On Friday, April 5, 2024, the Supreme Court of Indiana issued an order approving a 30-day suspension of former Bartholomew County Prosecutor William M. Nash related to his criminal convictions.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of William M. Nash,” with case no. 24S-DI-27.
The charges cited Indiana Rules of Professional Conduct 8.4(b) and 8.4(d) which states:
Committing a criminal act that reflects adversely on the lawyer’s honesty, trustworthiness, or fitness as a lawyer.
Engaging in conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice.
The Rules of Professional Conduct can be found here.
According to the order, in March 2023 Nash pled guilty to two misdemeanor charges of disorderly conduct and harassment stemming from altercations with his neighbor involving their pets. During one incident, Nash threatened to kill his neighbor and stated he could do so legally. As the elected prosecutor at the time, Nash also taunted his neighbor to call the police, noting he was still the chief law enforcement officer. Nash already received a one-year probation sentence after pleading guilty to two misdemeanors
The Court found Nash’s actions violated professional conduct rules prohibiting criminal acts that reflect poorly on a lawyer’s character and conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice. Nash and the Indiana Supreme Court Disciplinary Commission agreed on a 30-day suspension with automatic reinstatement. Nash’s suspension from practicing law will take effect on May 16, 2024. Nash’s reinstatement to the practice of law will be automatic once the suspension period concludes, so long as there are no other suspensions in place at that time.
According to avvo.com, Mr. Nash is a criminal defense attorney in Columbus, Indiana. He attended the Northwestern University School of Law, graduating in 1990. He acquired his law license in Indiana in 1998.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
