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.

Resignation
Wayne County attorney Patrick R. Ragains resigned from the bar in Indiana, and his resignation was accepted in a Nov. 26 order. Ragains’ affidavit of resignation includes an acknowledgement that there wass presently pending an investigation into or a proceeding involving allegations of misconduct that he could not successfully defend himself against if prosecuted. Ragains cannot petition for reinstatement for five years, and any attorney disciplinary proceedings pending against him are dismissed as moot.

Suspension
Marion County attorney Steven T. Fulk’s suspension for noncooperation with the disciplinary process was converted to an indefinite suspension per a Nov. 26 order. Fulk was suspended June 28 for failing to cooperate with the commission concerning a grievance filed against him. More than 90 days have passed since the suspension, and Fulk has not responded to the commission’s motion to convert the current suspension. Fulk was also suspended in August for noncooperation with a separate disciplinary investigation.•