AGREED RESOLUTION: Orange County Domestic Violence Case Involving Wife of Former Lawrence County Judge Enters Pretrial Diversion

An out-of-county felony domestic violence case involving a prominent Lawrence County political figure’s family has reached an agreed resolution in the Orange County court system.

Candy Robbins, 65, of Bedford—wife of retired Lawrence County Superior Court Judge Michael Robbins—has entered into a formal Pretrial Diversion Agreement to resolve multiple criminal counts stemming from a December 2025 arrest.

Because of the clear judicial conflict of interest that would arise from her ties within the Lawrence County courthouse, the case was investigated, filed, and decided entirely in Orange Superior Court.

The Incident and Initial Arrest

The case began on December 15, 2025, when the Orange County Prosecutor's Office filed a two-count criminal information ledger following an investigation into a domestic dispute.

The State charged Robbins with:

• Domestic Battery Committed in the Presence of a Child Less Than 16 Years Old (Level 6 Felony)
• Interference with the Reporting of a Crime (Class A Misdemeanor)

Following the filing, Orange Superior Court Judge Debra S. Andry found probable cause, issued an arrest warrant, and set a $2,000 cash bond.

The Legal Defense and Resolution

Robbins is represented in this matter by retained attorney J. Scott Callahan of Bedford.

Rather than proceeding to trial, the parties reached an agreed resolution on May 18, 2026, when Lead Orange County Prosecutor Jessica Anne Bansbach and the defense submitted a signed Pretrial Diversion Agreement. Under a diversion, the charges are held under advisement. If Robbins completes all court-mandated counseling and remains in full compliance with the law for a specified period, the State will permanently dismiss the case.

Public Records Access

To maintain absolute transparency, we are providing the official case details so our followers can view the state's certified ledger directly:

• Court: Orange Superior Court
• Case Number: 59D01-2512-F6-000640
• Defendant: Candy Robbins
• Defense Attorney: J. Scott Callahan