For Immediate Release | November 18, 2024
Discipline charges filed against Putnam County judge
The Indiana Commission on Judicial Qualifications has filed disciplinary charges against Putnam Superior Court Judge Charles D. Bridges. The commission alleges Judge Bridges demonstrated an inability to perform judicial and administrative duties competently, diligently, promptly, and without bias or prejudice. Judge Bridges is permitted (but not required) to file an answer to the charges within 20 days.
The "Notice of the Institution of Formal Proceedings and Statement of Charges" (Case No. 24S-JD-393) 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 two counts of misconduct. In one count, the commission alleges Judge Bridges violated the Code of Judicial Conduct, which requires the judge to act without bias or prejudice and to refrain from harassment based upon gender. In the remaining count, the commission charges that Judge Bridges violated the Code of Judicial Conduct and Rules of Trial Procedure by ruling on motions before allowing the opposing party to respond by deadlines and also by failing to rule on other motions.
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 Bridges, 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/ojar/about/members/. Judge Bridges is represented by attorney James Voyles who can be reached at Jvoyles@voyleslegal.com.
Contact
Kathryn Dolan, Chief Public Information Officer
317-234-4722
kathryn.dolan@courts.in.gov