Opinions April 18, 2013

7th Circuit Court of Appeals
United States of America v. Johnnie C. Collins
12-3317
U.S. District Court, Northern District of Indiana, Fort Wayne Division, Judge Theresa L. Springmann.
Criminal. Affirms denial of motion to suppress evidence in drug case in which Collins entered a conditional plea of guilty to possession of crack with intent to distribute and possession of powder cocaine with intent to distribute.

Indiana Court of Appeals
Casey Walker v. State of Indiana
76A04-1204-CR-207
Criminal. Affirms conviction of Class A felony manufacturing methamphetamine and 30-year sentence. Walker has failed to establish that his mother was incompetent to give consent to search the residence. Moreover, there was undisputed testimony at trial that Walker’s wife gave verbal consent to search the residence, and Walker points to no evidence that he explicitly told the police that they could not enter his residence. Finds the police had consent to search the residence, and the trial court did not err by admitting the evidence.

TPUSA, Inc. v. Unemployment Insurance Appeals of the Indiana Dept. of Workforce Development
93A02-1207-EX-605
Agency action. Reverses the liability administrative law judge’s determination that TPUSA owes $125,666.33 to the Department of Workforce Development in unemployment insurance contributions, interest and penalties for 2010 when TPUSA had no employees in Indiana and paid no wages here. Holds that where an employer has ceased business operations in Indiana, no longer pays wages or has any employees in the state, and files accurate reports with the Department indicating such, this may be considered “reasonable cause,” as required by Indiana Code 22-4-11-4(b), so as to allow for an adjustment (i.e., reduction) in the amount of the estimated contribution. Remands for a $200 fine to be imposed.

William Wressell v. R.L. Turner Corporation
06A01-1301-PL-5
Civil plenary. Reverses summary judgment in favor of R.L. Turner Corp. on Wressell’s lawsuit claiming he was significantly underpaid for his work on two public works projects. RLTC is not entitled to attorney fees. The trial court abused its discretion in striking paragraphs 12-18 of Morrhead’s affidavit regarding fringe benefits. The designated evidence generates a genuine issue of material fact regarding whether some of Wressell’s work for RLTC was as a skilled carpenter or skilled laborer and on the question of payment of fringe benefits.

J.S. v. State of Indiana (NFP)
49A04-1209-JV-490
Juvenile. Affirms adjudication of Class D felony resisting law enforcement if committed by an adult.

Tory Simmers v. United Farm Family Mutual Insurance Company (NFP)
17A04-1211-CT-577
Civil tort. Affirms insurer is entitled to $5,000 set off and summary judgment.

Scott Miller v. State of Indiana (NFP)
44A05-1207-PC-376
Post conviction. Affirms denial of petition for post-conviction relief.

Tyronne J. Noel v. State of Indiana (NFP)
87A01-1211-CR-525
Criminal. Affirms conviction of Class B misdemeanor reckless driving for passing a stopped school bus.

Maximilian Spiegel v. State of Indiana (NFP)
49A02-1208-CR-687
Criminal. Affirms conviction of Class A felony child molesting.

Mark Vickery v. State of Indiana (NFP)
49A02-1209-CR-740
Criminal. Affirms conviction of Class A misdemeanor domestic battery.

Timothy J. Taylor v. State of Indiana (NFP)
49A05-1209-PC-476
Post conviction. Affirms denial of petition for post-conviction relief.

Jane M. Burkart v. State of Indiana (NFP)
46A03-1211-CR-465
Criminal. Affirms revocation of probation for failure to pay restitution.

Maura Leonard v. David Leonard (NFP)
49A04-1208-DR-439
Domestic relation. Affirms property distribution order in dissolution of marriage. The trial court erred in awarding the vehicle to the parties’ adult child and $4,000 in cash should have been included in the marital estate, but those errors were harmless. Declines to set aside dissolution decree.

Jevante Lancaster v. State of Indiana (NFP)
49A02-1208-CR-635
Criminal. Affirms revocation of probation and placement in Marion County Criminal Corrections.

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