wednesday.

Opinions May 28, 2014

May 28, 2014

7th Circuit Court of Appeals
Joshua Bunn v. Khoury Enterprises Inc.
13-2292
U.S. District Court, Southern District of Indiana, Indianapolis Division, Judge William T. Lawrence.
Civil. Affirms summary judgment for Bunn’s former employer, a Dairy Queen franchise, on his claims that his employer violated the Americans with Disabilities Act. Bunn’s failure-to-accommodate claim falls short because his employer did reasonably accommodate his disability. His disparate treatment claim fails because he has not introduced sufficient evidence to create a triable issue of material fact and because the undisputed facts show that the defendant is entitled to judgment as a matter of law.

Teen must pay for electronic monitoring device through community service

May 28, 2014

The Indiana Court of Appeals upheld the order by a juvenile court that required a teen who cut off her electronic monitoring device to make restitution for the device through community service.

Judges reverse convictions due to Batson challenge error

May 28, 2014

A Marion County trial court erred when it overruled a man’s Batson challenge contesting the state’s use of a peremptory challenge to strike an African-American juror, the Indiana Court of Appeals held Wednesday. The appeals court overturned Tyrece Robertson’s convictions and ordered a new trial.

COA orders new hearing due to lack of proof notice was mailed

May 28, 2014

The Indiana Court of Appeals ordered a new evidentiary hearing on the merits of a woman’s application for unemployment benefits after holding that the Department of Workforce Development didn’t prove that it mailed notice of a hearing to the woman.

Man’s expungement petition properly denied, COA rules

May 28, 2014

Because a Marion County man admitted to violating the terms of his probation twice, he cannot meet the requirements of the expungement statute, the Indiana Court of Appeals ruled Wednesday, so the trial court properly denied his petition to expunge his conviction.

Judge upholds 2009 tax year exemption

May 28, 2014

The Indiana Tax Court rejected the Hamilton County assessor’s claim that a for-profit limited liability company created to purchase office space for its nonprofit tissue donation company should not qualify for a charitable purposes exemption for the 2009 tax year.

Longtime Barnes & Thornburg leader stepping down

May 28, 2014

Barnes & Thornburg LLP announced Wednesday morning that the firm’s longtime managing partner, Alan Levin, will step down from his leadership role later this year. He will relinquish the top position he's held for 17 years to Robert Grand, effective Nov. 1.

Opinions May 27, 2014 ILD

May 27, 2014

Indiana Court of Appeals
Richard M. Tallman v. State of Indiana, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, et al. (NFP)
51A01-1305-PL-241
Civil plenary. Affirms summary judgment in favor of the Department of Natural Resources and other state actors on Tallman’s complaint alleging that DNR officer Anthony Mann negligently injured Tallman when he arrested him.

In Re: The Paternity of A.G.P.; M.O. v. R.K.P. (NFP)
39A05-1311-JP-558
Juvenile. Affirms denial to set aside a paternity decree.

Tamara J. Shidler, surviving spouse of Michael R. Shidler v. Dennis G. Lockrey, M.D., and Sigma Medical Group, LLC, d/b/a Sigma Med Express Care, and James D. Pike, D.O., et al. (NFP)
79A05-1308-CT-410
Civil tort. Affirms jury verdict in favor of defendants on Shidler’s medical malpractice complaint.

Troy A. Bratton v. State of Indiana (NFP)
02A05-1310-CR-513
Criminal. Affirms the trial court decision that declined to find Bratton’s mental health to be a mitigating circumstance. Reverses Bratton’s sentence and the award of 67 days of credit time. Remands with instructions.

Chukwuemeka Chidebelu-Eze v. State of Indiana (NFP)
49A02-1308-CR-720
Criminal. Affirms battery convictions, one as a Class C felony and one as a Class D felony, and Eze’s sentence.

Marquise Lee v. State of Indiana (NFP)
49A02-1310-CR-869
Criminal. Affirms conviction of Class B felony attempted aggravated battery.

Dana Banks v. Evans Limestone Co. (NFP)
93A02-1307-EX-600
Agency action. Affirms denial of Dana Banks’ petition for lack of diligence, which was filed against his employer, Evans Limestone, which refused to authorize a spinal cord stimulator procedure that was recommended by three physicians.

Timothy E. Gabehart v. State of Indiana (NFP)
70A01-1401-CR-2
Criminal. Affirms denial of motion to withdraw guilty plea.

In the Matter of the Termination of the Parent-Child Relationship of L.B. and J.B., W.B. v. Indiana Department of Child Services (NFP)
73A04-1310-JT-545
Juvenile. Affirms termination of parental rights.

Breondon D. Pinkston v. State of Indiana (NFP)
02A04-1309-CR-481
Criminal. Affirms convictions of Class C felony carrying a handgun without a license and Class A misdemeanor criminal trespass.

Jackie Robson v. State of Indiana (NFP)
64A04-1309-CR-486
Criminal. Affirms sentence for Class C felony child molesting.

James E. Robinson v. State of Indiana (NFP)
12A02-1308-PC-775
Post conviction. Reverses denial of petition for post-conviction relief and remands for an evidentiary hearing.

Leonel H. Arellano v. State of Indiana (NFP)
02A03-1309-CR-373
Criminal. Affirms convictions and sentence for child molesting as a Class A felony and two counts of child molesting as Class C felonies.

The Indiana Supreme Court and Tax Court posted no opinions by IL deadline. The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals posted no Indiana decisions by IL deadline.

