Indianapolis attorney gets probation for felony theft conviction
An Indianapolis attorney who pleaded guilty to a felony theft charge for stealing from a charity for the benefit of sick children has been sentenced to six months of probation.
IL Staff
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About 250 lawyers face suspension over unmet dues, education requirements
More than 150 Indiana lawyers and nearly 100 out-of-state attorneys face suspension from the practice of law for unpaid dues, violations of Interest on Lawyer Trust Account rules or failure to comply with continuing legal education requirements.
SCOTUS remands 2 Indiana abortion cases, won’t hear ‘buffer zone’ challenges
The U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday remanded to the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals two lawsuits challenging Indiana laws restricting abortions, leaving undisturbed for now lower court rulings striking down state laws that would have required stricter ultrasound measures and parental notification for mature minors.
Justices amend juror privacy, alternate dispute resolutions rules
The Indiana Supreme Court has issued orders amending rules of the court, some of which concern juror privacy and public access to juror questionnaires and discovery of certain insurance settlement information in mediations.
New state laws ban drivers holding phones, hike marriage age
Using a handheld cellphone while driving will become illegal on Indiana roads under a new state law taking effect Wednesday.
Holcomb extends eviction, foreclosure moratorium until July 31
Gov. Eric Holcomb on Tuesday extended Indiana’s moratorium on housing evictions for one month, through the end of July, continuing a prohibition put in place in March due to financial hardships wrought by the COVID-19 pandemic.
St. Joseph County judiciary pledges to address racial inequities
In response to the statement from Indiana Chief Justice Loretta Rush, the St. Joseph Circuit, Superior and Probate courts have made a commitment to do better and improve justice for persons of color.
New and improved PACER system unveiled
The electronic PACER federal court records system is sporting a new look and improved functions as part of its first major upgrade in a decade. New features are touted as enabling users to more easily navigate the system, more quickly find what they are seeking, and get better access on their mobile devices. The upgrade also is designed to improve accessibility for people with disabilities.
Robb named to Supreme Court rules committee, 3 reappointed
Indiana Court of Appeals Judge Margret Robb has been appointed to a five-year term on the Indiana Supreme Court Committee on Rules of Practice and Procedure, effective July 1. Robb succeeds COA Judge L. Mark Bailey, whose term on the committee will expire June 30.
Retiring COA Judge Baker certified as senior judge
Indiana’s longest-serving judge will continue hearing cases — at least part-time — after being certified as a senior judge last week. Indiana Court of Appeals Judge John G. Baker was certified a senior judge effective June 23, the date of an order signed Tuesday by Chief Justice Loretta Rush.
Justices to review murder verdict overturned due to lawyer’s lie on jury form
A Vanderburgh County jury’s guilty verdict in a murder case that was overturned on appeal because a lawyer who served as the jury forewoman lied on her jury questionnaire will be reviewed by the Indiana Supreme Court.
New laws for 2020
The Indiana General Assembly passed laws this year on matters ranging from increasing the smoking and vaping age to laws banning distracted driving, specifically prohibiting the use of a cellphone behind the wheel. The following enrolled acts, followed in parentheses by their corresponding public law numbers, take effect July 1 unless otherwise noted.
Second round of interviews announced for coming COA vacancy
Seven semifinalists vying for the Indiana Court of Appeals judicial vacancy left by retiring Judge John Baker will be interviewed in person by the Judicial Nominating Commission on July 1. The interviews come after 13 applicants were interviewed remotely earlier this month.
David reappointed as ex-officio Indiana Bar Foundation board member
Indiana Supreme Court Justice Steven David has been reappointed as an ex-officio non-voting member of the Indiana Bar Foundation.
COVID-19 relief in Indiana appellate courts extended
Relief from deadlines in court cases affected by the coronavirus pandemic has been extended by a joint order of the Indiana Supreme Court and the Indiana Court of Appeals issued Friday.
DOJ announces portal for reporting civil rights violations
A new centralized website has been established by the federal Department of Justice to make it easier for people who wish to report possible civil rights violations.
Charlestown zoo barred from taking in new animals
An embattled wildlife center in southern Indiana that’s being sued by the state and by an animal welfare group for allegedly abusing big cats and other exotic animals cannot take in new animals while that lawsuit is pending, a judge has ruled.
Indianapolis lawyers hosting ‘Call to Action’ for racial equality
As demonstrations and calls for criminal justice reform continue nationwide, a group of Indianapolis lawyers have organized a “Call to Action” to highlight the role lawyers can play in the push for racial equality. The new organization Indy Lawyers for Black Lives will host a Juneteenth event Friday at IU McKinney School of Law.
Minkler: Hoosiers experiencing harassment due to COVID-19 should report
Hoosiers who have experienced harassment or discrimination because of the COVID-19 pandemic are urged to report those incidents to the U.S. Attorney’s Office Civil Rights Coordinator, U.S. Attorney Josh J. Minkler announced.
Justices make Lake County judge pro tem appointments due to jurist’s health
Lake Superior Court Judge Clarence D. Murray will temporarily step down from his seat on the bench after informing the court that he would be unable to perform the duties of his office due to health reasons.