abuse of discretion standard (Indiana) · Go Syfert
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abuse of discretion standard in Indiana

844 Indiana opinions name it 2 courts 1976–2026 28 in the last five years

The cases below were cited by Indiana courts in a sentence that names this issue. Sides come from how each citing opinion treated the case (Syfertize flag on that citation), so a case can appear on both: that is where the law is contested. A red or yellow chip is the case's own overall treatment.

Followed or applied (71)

CaseFollowedCited
Prewitt v. Stategreen
ind · 2007 · cited in 105 Indiana opinions naming this issue, 2008–2020
2 sentences

2020In light of this considerable leeway, “a trial court’s sentencing decisions for probation violations are reviewable using the abuse of discretion standard.” Id.

2020Our Supreme Court has held that “a trial court’s sentencing decisions for probation violations are reviewable using the abuse of discretion standard.” Prewitt, 878 N.E.2d at 188 .

37105
Fobar v. Vonderahegreen
ind · 2002 · cited in 21 Indiana opinions naming this issue, 2002–2023
2 sentences

2020A trial court’s division of the marital estate is “‘highly fact sensitive and is subject to an abuse of discretion standard.’” Campbell v. Campbell, 993 N.E.2d 205, 212 (Ind. Ct. App. 2013) (quoting Fobar v. Vonderahe, 771 N.E.2d 57, 59 (Ind. 2002)), trans. denied. [20] Husband’s argument is two-fold: He contends that the trial court “neither stated its intention to divide the marital estate equally nor made such an equal division, even assuming the [t]rial court’s valuation had been accurate and appropriate.” (Appellant’s Br. p. 12).

2020The court’s division of the marital estate “is highly fact-sensitive and is subject to an abuse of discretion standard.” Fobar v. Vonderahe, 771 N.E.2d 57, 59 (Ind. 2002).

1721
Speedway SuperAmerica, LLC v. Holmesgreen
ind · 2008 · cited in 16 Indiana opinions naming this issue, 2012–2020
2 sentences

2020Speedway SuperAmerica, LLC v. Holmes, 885 N.E.2d 1265, 1270 (Ind. 2008); Outback Steakhouse of Florida v. Markley, 856 N.E.2d 65, 72 (Ind. 2006).

2016Trial Rule 60(B) motions for relief from judgment under an abuse of discretion standard. [Holmes, 885 N.E.2d at 1270 ]; Outback Steakhouse of Florida v. Markley, 856 N.E.2d 65, 72 (Ind.2006).

1316
Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles v. Charlesgreen
indctapp · 2009 · cited in 11 Indiana opinions naming this issue, 2010–2020
2 sentences

2020See Ind. BMV v. Charles, 919 N.E.2d 114, 116 (Ind. Ct. App. 2009) (“Although rulings on motions to correct error are usually reviewable under an abuse of discretion standard, we review a case de novo when the issue ... is purely a question of law.”); Christenson v. Struss, 855 N.E.2d 1029, 1032 (Ind. Ct. App. 2006) (challenge to magistrate’s authority to conduct hearing on motion to correct error presented question of law reviewed de novo).

2017See Ind. BMV v. Charles, 919 N.E.2d 114, 116 (Ind. Ct. App. 2009) (“Although rulings on motions to correct error are usually reviewable under an abuse of discretion standard, we review a case de novo when the issue ... is purely a question of law.”)[.] City of Indpls. v. Hicks, 932 N.E.2d 227, 230 (Ind. Ct. App. 2010), trans. denied.

1111
Witt v. Jay Petroleum, Inc.green
ind · 2012 · cited in 11 Indiana opinions naming this issue, 2013–2025
2 sentences

2025It is in that review that the majority discovered the language of the order, including language seemingly calling for double payment for the alleged extracurricular activities arrearages, which was incorrect as a matter of Court of Appeals of Indiana | Opinion 24A-DR-1109 | February 10, 2025 Page 7 of 25 [17] “It is soundly within the discretion of the trial court to determine whether a party is in contempt, and we review the judgment under an abuse of discretion standard.” Steele-Giri v. Steele, 51 N.E.3d 119, 124 (Ind. 2016) (quoting Witt v. Jay Petroleum, Inc., 964 N.E.2d 198, 202 (Ind. 201

2019We review the trial court’s judgment under an abuse of discretion standard, it being “soundly within the discretion of the trial court to determine whether a party is in contempt[.]” Witt v. Jay Petroleum, Inc., 964 N.E.2d 198, 202 (Ind. 2012) (citation omitted).

