For Immediate Release | October 16, 2026
Discipline charges filed against Porter County judge
The Indiana Commission on Judicial Qualifications has filed disciplinary charges against Porter Superior Court Judge Christopher A. Buckley. The commission alleges Judge Buckley engaged in criminal conduct by operating a vehicle while intoxicated and attempted to use his position as judge to gain preferential treatment from law enforcement officers. Judge Buckley is permitted (but not required) to file an answer to the charges within 20 days.
The "Notice of the Institution of Formal Proceedings and Statement of Charges" (Case No. 26S-JD-373) is public record and has been filed with the Appellate Clerk’s Office. The charges are brought by the seven-member commission, which investigates alleged ethical misconduct by judges.
The commission charges two counts of misconduct. In the first count, the commission alleges that Judge Buckley violated Judicial Conduct Rules 1.1 and 1.2 when he was arrested for and convicted of Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated, a Class C misdemeanor. In the second count, the commission alleges that Judge Buckley violated Judicial Conduct Rule 1.3 when he referred to his judicial status to attempt to gain leniency from law enforcement officers during the investigation that led to his arrest.
Judge Buckley is not currently hearing cases. On October 14, the Supreme Court issued an Order Appointing Judge Pro Tempore, designating Senior Judge Michael N. Pagano to hear cases in Porter Superior Court.
The Supreme Court has final authority to determine what, if any, judicial misconduct occurred. The Court can dismiss the charges, accept or reject a disciplinary agreement between the commission and Judge Buckley, appoint a panel of judges to conduct a public hearing, impose a fine, or impose sanctions ranging from a reprimand to a suspension to a permanent ban on holding judicial office in Indiana. More information about the commission can be found on its website. Judge Buckley is self-represented.
Contact
Adam Clay
adam.clay@courts.in.gov
317-233-3018