Opinions May 27, 2014

May 27, 2014

Indiana Court of Appeals
John Alden v. State of Indiana
30A05-1309-MI-463
Miscellaneous. Reverses denial of motion to prohibit the release of Alden’s criminal record. The trial court abused its discretion when it denied his motion on the basis that the Legislature had repealed I.C. 35-38-8-3. Remands for the trial court to consider the merits of his motion.

Court must consider man’s motion to prohibit release of criminal record

May 27, 2014

Because a man filed his motion to prohibit the release of his criminal record before the Indiana Legislature repealed the relevant statute, the Indiana Court of Appeals ordered the Hancock Superior Court to consider the motion.

Indiana Tech shakes up leadership at law school

May 27, 2014

Indiana Tech Law School’s founding dean has resigned. The Fort Wayne school made the announcement May 23 that Peter Alexander stepped down as vice president and dean of the law school on May 21. He has also resigned his tenured faculty position.

Indiana Tech shakes up leadership at law school

May 27, 2014

Indiana Tech Law School announced May 23 that Peter Alexander stepped down as vice president and dean of the law school May 21. He has also resigned his tenured faculty position.

Opinions May 23, 2014 ILD

May 23, 2014

Indiana Court of Appeals
Christopher Bell v. State of Indiana (NFP)
82A04-1309-CR-478
Criminal. Affirms convictions of murder and Class C felony conspiracy to commit robbery.

Agav Properties, Avrohem Tkatch, and Elisheva Tkatch v. The City of South Bend and The South Bend Fire Department (NFP)
71A04-1308-PL-396
Civil plenary. Affirms grant of motion to dismiss and motion of summary judgment filed by the city of South Bend and the fire department alleging negligence, intentional interference with a contractual relationship and violation of state and federal constitutional rights.

Town of New Pekin, Indiana v. Gail Stewart and Kermit Stewart (NFP)
88A01-1310-PL-442
Civil plenary. Affirms denial of the town’s motion for summary judgment and remands to the trial court for adjudication by the finder of fact.

R & M Construction, Inc., and Lake County Trust Company, as Trustee Under a Trust Agreement Dated May 17, 1989 and Known as Trust No. 1901 v. Twin Lakes Utilities, Inc. (NFP)
Civil collection. Affirms summary judgment on R&M and the trust’s claims and reverses summary judgment to Twin Laws as to its claim for declaratory judgment. Remands for further proceedings on Twin Lake’s claims.

Michael Nero v. Citimortgage, Inc. (NFP)
52A02-1312-MF-1017
Mortgage foreclosure. Affirms entry of summary judgment in favor of Citimortgage in its mortgage foreclosure action.

Adrian Walton v. State of Indiana (NFP)
49A04-1307-CR-365
Criminal. Affirms murder conviction.

In re the Marriage of: Carla Weiler v. Kevin P. Weiler (NFP)
45A03-1310-DR-424
Domestic relation. Affirms in part and vacates in part husband’s motion to enforce decree of dissolution of marriage. Remands for the trial court to order the parties to ensure the marital residence is listed for sale.

Ronald DeWayne Thompson v. State of Indiana (NFP)
45A04-1310-CR-511
Criminal. Affirms denial of request for mistrial.

EMR Consulting, Inc. v. Review Board of the Indiana Department of Workforce Development and Laura Shipp (NFP)
93A02-1308-EX-691
Agency action. Affirms decision to grant Shipp unemployment benefits.

The Indiana Supreme Court and Tax Court posted no opinions by IL deadline. The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals posted no Indiana decisions by IL deadline.

Opinions May 23, 2014

May 23, 2014

Indiana Court of Appeals
Andrew J. Rogers v. Sigma Chi International Fraternity, Theta Pi of Sigma Chi, Ancil Jackson, Brian Mifflin, Jr., and Joshua Kearby
84A04-1305-CT-224
Civil tort. Affirms summary judgment for Sigma Chi International fraternity, its Terre Haute chapter and Jackson, Mifflin and Kearby on Rogers’ claim the defendants should have protected him from being assaulted at a party. Sigma Chi did not have possession of the premises where Rogers was injured, the defendants had no duty to protect him from the assault, and the International fraternity was not vicariously liable for the acts of the persons at the premises because it had no actual or apparent authority over them.

Court rules in favor of fraternity in lawsuit following assault

May 23, 2014

The Indiana Court of Appeals has affirmed summary judgment in favor of a fraternity whose members lived in a Terre Haute private residence where a man visiting for a party was assaulted. The victim claimed the fraternity should be liable because members of the college chapter lived at the home and had some chapter items at the residence.

No Indiana Lawyer daily on Memorial Day

May 23, 2014

Indiana Lawyer daily will not be published May 26 in observance of Memorial Day.

Court affirms woman is ‘gravely disabled’ requiring involuntary commitment

May 23, 2014

The Indiana Court of Appeals declined to reweigh the evidence used to find a woman needed to be involuntarily committed because she was gravely disabled after claiming she was bitten by poisonous spiders in her home for the fourth time.

Majority finds man entrapped to patronize prostitute

May 23, 2014

The Indiana Court of Appeals reversed a misdemeanor conviction for patronizing a prostitute, with two judges ruling the state was unable to rebut the man’s entrapment defense by showing he had a history of trying to buy sex.

Attorneys donate $50,000 and 8,100 pounds of food to fight hunger

May 23, 2014

Lawyers in Indiana and Kentucky stepped up to the challenge and donated nearly $50,000 and more than 8,100 pounds of food during this year’s March Against Hunger food drive.

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