For Immediate Release | September 14, 2026
Discipline charges filed against Marion County Judge Salinas
The Indiana Commission on Judicial Qualifications has filed disciplinary charges against Marion County Superior Court 23 Judge Jose D. Salinas. The commission alleges Judge Salinas demonstrated a recurring pattern of failing to adequately supervise court staff as well as failing to properly act in a number of criminal cases. Judge Salinas 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. 26S-JD-312) 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 five counts of misconduct. In two counts, the commission alleges Judge Salinas violated the Code of Judicial Conduct by failing to adequately supervise court staff relating to case entries that resulted in adverse consequences to criminal defendants and potentially resulted in delayed releases as well as missing court dates, missing court orders, and criminal cases not being expunged. In the remaining counts, the commission charges that Judge Salinas failed to properly take judicial action in certain criminal cases leading to delays in the progression of the cases and cases being dismissed.
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 Salinas, 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 online. Judge Salinas is represented by attorney James J. Bell, who can be reached at jbell@hooverhullturner.com.
Contact
Adam Clay
adam.clay@courts.in.gov
317-233-3018
