Opinion
Supreme Court Case No. 24S-DI-27
04-05-2024
In the MATTER OF: William M. NASH, Respondent
Pursuant to Indiana Admission and Discipline Rule 23(12.1)(b), the Indiana Supreme Court Disciplinary Commission and Respondent have submitted for approval a "Statement of Circumstances and Conditional Agreement for Discipline" stipulating agreed facts and proposed discipline as summarized below.
Stipulated Facts: In March 2023, Respondent pled guilty to disorderly conduct and harassment, both class B misdemeanors. Respondent was serving as the elected Bartholomew County Prosecutor at the time he committed his crimes. Both counts arose from altercations between Respondent and his neighbor involving their respective pets. Respondent taunted his neighbor more than once to call the police, stating at one point, "the last time I checked I am still the chief law enforcement officer until December 31, so go ahead and call the cops!"
Violations: The parties agree that Respondent violated these Indiana Professional Conduct Rules prohibiting the following misconduct:
8.4(b): Committing a criminal act that reflects adversely on the lawyer’s honesty, trustworthiness, or fitness as a lawyer.
8.4(d): Engaging in conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice.
Discipline: The parties propose the appropriate discipline is a 30-day suspension with automatic reinstatement. The Court, having considered the submissions of the parties, now approves the agreed discipline.
For Respondent’s professional misconduct, the Court suspends Respondent from the practice of law for a period of 30 days, beginning May 16, 2024. Respondent shall not undertake any new legal matters between service of this order and the effective date of the suspension, and Respondent shall fulfill all the duties of a suspended attorney under Admission and Discipline Rule 23(26). At the conclusion of the period of suspension, provided there are no other suspensions then in effect, Respondent shall be automatically reinstated to the practice of law, subject to the conditions of Admission and Discipline Rule 23(18)(a).
The costs of this proceeding are assessed against Respondent.
All Justices concur.