811
Sanders v. Stategreen
indctapp · 2005 · cited in 8 Indiana opinions naming this issue, 2007–2019
2 sentences

2019Court of Appeals of Indiana | Memorandum Decision 18A-CR-2780 | April 24, 2019 Page 3 of 6 Decision [6] Bense argues that the trial court abused its discretion by ordering her to serve her previously suspended sentence. [7] Our supreme court has held that “a trial court’s sentencing decisions for probation violations are reviewable using the abuse of discretion standard.” Prewitt v. State, 878 N.E.2d 184, 188 (Ind. 2007) (citing Sanders v. State, 825 N.E.2d 952, 956 (Ind. Ct. App. 2005), trans. denied) (rejecting a defendant’s argument that his probation violation sanction should be reviewed u

2018We disagree. [10] Our supreme court has held that “a trial court’s sentencing decisions for probation violations are reviewable using the abuse of discretion standard.” Prewitt v. State, 878 N.E.2d 184, 188 (Ind. 2007) (citing Sanders v. State, 825 N.E.2d 952, 956 (Ind. Ct. App. 2005), trans. denied) (rejecting a defendant’s argument that his probation violation sanction should be reviewed under the inappropriate standard in Indiana Appellate Rule 7(B)).

88
Tapia v. Stategreen
ind · 2001 · cited in 8 Indiana opinions naming this issue, 2003–2019
2 sentences

2019Appendix to Ind. Post-Conviction Rule 1 (Emphases added). [12] Even assuming that Harris’s March 1, 2018 filing did not constitute a successive petition because a decision on the merits had not been previously rendered, we cannot say that reversal is warranted. [13] Ind. Post-Conviction Rule 1(4)(c) provides in part that “[t]he petitioner shall be given leave to amend the petition as a matter of right no later than sixty [60] days prior to the date the petition has been set for trial” and that “[a]ny later amendment of the petition shall be by leave of the court.” “[T]he plain language of the

2019“First, employing an abuse of discretion standard gives the post-conviction court the ability to curtail attempts by petitioners, including those in capital cases, to delay final judgment on their petitions.” Id.

88
Fraley v. Mingergreen
ind · 2005 · cited in 12 Indiana opinions naming this issue, 2006–2012
2 sentences

2012“Where cases present mixed issues of fact and law, we have described the review as applying an abuse of discretion standard.” Bowyer, 944 N.E.2d at 983 ; Fraley v. Minger, 829 N.E.2d 476, 482 (Ind.2005).

2012"Where cases present mixed issues of fact and law, we have described the review as applying an abuse of discretion standard." Bowyer, 944 N.E.2d at 983 ; Fraley v. Minger, 829 N.E.2d 476, 482 (Ind.2005).

712
Lucas H. Jackson v. State of Indianagreen
indctapp · 2014 · cited in 9 Indiana opinions naming this issue, 2014–2020
2 sentences

2020Jackson v. State, 6 N.E.3d 1040, 1042 (Ind. Ct. App. 2014).

2019Jackson v. State , 6 N.E.3d 1040 , 1042 (Ind. Ct. App. 2014).

79
In Re the Marriage of: Amy Steele-Giri v. Brian K. Steelegreen
ind · 2016 · cited in 8 Indiana opinions naming this issue, 2016–2026
2 sentences

2026“It is soundly within the discretion of the trial court to determine whether a party is in contempt, and we review the judgment under an abuse of discretion standard.” Steele-Giri v. Steele, 51 N.E.3d 119, 124 (Ind. 2016). [31] GAL Harrington noted in her 2024 report that the children were “placed in the middle of an adult decision” because Mother shared her negative opinions about Avon schools with them.

