Tumulty’s bar on direct appeals from guilty pleas applies to double-jeopardy challenges to convictions entered on a guilty plea, so the defendant generally must proceed via post-conviction relief rather than a direct appeal. But a defendant may obtain direct appellate review by moving to withdraw the guilty plea as to the lesser-included offense (and asking the trial court to vacate that conviction) and then appealing the denial of that motion.
C. Goff
Wike, et al. v. Grandview Solar Project, et. al., No. 26S-PL-192, __ N.E.3d __ (Ind., Jun. 24, 2026).
Normally, challenges to a board of zoning appeals’ decision need to be brought within 30 days of the decision. But Indiana recognizes the ultra vires doctrine, which, applied here, says some board of zoning appeals’ actions might be void, meaning they are vulnerable to a lawsuit at any time, even long after the normal window for review has closed.
Ortiz v. State, No. 25S-CR-303, __ N.E.3d __ (Ind., May 19, 2026).
A defendant’s “eligibility” for a belated appeal rests not on whether his petition alleges a meritorious claim, but on whether the claim would overcome an appeal waiver if timely brought on direct appeal.
Tillett v. State, No. 25S-CR-231, __ N.E.3d __ (Ind., Apr. 24, 2026).
Under Indiana Code Section 35-36-2-1, a defendant in a felony case must file a notice of intent to assert an insanity defense no later than 20 days before the omnibus date, or 10 days before the omnibus date for misdemeanor charges. However, in the interest of justice and upon a showing of good cause, the court may permit the filing to be made at any time before commencement of the trial.
Geels v. Flottemesch, et al, No. 25S-PL-225, __ N.E.3d __ (Ind., Apr. 8, 2026).
ERISA is a preemption defense that must be raised at the trial court level or it is waived. If a fiduciary relationship is breached those actions can amount to constructive fraud which in turn supports the imposition of a constructive trust.