Judge Robert R. Cline: Professional Background and Legal Expertise

The Hon. Robert R. Cline is a judge for the Lawrence County Superior Court in Indiana. He was elected to the bench on November 3, 2020, filling a vacancy created by the retirement of the Hon. William Sleva.

Prior to his election, Cline was the chief deputy prosecuting attorney for the Lawrence County Prosecutor’s Office, a position to which he was named in 2019. He also taught forensic science classes at Indiana University Bloomington.

Cline earned a bachelor’s degree in law and society from Purdue University in 1992. He then completed a J.D. at Indiana University School of Law in 2000.

After graduating from law school, Cline began working as an auditor for PriceWaterhouseCoopers. He worked in that capacity until 2002, at which time he joined the Morgan County Prosecutor’s Office. During his tenure there, he prosecuted more than 50 criminal jury trials, rising through the ranks to become its chief deputy prosecuting attorney.

His memberships have included the Board of Directors of Lawrence County Farm Bureau and the Board of Directors of Becky’s Place.

Cline is a veteran of the United States Army and the Indiana Army National Guard. He earned his commission as a judge advocate, writing wills for deploying soldiers, advising military commanders on legal issues, and serving as counsel in court martial trials. He also completed a deployment to Afghanistan with Indiana’s first Agribusiness Development Team (2009).

A resident of Heltonville, Indiana, Cline and his wife, Audrey, live on a family farm where they raise goats, cattle, and horses. They attend Mundell Christian Church. When not presiding over legal proceedings, he enjoys supporting his children’s sports and 4-H activities.