The Indiana Commission on Judicial Qualifications has filed disciplinary charges against Gibson Circuit Court Judge Jeffrey F. Meade. The Commission alleges four counts of misconduct related to the handling of specific paternity and Child in Need of Services (CHINS) cases. Judge Meade is permitted (but not required) to file an answer to the charges within 20 days.

The 11-page "Notice of the Institution of Formal Proceedings and Statement of Charges" (Case No. 22S-JD390) is public record and has been filed with the Appellate Clerk’s Office. The charges are brought by the seven-member Commission, which investigates alleged ethical misconduct by judges.

The Commission charges that Judge Meade violated judicial canons, which require judges to respect the law, avoid impropriety, and promote confidence in the judiciary. Of the four counts, one is related to Judge Meade’s demeanor in proceedings of a juvenile paternity case. The remaining three charges are associated with his actions during an off-the-record hearing in CHINS cases.

The Supreme Court has final authority to determine what, if any, judicial misconduct occurred. The Court can dismiss the charges, accept or reject a disciplinary agreement between the Commission and Judge Meade, appoint a panel of judges to conduct a public hearing, impose a fine, or impose sanctions ranging from a reprimand to a suspension to a permanent ban on holding judicial office in Indiana. More information about the Commission can be found at courts.in.gov/jqc. Judge Meade is represented by attorney James Bell who can be reached at jbell@hooverhullturner.com.