Criminal code committee still trying to answer funding and sentencing questions
The Indiana General Assembly passed an overhaul of the state’s criminal code during 2013 but left two major issues for the upcoming session – funding and sentencing.
Indiana General Assembly
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COA rejects claim overhaul of Criminal Code shows Class A felonies disproportionate
A defendant attempted to persuade the Indiana Court of Appeals that the Class A felony classifications for dealing or possession of cocaine are disproportionate by pointing to the recent revisions to the Criminal Code. The new criminal classifications and sentencing structure that take effect next year no longer include these crimes in the highest level of felonies.
Appeals panel rules former same-sex partner has standing to seek visitation
A former same-sex domestic partner of a woman who gave birth to a child has standing to seek visitation, the Indiana Court of Appeals ruled Thursday, reversing a trial court in an opinion begging lawmakers to speak to the rights of same-sex couples in parenting disputes.
Judges persuade Commission on Courts to reject bail bond proposal and review use of psychologists
Proposed legislation regarding bail bonds died Oct. 21 in the Indiana General Assembly’s Commission on Courts hearing after Indiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Brent Dickson raised concerns about constitutionality and legislative overreach.
Commission on Courts to look at confidentiality of paternity cases
The Commission on Courts will tackle several issues at its meeting Oct. 21, including the confidentiality of juvenile court records in juvenile paternity cases.
Man convicted before felony classes implemented can’t convert conviction to misdemeanor
A man who pleaded guilty in 1977 to felony possession of a controlled substance was unable to convince the Indiana Court of Appeals that he is entitled to have his conviction reduced to a misdemeanor.
Allen County attorney appointed as state representative
Fort Wayne attorney Casey B. Cox is being sworn in Tuesday as state representative for House District 85.
New commission on children to webcast meetings
Interested parties across Indiana will be able to attend the upcoming meetings of the state’s new child commission via the Internet.
Legislator says state trying to deny health care insurance to Hoosiers
Democratic State Rep. Ed DeLaney has called for the state’s lawsuit against the Affordable Care Act to be thrown out of court “as quickly as humanly possible.”
Walking down sidewalk while drunk does not meet new conditions for public intox, COA rules
Four criteria added to the state’s public intoxication statute in 2012 presented the Indiana Court of Appeals with a question of first impression when it considered a man’s arrest for being drunk in a public place.
Indiana courts grappling with requirement to use psychiatrists in insanity evaluations
Although members of the Indiana Legislature’s Commission on Courts appeared to be skeptical of a proposal to revise the statute concerning insanity evaluations, their concerns may be trumped by the need to be pragmatic.
Legislature’s criminal law and courts committees continue interim studies
Indiana legislative study committees examining the criminal code and courts will hold separate hearings on Oct. 8 at the Indiana Statehouse.
Expungement forum postponed
A second expungement law forum, scheduled for Sept. 17, has been postponed.
AG seeks to reinstate misconduct charges against former IURC chief
The former head of the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission could again face criminal charges in connection with his alleged actions surrounding Duke Energy’s Edwardsport power plant in 2010.
Will Indiana’s economy cool due to rising energy costs?
Bose McKinney & Evans attorney Nikki Shoultz discusses the relationship of the economy on rising energy costs.
Mother may petition for college expenses for emancipated children
Two amendments made by the Indiana General Assembly to the termination of child support and emancipation statute allow for a mother’s college support petition for two emancipated children to stand.
Interim criminal law study committee to examine sentencing questions
The process to correct and clarify House Enrolled Act 1006, the massive piece of legislation overhauling the state’s criminal code, will begin Aug. 15 at the first meeting of the Indiana General Assembly’s Criminal Law and Sentencing Policy Study Committee.
State commission studying services for children sets first meeting
A commission created last year by the Legislature to better coordinate services for children will hold its first meeting Aug. 21.
Indiana Senate President takes call for Constitutional Convention to national audiences
Indiana Senate President Pro Tem David Long, R-Fort Wayne, is pushing for an Article V Constitutional Convention by speaking at national meetings and trying to garner support beyond Indiana.
Dispute over bail bonds likely to produce a legislative solution
Growing tension between the bench and bail bond agents has been shoved into the spotlight at the Statehouse and could be the subject of bills introduced during the 2014 session of the Indiana General Assembly.