In a disciplinary conclusion that underscores the absolute necessity of integrity in the legal field, Indiana attorney Randy Godshalk chose to exit the profession via a resignation from the bar.
This action came while Godshalk was under an immediate suspension, and it concluded a serious disciplinary proceeding built around allegations that he facilitated a witness bribe in a criminal case and later committed perjury to cover up his misconduct.
The Core Allegations: Bribe and Deceit
The case against Randy Godshalk (Indiana Supreme Court Case No. 24S-DI-383) centered on a profound breach of his ethical and legal duties, dating back to his representation in a criminal defense case in 2008.
The Indiana Supreme Court Disciplinary Commission alleged that the attorney’s actions posed a “substantial threat of harm to the public and the administration of justice,” leading to his emergency suspension.
The primary accusations were:
- Illicit Financial Agreement: Godshalk was accused of orchestrating a monetary payment to a witness—disguised as a civil settlement—with the true purpose of preventing that witness from cooperating with the prosecution in his client’s criminal case.
- Lies Under Oath: To conceal this alleged improper agreement, Godshalk was later accused of committing perjury (lying under oath) in subsequent legal proceedings.
The Inevitable Conclusion: Resignation in Lieu of Discipline
Facing overwhelming evidence and the severe nature of the allegations—actions that strike at the very heart of the justice system—Godshalk pursued a disciplinary exit strategy.
1. The Emergency Suspension
In September 2024, the Supreme Court ordered an Emergency Interim Suspension for Godshalk. This immediate action prevented him from undertaking any new legal matters and removed him from practice, signaling the court’s grave concern over his alleged conduct.
2. The Final Resignation
On February 27, 2025, the Indiana Supreme Court formally accepted his Affidavit of Resignation from the Bar.
Under the rules governing Indiana attorney discipline, tendering such a resignation is equivalent to admitting that the attorney “could not successfully defend” against the allegations of professional misconduct. It is a tacit acknowledgment of guilt without a formal trial or disbarment order.
The case of Randy Godshalk is a definitive affirmation that attorneys who manipulate the judicial process or mislead the court system pose an intolerable threat. A lawyer’s license is a privilege built entirely upon trust, and actions like alleged bribery and perjury are deemed unforgivable breaches of that sacred oath.