Report: Law changes could help combat Indiana opioid crisis
Indiana University experts who assessed the state's opioid epidemic have made recommendations for how Indiana can better address the crisis.
Drugs
Articles
Madison County considers needle exchange program contract
Commissioners in a central Indiana county that ended its needle exchange last year are expected to vote to allow a local behavioral health system to resume the program.
COA affirms denial of motion to suppress drug evidence
A man found slumped over a steering wheel who later admitted to possessing methamphetamine and marijuana has lost his appeal of the denial of his motion to suppress the evidence against him. The Indiana Court of Appeals found the seizure of the man was constitutionally permissible.
IU’s pretrial diversion program sees fewer participants
Indiana University’s pretrial diversion program had a record low number of offenders this year who tried to work off misdemeanors collected during weekend celebrations for a student bicycle race. Those who successfully complete the program can eventually have certain charges dismissed, including public intoxication.
Patients, doctors concerned about new Indiana opioid limits
Some patients and doctors in Indiana are worried that increased restrictions imposed in response to the national opioid epidemic may reduce access to necessary medication.
Drug takeback events aim to reduce abuse of prescription medications
At the Take Back the Circle medication collection event Friday on Monument Circle in downtown Indianapolis, success could be measured in pounds. Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill joined the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department and Covanta Indianapolis to collect unused, unwanted or expired medications from passersby.
Divided COA finds evidence of prior bad acts harmless
A majority of the Indiana Court of Appeals has upheld a Howard County man’s drug convictions and sentence, finding any error in the admission of evidence of prior bad acts was harmless. The dissent, however, provided a lengthy history of state and federal caselaw to highlight why she believed the error was prejudicial.
Chief Justice Rush to join LSC discussion of opioid crisis
Indiana Chief Justice Loretta Rush will be part of a panel discussion on the opioid crisis at the Legal Service Corporation’s annual Forum on Increasing Access to Justice in Washington, D.C. Rush and Jay Chaudhary, managing attorney of Indiana Legal Services, will be among the participants on the Access to Justice and the Opioid Epidemic panel.
7th Circuit remands drug conviction for deficient counsel hearing
The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana must hold a hearing on a convicted drug offender’s motion for collateral relief after the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals determined the offender presented evidence to justify a hearing on deficient counsel performance.
COA upholds admission of syringe into evidence
Lawrence County law enforcement officials were justified in conducting a stop that led to the discovery of a used syringe, thus making it acceptable for the trial court to admit the syringe into evidence, the Indiana Court of Appeals has ruled.
COA upholds man’s convictions for molesting teenage relative
A northern Indiana man convicted of molesting a teenage relative has lost his appeal of his two felony convictions after the Indiana Court of Appeals found neither the trial court nor the man’s trial counsel erred.
Hill announces annual Prescription Drug Abuse Symposium
The office of Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill has announced the ninth annual Prescription Drug Abuse Symposium for later this year. The symposium aims to provide an atmosphere for frank, candid discussion about substance abuse and addiction.
AG’s office contracts with national firm to consider opioid litigation
As numerous government agencies continue to fight the state’s growing opioid crisis, the Indiana Attorney General’s Office has contracted with a national law firm to help determine whether to pursue legal action against opioid manufacturers.
Indiana distributing overdose antidote kits to 34 counties
The Indiana State Department of Health says 95 first responder agencies in 34 rural counties will receive opioid overdose antidote kits. The agency announced Wednesday it’s awarding $127,000 in funding to provide nearly 3,400 naloxone kits and training to the first responders.
7th Circuit upholds meth convictions
The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld an Indiana man’s multiple drug convictions after finding no error during his district court trial.
Rush: Courts ready for hope-filled future
It’s no secret the ongoing opioid epidemic has ravaged nearly every corner of the Hoosier state, sending thousands to court on drug charges, ballooning the number of children in need of services and more. But even as the drug crisis strains Indiana’s judicial resources, Chief Justice Loretta Rush said new court programs and technology have positioned the judiciary to meet the crisis head-on and lead the state into a “hope-filled future.”
Rush discusses ‘hope-filled future’ during State of the Judiciary
A complete turnover in the Supreme Court bench, an expansion of judicial training options and a continued commitment to court technology has poised the Indiana judiciary in a state of hope for the future, Chief Justice Loretta Rush said today in her State of the Judiciary address.
U.S. Supreme Court takes wheel in 2 vehicle search cases
The United States Supreme Court’s justices put themselves in the driver’s seat Tuesday, hearing arguments in two cases involving vehicle searches, but it was unclear what routes the justices will take to resolve the cases.
COA: Traffic stop that led to arrest not a constitutional violation
Though an Indiana trial court erred in admitting a defendant’s statements about prior drug activity, the Indiana Court of Appeals has upheld the defendant’s current dealing conviction after finding the officers who arrested him did not violate his Fourth Amendment rights.
Lake, Monroe counties, Bloomington join opioid lawsuit
Officials of two Indiana counties and one city are joining a lawsuit against pharmaceutical companies and distributors for their alleged role in fueling the opioid abuse crisis.