Disciplinary Actions

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.

Judgment for respondent

Morgan County attorney Gabriel S. Britton was cleared of professional misconduct per a published Sept. 26 order. The court found allegations of misconduct against Britton were not proven and entered a judgment in his favor. The commission alleged Britton had engaged in conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice and acts constituting offensive personality. As he attempted to intervene in a CHINS case, the disciplinary commission alleged he carried a knife and body camera into the Morgan County Courthouse and that he made offensive comments toward judges and litigants.

Reinstatement
Delaware County attorney Louis W. Denney was reinstated to the practice of law per a Sept. 27 order. Denney was suspended for at least three years without automatic reinstatement effective April 15, 2013. The court found a hearing officer’s report recommending reinstatement should be accepted, conditioned on a one-year probationary period and Denney’s restitution of $3,500 to an aggrieved former client. Denney must also pay any costs owing in his disciplinary case.

Suspensions
Marion County attorney Octavia F. Snulligan was suspended for noncooperation with the commission’s investigation of a grievance per an Oct. 3 order. Snulligan did not respond to a show cause letter or a request for ruling and to tax costs, both sent to her in August. Snulligan also is ordered to reimburse the commission $520.70 for the cost of prosecuting the proceeding.

Allen County attorney Cody R. Williams was suspended for noncooperation with the commission’s investigation of a grievance per an Oct. 3 order. Snulligan did not respond to an August show cause letter or a September request for ruling and to tax costs. Williams also is ordered to reimburse the commission $513.60 for the cost of prosecuting the proceeding. Williams, who was under suspension for noncooperation with investigation into a number of grievances, had his suspensions lifted per an Oct. 10 order, but other suspensions remain in effect.•