conversion claim (Indiana) · Go Syfert
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conversion claim in Indiana

19 Indiana opinions name it 2 courts 1976–2026 2 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 (10)

CaseFollowedCited
Joel Bowden, Ruby Bowden, Golden Companies, Inc., and Golden Purchasing and Staffing, Inc. v. E.J. Agnew and Golden-AGI, LLCgreen
indctapp · 2014 · cited in 2 Indiana opinions naming this issue, 2020–2026
2 sentences

2026As our court of appeals has observed, “refusal to pay a debt will not gener- ally support a conversion claim”, Bowden, 2 N.E.3d at 750 , and the Indiana Supreme Court | Case No. 26S-PL-111 | April 9, 2026 Page 10 of 14 “legislature did not intend to criminalize bona fide contract disputes.” French-Tex Cleaners, Inc. v. Cafaro Co., 893 N.E.2d 1156, 1168 (Ind. Ct. App. 2008).

2020Moreover, “[i]t is well established that refusal to pay a debt will not generally support a conversion claim.” Bowden v. Agnew, 2 N.E.3d 743, 750 (Ind. Ct. App. 2014).

12
French-Tex Cleaners, Inc. v. Cafaro Co.green
indctapp · 2008 · cited in 1 Indiana opinions naming this issue, 2026–2026
1 sentence

2026As our court of appeals has observed, “refusal to pay a debt will not gener- ally support a conversion claim”, Bowden, 2 N.E.3d at 750 , and the Indiana Supreme Court | Case No. 26S-PL-111 | April 9, 2026 Page 10 of 14 “legislature did not intend to criminalize bona fide contract disputes.” French-Tex Cleaners, Inc. v. Cafaro Co., 893 N.E.2d 1156, 1168 (Ind. Ct. App. 2008).

11
Knotts v. Stategreen
ind · 1963 · cited in 1 Indiana opinions naming this issue, 2026–2026
1 sentence

2026Next, we consider whether a plaintiff must prove this “special chattel” requirement to win a conversion claim involving money. 2 In Indiana, “no common-law crimes exist, and the legislature fixes the elements necessary for any statutory crime.” Knotts v. State, 187 N.E.2d 571, 573 (Ind. 1963).

11
State ex rel. Cornwell v. Allengreen
ind · 1863 · cited in 1 Indiana opinions naming this issue, 2024–2024
1 sentence

2024Allen, 21 Ind. at 520 (explaining that the expeditious resolution of a quo warranto action was in the defendant’s best interests “for if he is not rightly in office, he will be liable to the legal officer for the fees of the office”).

11
SJS Refractory Co. v. Empire Refractory Sales, Inc.green
indctapp · 2011 · cited in 1 Indiana opinions naming this issue, 2017–2017
1 sentence

2017SJS Refractory Co. v. Empire Refractory Sales, Inc., 952 N.E.2d 758, 766 (Ind. Ct. App. 2011).

11
Conwell v. Gray Loon Outdoor Marketing Group, Inc.green
ind · 2009 · cited in 1 Indiana opinions naming this issue, 2012–2012
1 sentence

2012Grp., Inc., 906 N.E.2d 805, 818 (Ind.2009) (Boehm, J. concurring in result) (agreeing with the majority’s implication “that a website design is personal property and is subject to a conversion claim, whether or not it is ‘goods’ subject to the Uniform Commercial Code”).

11
Shouse v. Stategreen
indctapp · 2006 · cited in 1 Indiana opinions naming this issue, 2011–2011
1 sentence

2011See Shouse v. State, 849 N.E.2d 650 (finding a conversion instruction not warranted by the evidence where there was no serious evidentiary dispute that the defendant intended to deprive the owner of the truck’s value or use); M.Q.M. v. State, 840 N.E.2d 441 (Ind.Ct.App.2006) (finding the evidence insufficient for theft but sufficient for conversion where there was no evidence that the juvenile intended to deprive his parents of the value or use of the vehicle).

11
Nance v. Miami Sand & Gravel, LLCgreen
indctapp · 2005 · cited in 1 Indiana opinions naming this issue, 2011–2011
1 sentence

2011Nance v. Miami Sand & Gravel, LLC, 825 N.E.2d 826, 836 (Ind.Ct.App.2005), trans. denied.

11
Cavens v. Zaberdacgreen
ind · 2006 · cited in 1 Indiana opinions naming this issue, 2009–2009
1 sentence

2009Cavens v. Zaberdac, 849 N.E.2d 526, 533 (Ind.2006) (holding that "lilssues not raised at the trial court are waived on appeal").