2025It is in that review that the majority discovered the language of the order, including language seemingly calling for double payment for the alleged extracurricular activities arrearages, which was incorrect as a matter of Court of Appeals of Indiana | Opinion 24A-DR-1109 | February 10, 2025 Page 7 of 25 [17] “It is soundly within the discretion of the trial court to determine whether a party is in contempt, and we review the judgment under an abuse of discretion standard.” Steele-Giri v. Steele, 51 N.E.3d 119, 124 (Ind. 2016) (quoting Witt v. Jay Petroleum, Inc., 964 N.E.2d 198, 202 (Ind. 201

78
Ross v. Bachkurinskiygreen
indctapp · 2002 · cited in 7 Indiana opinions naming this issue, 2004–2020
2 sentences

2020Ross v. Bachkurinskiy, 770 N.E.2d 389, 392 (Ind. Ct. App. 2002). [8] Bell maintains that his attorney was not served a copy of Vacuforce’s motion to dismiss because of a “clerical error[,] as the Indiana E-filing System sent notice of Vacuforce’s Motion to Dismiss to [Bell’s] Counsel’s wrong email address.” 1 Bell also appealed the trial court’s order granting Vacuforce’s motion to dismiss.

2016Ross v. Bachkurinskiy, 770 N.E.2d 389, 392 (Ind.Ct.App.2002).

67
McElroy v. Stategreen
ind · 2007 · cited in 7 Indiana opinions naming this issue, 2015–2020
2 sentences

2020McElroy v. State, 865 N.E.2d 584, 588 (Ind. 2007).

2020McElroy v. State, 865 N.E.2d 584, 588 (Ind. 2007).

67
King v. Stategreen
indctapp · 2008 · cited in 6 Indiana opinions naming this issue, 2010–2020
2 sentences

2013Because Porche fails to differentiate his arguments and makes no attempt to meet his burden to persuade us that his sentence is inappropriate in light of the nature of the offense and his character, see King v. State, 894 N.E.2d 265, 267 (Ind. Ct. App. 2008), we will consider his sentencing challenge solely as an abuse of discretion claim.

2012See King v. State, 894 N.E.2d 265, 267 (Ind. Ct. App. 2008) (observing that “interspersed within King’s inappropriate sentence argument are references to the abuse of discretion standard . . .

66
Anglemyer v. Stategreen
ind · 2007 · cited in 9 Indiana opinions naming this issue, 2009–2020
2 sentences

2020Anglemyer, 868 N.E.2d at 490 .

2018As our supreme court noted after the sentencing statutes were amended in 2005, “[b]ecause the trial court no longer has any obligation to ‘weigh’ aggravating and mitigating factors against each other when imposing a sentence, . . . a trial court can not now be said to have abused its discretion in failing to ‘properly weigh’ such factors.” Anglemyer, 868 N.E.2d at 491 . [7] Although Whetstone’s argument section provides a comprehensive overview of the abuse of discretion standard, he does not challenge a particular factor identified by the court as improper.

59
In re the Marriage of: Thomas Todd Reynolds v. Tricia Reynoldsgreen
ind · 2016 · cited in 7 Indiana opinions naming this issue, 2017–2023
2 sentences

2020“It is soundly within the discretion of the trial court to determine whether a party is in contempt, and we review the judgment under an abuse of discretion standard.” Reynolds v. Reynolds, 64 N.E.3d 829, 832 (Ind. 2016) (quoting Steele-Giri v. Steele, 51 N.E.3d 119, 124 (Ind. 2016)). “‘We will reverse a trial court’s finding of contempt only if there is no evidence or inference therefrom to support the finding.’” Id.

2020“It is soundly within the discretion of the trial court to determine whether a party is in contempt, and we review the judgment under an abuse of discretion standard.” Reynolds v. Reynolds, 64 N.E.3d 829, 832 (Ind. 2016).

