Court Rules on Discipline Charges Against Indiana Senior Judge

In a settlement agreement with the Indiana Supreme Court, former Winamac attorney Lisa Traylor-Wolff has been permanently banned from judicial service and suspended from the practice of law for at least 45 days, effective immediately.

The decision was handed down by the state supreme court April 9. Traylor-Wolff, who has a law office in Logansport, has most recently served as a public defender in Cass County, and a senior judge serving Fulton and Pulaski counties.

The Indiana Supreme court ruled on disciplinary charges, filed by Indiana Commission on Judicial Qualifications in February, against Traylor-Wolff. The charges stemmed from allegations that Traylor-Wolff had an inappropriate relationship with a criminal defendant she represented.

In addition to the permanent ban and suspension, Traylor-Wolff was ordered to serve two years of probation, which include undergoing treatment with the Indiana Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program.

In the settlement agreement submitted by Traylor-Wolff and her attorney James Bell, she agreed to two of the charges filed against her, and a third charge was dismissed.

The Commission had alleged that Traylor-Wolff violated conduct standards that apply to all judges, including senior judges. Senior judges work on a part-time basis filling-in for trial court judges.

These part-time judges, who are attorneys, are also permitted to represent clients. Full-time judges are not allowed to represent anyone in court. The charges against Judge Traylor-Wolff stemmed from allegations she committed misconduct while representing a client, not while serving as a judge. The Commission has jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute claims against senior judges.

The charges centered on allegations that Judge Traylor-Wolff had a physically intimate relationship with a 26-year-old client that she represented. Traylor-Wolff was appointed to represent a defendant on felony charges.

Full Article and Source:
Court Rules on Discipline Charges Against Senior Judge