Last Updated 2 weeks by Amnon J. Jobi | Amnon Front Page
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The Indiana Commission on Judicial Qualifications has filed disciplinary charges against former Franklin Circuit Court Judge J. Steven Cox.
As of Dec. 31, 2024, Cox no longer serves as judge. However, the commission’s charges, that Cox failed to promote public confidence in the impartiality of the judiciary, stem from his time on the bench. Cox 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. 25S-JD-80) 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 three counts of misconduct. In all counts, the commission alleges that Cox violated the Code of Judicial Conduct by acting in ways that did not promote public confidence in the judiciary and failed to act fairly and impartially. In one count, the commission alleges that Cox participated in improper ex parte communication with a defendant at the defendant’s home outside of the presence of the attorneys. In another count, Cox is alleged to have investigated facts in a matter independently. The commission also charges that Cox maintained a policy of rejecting all negotiated written plea agreements, thereby not treating each case on its own merit.
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 Cox, 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.