11
Newman v. Stategreen
indctapp · 1999 · cited in 1 Indiana opinions naming this issue, 2000–2000
1 sentence

2000Newman v. State, 719 N.E.2d 832, 838 (Ind.Ct.App.1999), trans. denied.

11

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 (15)

CaseCitedYears
Huff v. BIOMET, INC. green
indctapp · 1995
1 sentence

2014See, *751 eg., Newland Res., LLC v. Branham Corp., 918 N.E.2d 768, 776 (Ind.Ct.App. 2009) (conversion claim dismissed because plaintiff "did not identify the money at issue as separate chattel"); Tobin v. Ru-man, 819 N.E.2d 78 (Ind.Ct.App.2004) (law firm's wrongful withholding of lawyer's share of retained earnings constituted failure to pay a debt and did not constitute criminal conversion as a matter of law), trans. denied; Huff v. Biomet, Inc., 654 N.E.2d 830 (wrongful withholding of sales commissions did not constitute eriminal conversion where there was no evidence that the money was entr

12014–2014
Tobin v. Ruman green
indctapp · 2004
1 sentence

2014See, *751 eg., Newland Res., LLC v. Branham Corp., 918 N.E.2d 768, 776 (Ind.Ct.App. 2009) (conversion claim dismissed because plaintiff "did not identify the money at issue as separate chattel"); Tobin v. Ru-man, 819 N.E.2d 78 (Ind.Ct.App.2004) (law firm's wrongful withholding of lawyer's share of retained earnings constituted failure to pay a debt and did not constitute criminal conversion as a matter of law), trans. denied; Huff v. Biomet, Inc., 654 N.E.2d 830 (wrongful withholding of sales commissions did not constitute eriminal conversion where there was no evidence that the money was entr

12014–2014
MQM v. State green
indctapp · 2006
1 sentence

2011See Shouse v. State, 849 N.E.2d 650 (finding a conversion instruction not warranted by the evidence where there was no serious evidentiary dispute that the defendant intended to deprive the owner of the truck’s value or use); M.Q.M. v. State, 840 N.E.2d 441 (Ind.Ct.App.2006) (finding the evidence insufficient for theft but sufficient for conversion where there was no evidence that the juvenile intended to deprive his parents of the value or use of the vehicle).

12011–2011
Morris v. State green
indctapp · 2010
1 sentence

2010Id.

12010–2010
Burnett v. Villaneuve green
indctapp · 1997
1 sentence

2006We have previously held that "[nlo matter who the creditor, no matter the reason for delay, the one-year nonclaim statute must be complied with in order to bring a claim against the estate." Burnett, 685 N.E.2d at 1110 .

12006–2006
Steeg & Associates, Inc. v. Rynearson green
indctapp · 1968
1 sentence

2005Coffel v. Perry, 452 N.E2d 1066, 1069 (Ind.Ct.App.1983). _ "Where - converted property is returned, damages for the deprivation of the use of the property may be measured by the fair rental value for the period of conversion." Id.

12005–2005
Melton v. State green
indctapp · 1992
2 sentences

1997Melton, supra, 597 N.E.2d at 361 , as quoted by the majority, clearly demonstrates the total lack of value of Cosby’s testimony, including the unfounded conclusion that Blinn’s blood alcohol content by weight was 0.292%, with regard to whether Blinn was operating the vehicle while intoxicated.

1997Melton, supra, 597 N.E.2d at 361 , as quoted by the majority, clearly demonstrates the total lack of value of Cosby’s testimony, including the unfounded conclusion that Blinn’s blood alcohol content by weight was 0.292%, with regard to whether Blinn was operating the vehicle while intoxicated.

11997–1997
Stevens v. Butler green
indctapp · 1994
1 sentence

1995Id.

11995–1995
Irvin v. State green
indctapp · 1986
2 sentences

1987As to the conversion instruction, I have not retreated from the position stated in Irvin v. State (1986) 2d Dist.Ind.App., 501 N.E.2d 1139 , to the effect that "from a practical standpoint the offenses [of theft and conversion] appear to be one and the same." Id. at 1142 . 1 Nevertheless, our precedent continues to draw a distinction between the two with respect to mens rea.

1987As to the conversion instruction, I have not retreated from the position stated in Irvin v. State (1986) 2d Dist.Ind.App., 501 N.E.2d 1139 , to the effect that "from a practical standpoint the offenses [of theft and conversion] appear to be one and the same." Id. at 1142 . 1 Nevertheless, our precedent continues to draw a distinction between the two with respect to mens rea.

11987–1987
Western & Southern Life Insurance v. Shelby neutral
indctapp · 1935
2 sentences

1982Both parties rely on the case of Western & Southern Life Insurance *1385 Co. v. Shelby, (1935) 101 Ind.App. 1 , 194 N.E. 197 , trans. denied.

