Indiana Supreme Court
Disciplinary Commission
30 S. Meridian St., Suite 850
Indianapolis, IN 46204

Executive Secretary
G. Michael Witte

Deputy Executive Secretary
Charles M. Kidd

Pho: 317.232.1807
Fax: 317.233.0261

 

Disciplinary Commission > Information for the Public > The Discipline Process The Discipline Process

Is this a private or a public process?
It's a little of each. The investigation stage is confidential. Once a formal misconduct complaint is filed, the legal papers and the hearing process are open to the public. There are procedures available to protect confidential client information from public disclosure.


What happens after a lawyer is formally charged with misconduct?
A hearing officer is appointed by the Supreme Court to hear the evidence. The Disciplinary Commission must prove its charges by a higher burden than in a civil case. The hearing officer's responsibilities are like those of a trial court judge, except that the hearing officer cannot make a final decision in the case. The hearing officer makes a report on the case to the Supreme Court, which makes a final decision.


Will I be called as a witness?
We may need your testimony in order to prove the charges. It is important for you to keep us informed of your address and telephone number. Even if you are not a witness, you are entitled to know about the time and place of the hearing.


Does every lawyer discipline case go before a hearing officer?
No. If the Disciplinary Commission and the lawyer can agree to the facts of the case and an appropriate disciplinary sanction, the agreement is submitted to the Supreme Court for approval. If the Court accepts the agreement, the agreed sanction is imposed by the Supreme Court and the case is over. If not, there is a hearing.


What happens at the end of a lawyer discipline case?
The Indiana Supreme Court may find that the lawyer did not engage in misconduct. If the Court finds that there was misconduct, it orders a disciplinary sanction. The sanction depends on the seriousness of the case. Sanctions include:
  • A private or public reprimand;
  • Suspension from practice for a set period of time;
  • Suspension from practice with reinstatement only after the lawyer proves fitness; and
  • Permanent disbarment.

We let the grievant know how the case turns out.

Review Orders and Opinions of Final Resolution in Attorney Disciplinary Cases