57
Beike v. Beikegreen
indctapp · 2004 · cited in 7 Indiana opinions naming this issue, 2006–2019
2 sentences

2019Beike v. Beike , 805 N.E.2d 1265 , 1267 (Ind. Ct. App. 2004).

2012Beike v. Beike, 805 N.E.2d 1265, 1267 (Ind.Ct.App.2004).

57
City of Indianapolis v. Hicks ex rel. Richardsgreen
indctapp · 2010 · cited in 6 Indiana opinions naming this issue, 2013–2020
2 sentences

2017See Ind. BMV v. Charles, 919 N.E.2d 114, 116 (Ind. Ct. App. 2009) (“Although rulings on motions to correct error are usually reviewable under an abuse of discretion standard, we review a case de novo when the issue ... is purely a question of law.”)[.] City of Indpls. v. Hicks, 932 N.E.2d 227, 230 (Ind. Ct. App. 2010), trans. denied.

2017See Ind. BMV v. Charles, 919 N.E.2d 114, 116 (Ind. Ct. App. 2009) (“Although rulings on motions to correct error are usually reviewable under an abuse of discretion standard, we review a case de novo when the issue ... is purely a question of law.”)[.] City of Indpls. v. Hicks, 932 N.E.2d 227, 230 (Ind. Ct. App. 2010), trans. denied.

56
Burkett v. Stategreen
indctapp · 2000 · cited in 6 Indiana opinions naming this issue, 2001–2013
2 sentences

2013Burkett v. State, 736 N.E.2d 304, 306 (Ind.Ct.App.2000).

2011Turning to this case, we note that although we review a trial court’s decision to admit evidence under an abuse of discretion standard, “the ultimate determination of reasonable suspicion is reviewed de novo.” Burkett v. State, 736 N.E.2d 304, 306 (Ind.Ct.App.2000) (quoting Green v. State, 719 N.E.2d 426, 429 (Ind.Ct.App.1999) (citing Ornelas v. United States, 517 U.S. 690, 699 , 116 S.Ct. 1657, 1663 , 134 L.Ed.2d 911 (1996))).

56
Emergency Physicians of Indianapolis v. Pettitgreen
indctapp · 1999 · cited in 6 Indiana opinions naming this issue, 2001–2009
2 sentences

2009Thus, the third step of our appellate review is "to *34 review the trial court's decision to award fees and the amount thereof under an abuse of discretion standard." Davidson, 745 N.E.2d at 899 -900 (citing Emergency Physicians, 714 N.E.2d at 1115 ).

2001Finally, we review the trial court's decision to award attorney's fees and the amount thereof under an abuse of discretion standard." Emergency Physicians of Indianapolis v. Pettit, 714 N.E.2d 1111, 1115 (Ind.Ct.App.1999), adopted in relevant part, 718 N.E.2d 753 (Ind.1999).

56
Outback Steakhouse of Florida, Inc. v. Markleygreen
ind · 2006 · cited in 5 Indiana opinions naming this issue, 2012–2020
55
State of Indiana v. Antonio Gonzalez-Vazquezgreen
indctapp · 2013 · cited in 5 Indiana opinions naming this issue, 2013–2018
55
Dld v. Ldgreen
indctapp · 2009 · cited in 5 Indiana opinions naming this issue, 2012–2016
55
In Re Guardianship of VSDgreen
indctapp · 1996 · cited in 6 Indiana opinions naming this issue, 1999–2017
2 sentences

2015APS contends that the trial court did not abuse its discretion in appointing a guardian for Izzo’s person and estate. [10] Indiana Code section 29-3-2-4(a) provides that “[a]ll findings, orders, or other proceedings under this article shall be in the discretion of the court unless otherwise provided in this article.” “Thus, we apply the abuse of discretion standard to review the trial court’s findings and order.” In re Guardianship of Atkins, 868 N.E.2d 878, 883 (Ind. Ct. App. 2007) (citing In re Guardianship of V.S.D., 660 N.E.2d 1064, 1066 (Ind. Ct. App. 1996)), trans. denied.

2009Thus, we apply the abuse of discretion standard to review the trial court's findings and order, Id.; V.S.D. v. Williams-Huston (In re Guardianship of V.S.D.), 660 N.E.2d 1064, 1066 (Ind.Ct.App.1996).

