Indianapolis attorney suspended for misleading client
An Indianapolis attorney who failed to act promptly and misled a client has been suspended from the practice of law in Indiana for six months.
Indiana Supreme Court
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Judge convicted after meth sting barred from bench, suspended
A Hamilton County judge who purchased meth from an informant in a sting operation then bit the thumb of an officer who tried to stop the jurist from swallowing the evidence has been barred from holding judicial office but may continue to conditionally practice law after a 90-day suspension.
Divided justices affirm lookalike drug conviction in search dispute
A split Indiana Supreme Court has affirmed a man’s drug-related conviction after the Indiana Court of Appeals previously reversed in his favor, finding a search and seizure that resulted in his arrest proceeded within the bounds of the Fourth Amendment.
Indiana commercial courts expanding to 4 more counties
The Indiana judiciary is expanding its roster of commercial courts, adding four more counties to the program that started in 2016. The Indiana Supreme Court announced the new venues handling the specialized dockets Monday.
In affirming murder conviction, judge sees double jeopardy ‘dilemma’
The 65-year sentence of a man convicted of murder was affirmed Monday on appeal, but a judge wrote separately to “address a practical dilemma facing appellate courts, lawyers, and litigants” after recent appeals revised longstanding double jeopardy caselaw.
Justices amend rules governing firm names, letterheads
The Indiana Supreme Court has issued an order amending a rule of the court concerning firm names and letterheads.
Justices agree to hear hospital records breach suit, post-conviction appeal
A lawsuit against a hospital over a former employee who accessed confidential medical records without authorization will be heard by the Indiana Supreme Court.
Creating new options for future recovery: Allen County debuts OWI Court
As problem-solving courts continue to expand across Indiana, Allen County is introducing a new program into the state’s suite of specialty courts. Launched in August, the Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated Court in northeastern Indiana is the first of its kind in the state.
Disciplinary Actions
Read who has been reinstated, reprimanded and suspended during the most recent reporting period.
Indiana to switch to Uniform Bar Exam in 2021
Indiana has decided to join the growing majority of states and adopt the Uniform Bar Exam in July 2021, according to an announcement Tuesday from the Indiana Supreme Court. Justices also announced Tuesday that the February 2021 Bar Exam will be given remotely.
December interviews scheduled for Marion Superior Court judicial vacancy
Interviews of applicants to fill a vacancy that will occur on the Marion Superior Court when Judge Lisa Borges retires have been scheduled for next month, the Indiana Supreme Court announced Monday.
AG Hill ordered to pay $19K in disciplinary costs
The Indiana Supreme Court has ordered Republican Attorney General Curtis Hill to pay more than $19,000 in expenses in a disciplinary case stemming from allegations he groped a state lawmaker and three other women during a party.
Jury duty? No thanks, say many, forcing trials to be delayed
Jury duty notices have set Nicholas Philbrook’s home on edge with worries about him contracting the coronavirus and passing it on to his father-in-law, a cancer survivor with diabetes in his mid-70s who is at higher risk of developing serious complications from COVID-19.
Justices permit remote attorney disciplinary proceedings
Indiana Supreme Court justices in a Wednesday order provided instructions to hearing officers and parties in attorney disciplinary proceedings that have not yet proceeded to final hearing, perhaps most significantly permitting remote proceedings due to the continuing pandemic.
Justices split 3-2 in rejecting landowner appeal over dam repairs
Residents of a Miami County lake community lost their bid to make their case to the Indiana Supreme Court that the county, not property owners, are responsible for fixing six crumbling dams.
Indiana Supreme Court reduces 138-year sentence for man convicted as a juvenile
A Delaware County man sentenced to more than 100 years for a crime he committed as a 17-year-old was granted a new sentence after the Indiana Supreme Court found “two major shifts in the law” provide the opportunity to reconsider sentences that were “manifestly unreasonable.”
Justices trim 181-year sentence for man convicted as juvenile
The Indiana Supreme Court on Tuesday reduced the 181-year sentence for a man convicted of two murders committed when he was 16, finding his appellate counsel rendered ineffective assistance by failing to challenge the appropriateness of the teen’s sentence.
Justices: Juvenile courts lack jurisdiction over dangerous possession of firearm law
Juvenile courts lack jurisdiction to adjudicate the offense of dangerous possession of a firearm because an adult cannot be charged with that crime, the Indiana Supreme Court ruled Tuesday. The decision vacating a delinquency adjudication casts doubt on the state law that bars possession of guns by minors.
Justices set to hear several oral arguments next week
Indiana Supreme Court justices will hear oral arguments next week in several cases including a slip-and-fall dispute, a mayor’s misuse use of bond funds, and a home detainee’s escape.
Order: Deponent’s presence not necessary to allow testimony
An order issued by the Indiana Supreme Court on Thursday makes clear that certain people deposed in civil cases don’t have to be present for their sworn deposition testimony to be introduced in court.