1982Both parties rely on the case of Western & Southern Life Insurance *1385 Co. v. Shelby, (1935) 101 Ind.App. 1 , 194 N.E. 197 , trans. denied.

11982–1982
Silliman v. International Life Insurance neutral
tenn · 1914
1 sentence

1982Suicide clauses have been seen to serve two separate purposes, (1) as a risk of loss provision upon which premiums of the policy are based, Kunse v. Knights of the Modern Maccabees, (1909) 45 Ind.App. 30 , 90 N.E. 89 , or (2) as an anti-fraud provision, Silliman v. International Life Insurance Co., (1915) 131 Tenn. 303 , 174 S.W. 1131 .

11982–1982
Landorf v. United States green
cc · 1969
1 sentence

1982The court in Landorf, supra, at 468 , rejected the defendant’s argument that the right to convert is personal to the insured and non-assignable, stating that the cases defendant relies upon hold 2 “that ca insured, who is also the owner of the rights under the policy, must be alive when the conversion privilege (that becomes available on termination of employment) is exercised.” Importantly, we note that the above cases, cited below in footnote 2, preceded the § 204(3) amendment which DeVille interpreted, and therefore, did not involve the issue of statutory notice to an insured of the convers

11982–1982
De Ville v. Continental Assurance Co. green
nyappdiv · 1960
1 sentence

1982If the statute is interpreted according to its purpose and spirit we conclude that the certificate holder was insured at the time of his death under the terms of the policy when construed together with the pertinent statutory provisions.” 199 N.Y.S.2d at 881-82 .

11982–1982
Kunse v. Knights of Modern Maccabees green
indctapp · 1909
2 sentences

1982Suicide clauses have been seen to serve two separate purposes, (1) as a risk of loss provision upon which premiums of the policy are based, Kunse v. Knights of the Modern Maccabees, (1909) 45 Ind.App. 30 , 90 N.E. 89 , or (2) as an anti-fraud provision, Silliman v. International Life Insurance Co., (1915) 131 Tenn. 303 , 174 S.W. 1131 .

1982Suicide clauses have been seen to serve two separate purposes, (1) as a risk of loss provision upon which premiums of the policy are based, Kunse v. Knights of the Modern Maccabees, (1909) 45 Ind.App. 30 , 90 N.E. 89 , or (2) as an anti-fraud provision, Silliman v. International Life Insurance Co., (1915) 131 Tenn. 303 , 174 S.W. 1131 .

11982–1982
In Re Estate of Biege green
kan · 1958
2 sentences

1976For their proposition that they and Charles held the right to the payments as joint tenants with right of survivorship, the sisters rely on Hewitt v. Biege (1958), 183 Kan. 352 , 327 P.2d 872 .

1976For their proposition that they and Charles held the right to the payments as joint tenants with right of survivorship, the sisters rely on Hewitt v. Biege (1958), 183 Kan. 352 , 327 P.2d 872 .

11976–1976

Statutes the citing opinions construe

IN § Ind. Code § 34-24-3-1 (7) IN § Ind. Code § 35-43-4-2 (6) IN § Ind. Code § 35-43-4-3 (4) IN § Ind. Code § 35-43-4-1 (3)

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 117 (1978–2026) NY 115 (1951–2026) CA 113 (1926–2026) OH 70 (1914–2026) NC 68 (1956–2026) AL 47 (1880–2026) GA 44 (1936–2026) IL 40 (1946–2026) MI 29 (1929–2026) PA 28 (1868–2026) MO 26 (1907–2025) AZ 24 (1986–2025) MD 23 (1969–2024) DE 23 (1992–2025) OR 20 (1960–2025) FL 19 (1990–2026) IN 19 (1976–2026) ME 14 (2000–2024) CT 14 (1935–2006) UT 13 (1985–2026) WA 13 (2001–2025) NJ 13 (1958–2026) MA 12 (1992–2025) MN 11 (1990–2025) WY 11 (1991–2024) ND 11 (1989–2024) IA 11 (1994–2023) ID 9 (1970–2024) TN 9 (1983–2024) LA 8 (2010–2022) DC 8 (1987–2017) VT 8 (1964–2026) WI 8 (1922–2023) CO 7 (1984–2025) KS 7 (1938–2020) MS 7 (1999–2023) OK 7 (1940–2012) VA 7 (1996–2025) SC 6 (1989–2025) HI 6 (2007–2021) AR 6 (2002–2016) WV 5 (1896–2024) NM 5 (1993–2016) NV 5 (1987–2021) AK 4 (2014–2024) RI 3 (1997–2023) MT 2 (2014–2024) SD 2 (2007–2022) KY 2 (2005–2020)

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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