46
Hollingsworth v. Key Benefit Administrators, Inc.green
indctapp · 1995 · cited in 6 Indiana opinions naming this issue, 1997–2016
2 sentences

2016In re Estate of Long, 804 N.E.2d 1176, 1178 (Ind.Ct.App.2004); Hollingsworth v. Key Benefit Adm’rs, Inc., 658 N.E.2d 653, 655 (Ind.Ct.App.1995), reh’g denied, trans. denied. “ ‘An abuse of discretion may occur if the trial court’s decision is clearly against the logic and effect of the facts and circumstances before the court, or if the trial court has misinterpreted the law.’” In re Estate of Long, 804 N.E.2d at 1178 (quoting Hollingsworth, 658 N.E.2d at 655 (internal citation omitted)). [6] The Yeagers argue that Ind.Code § 32-30-10.5-8.6, the Indiana Rules of Trial Procedure, Floyd County L

2016In re Estate of Long, 804 N.E.2d 1176, 1178 (Ind.Ct.App.2004); Hollingsworth v. Key Benefit Adm’rs, Inc., 658 N.E.2d 653, 655 (Ind.Ct.App.1995), reh’g denied, trans. denied. “ ‘An abuse of discretion may occur if the trial court’s decision is clearly against the logic and effect of the facts and circumstances before the court, or if the trial court has misinterpreted the law.’” In re Estate of Long, 804 N.E.2d at 1178 (quoting Hollingsworth, 658 N.E.2d at 655 (internal citation omitted)). [6] The Yeagers argue that Ind.Code § 32-30-10.5-8.6, the Indiana Rules of Trial Procedure, Floyd County L

46
Gleason v. Bushgreen
indctapp · 1997 · cited in 6 Indiana opinions naming this issue, 1999–2015
2 sentences

2015Id. [7] Pursuant to Indiana Code section 29-1-7-19, the plaintiff in a will contest is required to post a bond with “sufficient sureties in an amount approved by the court, conditioned for the due prosecution of the proceedings and for the payment of all costs if in the proceedings judgment is rendered against the plaintiff.” “Costs” include only filing fees and statutory witness fees.

2013Id; Beemer, [ 677 N.E.2d at 1120 ], Gleason, 689 N.E.2d at 483-84 .

46
Nicholaus Knecht v. State of Indianagreen
indctapp · 2017 · cited in 5 Indiana opinions naming this issue, 2019–2020
2 sentences

2020Knecht v. State, 85 N.E.3d 829, 840 (Ind. Ct. App. 2017).

2020Knecht v. State, 85 N.E.3d 829, 840 (Ind. Ct. App. 2017).

45
Anglemyer v. Stategreen
ind · 2007 · cited in 5 Indiana opinions naming this issue, 2008–2020
45
In the Paternity of M.O.B.green
indctapp · 1994 · cited in 5 Indiana opinions naming this issue, 1996–2020
45
Upshaw v. Stategreen
indctapp · 2010 · cited in 5 Indiana opinions naming this issue, 2011–2013
45
Goodman v. Goodmangreen
indctapp · 2001 · cited in 4 Indiana opinions naming this issue, 2006–2020
44
Treadway v. Stategreen
ind · 2010 · cited in 4 Indiana opinions naming this issue, 2015–2019
44
Pratt v. Piercegreen
indctapp · 1999 · cited in 4 Indiana opinions naming this issue, 2000–2016
44
Munster Community Hospital v. Bernackegreen
indctapp · 2007 · cited in 4 Indiana opinions naming this issue, 2008–2010
44
Mayberry v. Stategreen
ind · 1996 · cited in 4 Indiana opinions naming this issue, 1997–2000
44
Sparkman v. Stategreen
indctapp · 2000 · cited in 17 Indiana opinions naming this issue, 2001–2017
2 sentences

2017Sparkman v. State, 722 N.E.2d 1259, 1262 (Ind. Ct. App. 2000).

2017Id.

