Opinions April 6, 2023

Court of Appeals of Indiana
Steve Ford v. Brandon Slate
22A-SC-1018
Small claims. Affirms the Lawrence Township Small Claims Court of Marion County’s judgment in favor of Brandon Slate on his complaint for breach of contract against Steve Ford. Finds the trial court’s judgment was not clearly erroneous.

Michael Gudorf and Gudorf Group, LLC v. Michael J. McAndrew and True Temp, Inc. (mem. dec.)
22A-PL-1809
Civil plenary. Affirms the judgment in favor of True Temp Inc. and Michael McAndrew in a dispute with Gudorf Group LLC. Finds Gudorf failed to establish that the Floyd Circuit Court committed a clear error when it rejected the counterclaim for breach of contract. Also finds the record clearly establishes that Gudorf Group defaulted on the loan after making only three payments, and that Michael Gudorf failed to act on his personal guaranty. Remands with instructions for the trial court to determine and award reasonable appellate attorney fees to McAndrew and True Temp.

Vernon J. Collins v. State of Indiana (mem. dec.)
22A-CR-2427
Criminal. Affirms Vernon Collins’ conviction for Class B misdemeanor harassment. Finds that because the Boone Circuit Court made no substantive ruling on Collins’ motion for judgment on the evidence prior to allowing the state to reopen its case, his subsequent conviction was not barred by double jeopardy.

Matthew D. Crowder v. State of Indiana (mem. dec.)
22A-CR-2745
Criminal. Affirms Matthew Crowder’s convictions of Level 5 felony possession of methamphetamine and Level 6 felony unlawful possession of a syringe. Finds the state presented sufficient evidence to support the convictions.

In the Matter of: G.H. (Minor Child) and R.H. (Father), and T.H. (Custodian) v. Indiana Department of Child Services (mem. dec.)
22A-JC-2643
Juvenile CHINS. Affirms the adjudication of father R.H.’s daughter G.H. as a child in need of services. Finds the Wabash Circuit Court did not err when it found that G.H. is a CHINS.