Indiana grandparents petitioning for visitation face long odds
The courts are limiting relatives’ rights while the Indiana General Assembly seeks to expand them.
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Dissolution of same-sex marriages a legal puzzle for lawyers, judges
Indiana statute makes clear the state’s position on same-sex marriage, but it also leaves murky the rights of Hoosier couples who, despite the law, are legally married.
Will Indiana attorneys be required to report pro bono hours?
A task force has made three recommendations to the Indiana Supreme Court on how to encourage lawyers to perform more services for indigent Hoosiers.
Complexity of new expungement law raises questions
Hundreds rushed to a clerk’s office July 1 on a mistaken belief that was the only day they could petition to have their criminal records expunged.
Commission on Courts to consider Vanderburgh magistrate, bail issues
The Indiana Commission on Courts will meet Thursday to hear a request for an additional magistrate in Vanderburgh Circuit Court and to review the state’s bail surety system.
Criminal convictions and financial penalties do not violate double jeopardy
A business owner will have to serve his sentence after the Indiana Court of Appeals rejected his argument that his criminal convictions and financial penalties imposed for failing to pay taxes violated double jeopardy principles.
Justices take 4 cases, deny 21
The Indiana Supreme Court will hear an appeal of a case in which the Indiana Court of Appeals ruled that a public school construction project built through a foundation should have been subject to public bidding requirements.
2 new magistrates appointed in Hendricks County
The Hendricks Superior Court is welcoming two new judges to the bench. Attorneys Tammy Somers and Michael “Joe” Manning have been appointed as magistrates for the Superior Court. Somers accepted the position effective July 1, 2013. Manning accepted the position effective Aug. 5, 2013.
Judge accepts Conour plea; IU will use funds donated by ex-lawyer to help victims
Now that former high-profile personal-injury attorney William Conour has pleaded guilty to accusations that he defrauded dozens of clients of more than $4.5 million, his victims hope for some measure of restitution. At least a fraction of the loss will be covered by the law school to which Conour gave $450,000.
Legal services provider partners with nonprofit to help homeless veterans
A partnership between two Indianapolis nonprofits will provide for the first time ongoing legal services to homeless veterans working to become self-sufficient.
7th Circuit won’t excuse IMPD officer from wrongful arrest, excessive force suit
A man’s federal lawsuit against two Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officers and the city will go forward after a federal judge rejected one officer’s interlocutory appeal.
Judge finds Apple conspired to raise e-book prices
A judge in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York ruled Wednesday that Apple Inc. colluded with major U.S. publishers to artificially raise the retail prices of e-books.
7th Circuit affirms drug convictions, sentence
The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld an Indiana man’s convictions and 360-month sentence for drug-related offenses, rejecting his claims that his right to a speedy trial was violated and the starting time of his offenses was incorrectly determined by the District Court.
Man accused of violating city ordinances entitled to jury trial
Because the underlying substantive claims brought against an Indianapolis man regarding his treatment of his dog are quasi-criminal, he is entitled to a jury trial under the Indiana Constitution, the Indiana Court of Appeals has ruled.
COA: Surrogate can not petition to disestablish maternity
A married woman who acted as a surrogate for another couple cannot petition to disestablish her maternity because it would cause the child to be “declared a child without a mother,” the Indiana Court of Appeals determined on interlocutory appeal.
COA affirms $1,380 restitution order for missing CDs, coins
The Indiana Court of Appeals held Thursday that a trial court did not err in letting the state present evidence of a victim’s loss for the first time at a restitution hearing. It affirmed an order that Kenneth Smith pay $1,380 to William Kirkham for missing CDs and coins.
Server’s electronic tip alteration is forgery, COA rules
A Logan’s Roadhouse server who used a computer to alter the amount of tip a customer left for her on a credit card can be convicted of forgery, the Indiana Court of Appeals affirmed Thursday.
Gay student settles with school system over claims of harassment
A gay Indianapolis high school student who was expelled last year for using a device that emits an electric charge to defend himself from bullies has settled his lawsuit against Indianapolis Public Schools for failing to protect him.
Lawyer accused of staging shooting avoids trial
A southern Indiana attorney accused of staging his shooting a little more than a year ago will avoid a trial that had been scheduled to begin Wednesday. The attorney will enter a guilty plea next month, but attorneys involved with the case said they won’t disclose details.
Man loses challenge to Internet access restrictions
A convicted sex offender’s probation condition restricting his access to certain websites and programs that are frequented by children does not violate the man’s First Amendment rights, the Indiana Court of Appeals ruled Tuesday.