Discipline charges filed against New Haven City Court Judge

The Indiana Commission on Judicial Qualifications has filed disciplinary charges against New Haven City Court Judge Geoff L. Robison. The Commission alleges four counts of misconduct related to the judge acting outside of his judicial role and performing the duties of a prosecutor. Judge Robison has 20 days to file an answer to the charges.

The 11-page “Notice of the Institution of Formal Proceedings and Statement of Charges” is public record and has been filed with the Appellate Clerk’s Office. The charges are brought by the 7-member Commission which investigates alleged ethical misconduct by judges.

Generally, the charges allege Judge Robison, who is not a lawyer, permitted the filing and processing of state infraction cases in New Haven City Court when the Allen County Prosecutor’s Office did not authorize filing. The Commission also alleges the judge allowed juveniles to resolve infraction cases through a deferral program, which was not allowed. 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 Robison, 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/jud-qual.