New laws for 2018
The Indiana General Assembly this year adopted new laws on matters from Sunday carryout sales to designating Say’s Firefly as the official state insect. Here is the complete list of enrolled acts signed into law this year.
IL Staff
Articles
Indiana Court decisions – June 7-20, 2018
Read Indiana appellate decisions from the most recent reporting period.
DCS report confirms parent drug use surging child welfare cases
A review of Indiana’s troubled child welfare agency confirms what advocates have long said: Parental drug abuse has led to a surge in children removed from their homes.
E-filing now available in Montgomery County
Electronic filing is now available in more than 40 civil and criminal case types in the Montgomery Circuit and Superior Courts. By August 21, e-filing will be mandatory for attorneys in the Montgomery County courts for all subsequent and initial filings in case types that allow it.
Judges request public input on child support guidelines
The Domestic Relations Committee of the Judicial Conference of Indiana is seeking public comment on Indiana’s current child support guidelines. The committee will hold a public hearing at 10 a.m. on Aug. 17 in the Supreme Court Courtroom on the third floor of the Indiana Statehouse to discuss the guidelines and is also accepting written comments.
7th Circuit begins search for bankruptcy judge ahead of Lorch retirement
The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals has begun the search for the next Indiana Southern District Bankruptcy Court judge as a current judge prepares to retire.Judge Basil J. Lorch III will soon vacate his position at the Southern District Bankruptcy Court after announcing his retirement in 2016.
Justices appoint Lake Superior judge pro tempore
Lake Superior Court Judge Diane Kavadias Schneider will temporarily step down from her seat on the bench after informing the court she would be unable to perform the duties of her office. Serving in her place as judge pro tempore will be attorney Stephen A. Tyler.
Congress told more Southern District judges needed
Judicial leaders reiterated the urgent need for additional judgeships in the Southern District of Indiana and elsewhere before a House subcommittee Thursday. The Southern District is struggling under the weight of increasing caseloads and saw a 30 percent increase in cases in 2017.
Southern District revises pending local rule amendments
A clerical revision was made to amended local rules for the United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana that will take effect July 1.
Slain woman’s parents reach settlement in insurance suit
The parents of a northwestern Indiana woman who was fatally shot in 2011 have reached a settlement with an insurance company over damages in connection with the man convicted in her killing.
Results of DCS outside assessment to be released Monday
Key findings from an outside assessment of Indiana’s Department of Child Services will be released Monday, when representatives from the Child Welfare Policy and Practice Group will present the results of the assessment requested by Gov. Eric Holcomb. Holcomb asked for the DCS study after former director Mary Beth Bonaventura abruptly resigned, accusing Holcomb of cutting funds and putting children’s lives at risk.
Muncie pain clinic doc convicted of forgery, Rx offenses
A jury has convicted a Muncie pain clinic doctor on three counts each of forgery and prescription-related registration offenses. The Delaware Circuit Court jury deliberated less than an hour before finding William Hedrick of Fort Wayne guilty of the six counts.
Porter, Madison, COA judges certified as senior judges
The Indiana Supreme Court has certified three new senior judges to serve in Indiana’s courts. Chief Justice Loretta Rush, acting as the chair of the Indiana Judicial Nominating Commission, approved Julia M. Jent, Stephen D. Clase and Michael P. Barnes as senior judges in three Thursday orders. Jent is the former judge of the Porter […]
Marion Superior Judge Moores back in the saddle after horse riding accident
Marion Superior Judge Marilyn Moores is returning to the bench this month after temporarily stepping down to recover from a horse riding accident.
Gary man facing death in slayings of wife, 2 kids loses PCR bid
A Gary man sentenced to death for killing his wife and two teenage stepchildren has lost his latest attempt to overturn his conviction – a post-conviction relief petition. Lake Superior Judge Samuel Cappas and Magistrate Judge Natalie Bokota determined in a ruling issued Friday that Kevin Isom of Gary failed to establish he had ineffective counsel at his murder trial or during the appeals process.
Accomplice sentenced in kidnapping, slayings of Gary brothers
An accomplice in the 2015 kidnapping and slayings of two teenage brothers in Gary has been sentenced to 12 years in prison. Kiontay Cason, 24, apologized in court for his role in the murders of 18-year-old Arreon Lackey and 16-year-old Antonio Lackey.
Disciplinary Actions — 6/13/2018
Read about attorney disciplinary actions from the most recent reporting period.
Indiana Court Decisions — May 23-June 6, 2018
Read Indiana appellate court decisions from the most recent reporting period.
Chicago man charged after Hammond fire killed 1, injured 2
A Chicago man faces murder and other charges in connection with an April 14 fire in Hammond that killed a woman and injured two others. Court records show 42-year-old Ronald Alan Gee also faces attempted murder and arson charges connected to the fire that killed 62-year-old Brenda Poole.
More than 150 lawyers suspended for fee, CLE violations
More than 150 attorneys in the state and across the country currently cannot practice law in Indiana after they were suspended by the state Supreme Court for failure to pay their annual fees, comply with annual continuing legal education requirements or both.