Disciplinary Actions – 7/20/12

The Indiana Supreme Court Disciplinary Commission brings charges against attorneys who have violated the state’s rules for admission to the bar and Rules of Professional Conduct. The Indiana Commission on Judicial Qualifications brings charges against judges, judicial officers, or judicial candidates for misconduct. Details of attorneys’ and judges’ actions for which they are being disciplined by the Supreme Court will be included unless they are not a matter of public record under the court’s rules.

Suspension
Sarah Nagy, of Hamilton County, has been suspended by the Indiana Supreme Court due to a physical disability, per a June 28, 2012, order. Nagy had two show cause proceedings for noncooperation with the Indiana Supreme Court Disciplinary Commission pending, which were dismissed without prejudice. Nagy is suspended immediately and may petition for reinstatement upon termination of the disability.

John L. Stewart, of Marion County, has been suspended pendente lite by the Indiana Supreme Court per a July 5, 2012, order. Stewart was found guilty of Class D felony operating a vehicle while intoxicated with a prior conviction. The interim suspension will continue until further order of the court or final resolution of any resulting disciplinary action, provided no other suspension is in effect. Justices Frank Sullivan and Robert Rucker preferred to deny the request for interim suspension and set a deadline to advance the case.

Resignation
William F. Conour, of Marion County, has resigned from the bar, according to a June 29, 2012, Indiana Supreme Court order. A verified complaint for disciplinary action was filed against Conour in May. He also faces a wire fraud charge in federal court and is accused of misappropriating more $2.5 million of client money. His resignation ends any disciplinary proceedings against him. Conour may not petition for reinstatement for five years.

Discipline modification
Beau J. White, of Grant County, has had his suspension terms modified by the Indiana Supreme Court, per a July 9, 2012, order. White was suspended in March for no less than 60 days without automatic reinstatement, with the suspension to begin April 20. He petitioned for the court to reconsider his discipline sanctions, and the justices found White demonstrated sufficient grounds for modification. His suspension order has been revised to: a suspension for 180 days, beginning April 20, with at least 60 days actively served and the remainder stayed subject to completion of at least 24 months of probation. He must meet certain terms to comply with probation, including entering into a monitoring agreement with the Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program. The remainder of the original order is still in effect.•