317
Hicks v. Stategreen
ind · 1997 · cited in 7 Indiana opinions naming this issue, 1998–2017
2 sentences

2016Hicks v. State, 690 N.E.2d 215, 221 (Ind. 1997) [10] Typically, we would review a trial court’s ruling on the admissibility of evidence under the abuse-of-discretion standard.

1999“We review this balancing act by the trial court under an abuse of discretion standard.” Hicks, 690 N.E.2d at 223 .

37
Smith v. Stategreen
indctapp · 2005 · cited in 4 Indiana opinions naming this issue, 2012–2019
34
Guyton v. Stategreen
ind · 2002 · cited in 4 Indiana opinions naming this issue, 2015–2019
34
Marriage of Moody v. Moodygreen
indctapp · 1986 · cited in 4 Indiana opinions naming this issue, 1994–2001
34
Pruitt v. Stategreen
ind · 2005 · cited in 3 Indiana opinions naming this issue, 2008–2026
33

Distinguished, questioned or overruled (0)

CaseNegativeCited
No negative-treatment citations attached to this issue in Indiana. Read the followed side critically anyway.

Also cited on this issue (9)

CaseCitedYears
Shell Oil Co. v. Meyer green
ind · 1998
2 sentences

2004Shell Oil, 705 N.E.2d at 969 .

2004Shell Oil, 705 N.E.2d at 969 .

61999–2004
Smyth v. Hester green
indctapp · 2009
52009–2013
Butler v. State green
ind · 1995
41996–2015
Bowyer v. Indiana Department of Natural Resources green
indctapp · 2011
42012–2012
Barnes v. State green
ind · 1994
41997–1998
In Re Paternity of RAF green
indctapp · 2002
32003–2018
Davidson v. Boone County green
indctapp · 2001
32003–2014
Beemer v. Elskens green
indctapp · 1997
31997–2013
BKC v. State green
indctapp · 2003
32005–2006

Statutes the citing opinions construe

IN § Ind. Code § 35-38-2-3 (101) IN § Ind. Code § 34-52-1-1 (55) IN § Ind. Code § 31-15-7-5 (36)

Counted by distinct opinions that both name this issue and are annotated to the section; sections every opinion cites regardless of issue are not filtered here, so read the counts against the total above.

Where else courts name it

TX 15264 (1977–2026) OH 6694 (1971–2026) CA 3798 (1957–2026) TN 3512 (1978–2026) IL 2286 (1898–2026) PA 2069 (1965–2026) WV 1906 (1994–2026) FL 1373 (1980–2026) NJ 1267 (1978–2026) MS 1162 (1990–2026) ID 1147 (1978–2026) AZ 951 (1957–2026) WA 864 (1970–2026) IN 844 (1976–2026) LA 730 (1984–2026) SD 685 (1982–2026) CT 648 (1975–2026) ND 645 (1982–2026) KS 624 (1966–2026) NC 603 (1981–2026) VA 564 (1991–2026) NM 554 (1985–2026) MN 524 (1983–2026) UT 521 (1927–2026) KY 500 (1988–2026) MD 498 (1972–2026) AR 434 (1989–2026) HI 423 (1983–2026) MI 402 (1973–2026) GA 323 (1930–2026) SC 293 (1982–2026) MO 288 (1979–2025) MA 266 (1974–2026) WY 262 (1983–2026) IA 200 (1947–2026) AK 198 (1974–2026) AL 181 (1981–2026) CO 177 (1978–2026) DE 145 (1979–2026) RI 134 (1989–2026) MT 132 (1983–2026) OK 119 (1992–2025) NV 118 (1979–2026) DC 106 (1976–2026) VT 76 (1964–2026) ME 65 (1980–2024) NE 60 (1991–2026) NY 51 (1978–2026) OR 50 (1996–2026) NH 45 (1987–2024) WI 25 (1970–2003) VI 21 (2004–2025) MP 7 (1990–2025) GU 3 (2021–2026)

Opinions by the citing court's state. A doctrine retained in one state and abandoned in another shows up here as a year span that stalls.

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