Opinions March 22, 2011

7th Circuit Court of Appeals
United States of America v. Robert B. Long and Jason P. Edwards
09-3493, 09-3636
U.S. District Court, Southern District of Indiana, Indianapolis Division, Judge Larry J. McKinney.
Criminal. Affirms Edwards’ convictions of one count of narcotics conspiracy, two counts of possession with intent to distribute marijuana, and one count of attempted possession with intent to distribute marijuana. The government’s affidavit in support of the wiretap established necessity. Affirms Long’s sentence for the same convictions, plus one additional count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana. The District Court’s total quantity determination was adequate. The District Court didn’t err when it initiated the sentencing hearing by immediately calculating the guidelines range, rather than engaging in a preliminary discussion of the findings in the presentence report.

Indiana Supreme Court had posted no opinions at IL deadline.

Indiana Court of Appeals
Nicholas Suding v. State of Indiana
32A01-1002-CR-156
Criminal. Affirms convictions of three counts of conspiracy to commit murder, stating the trial court did not abuse its discretion in sentencing and that sufficient evidence existed to convict Suding. Rules amendment to charges did not affect defendant’s rights.

Clyde Piggie v. State of Indiana (NFP)
20A03-1005-PC-264
Post conviction. Affirms denial of petition of post-conviction relief for Class A felony of dealing cocaine.   

John David Jenkins v. State of Indiana (NFP)
82A01-1008-CR-404
Criminal. Affirms conviction of Class B misdemeanor failure to stop after an accident resulting in non-vehicular property damage.

William A. Lawhorn v. State of Indiana (NFP)
38A02-1009-CR-1037
Criminal. Affirms trial court’s sentence following guilty plea to Class B felony of dealing methamphetamine.

Indiana Tax Court had posted no opinions at IL deadline.