On Tuesday, August 5, 2025, the Indiana Commission on Judicial Qualifications filed disciplinary charges against Randolph County Superior Court Judge Dale Arnett. The commission’s allegations state that Judge Arnett has shown an inability to perform his judicial and administrative responsibilities effectively and in a timely manner, as well as a failure to properly supervise his court staff.

The case is entitled “In the Matter of Judge Dale Arnett,” with case number 25S-JD-198.

The commission has brought forth eleven counts of misconduct against Judge Arnett, asserting that he violated the Code of Judicial Conduct. The specific claims include actions that undermine public confidence in the judiciary and a lack of diligence in his duties. Notably, the charges indicate that Judge Arnett did not schedule hearing dates for defendants who had been arrested, resulting in prolonged detention for these individuals. Additionally, it is alleged that he neglected to take necessary actions in certain criminal cases, which led to the dismissal of those cases.

In conjunction with the disciplinary charges, the commission has submitted a Verified Petition for Interim Suspension. This petition requests that the Supreme Court issue an order to suspend Judge Arnett from his judicial functions with pay while the proceedings are ongoing. As of now, Judge Arnett is not presiding over any cases. He has been on a leave of absence since April 23, 2025, when the Supreme Court appointed a Judge Pro Tempore to handle court matters during his absence.

The Supreme Court possesses the ultimate authority to assess whether any judicial misconduct has taken place. They may choose to dismiss the charges, accept or reject any disciplinary agreement proposed by the commission and Judge Arnett, appoint a panel of judges to conduct a public hearing, impose fines, or enforce sanctions that range from a reprimand to suspension, or even a permanent ban from holding judicial office in Indiana.

Judge Arnett’s courtroom is located at 100 South Main Street, 3rd Floor, Winchester, IN 47394, and can be reached at (765) 584-3309.

A copy of the original filing can be found here.