High court inclined to expand warrantless entry into homes
The Supreme Court of the United States on Wednesday seemed inclined to expand when officers can enter a suspect’s home without a warrant.
Misdemeanor
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Supreme Court adopts COA ruling, remands to correct improper sentence
The Indiana Supreme Court on Tuesday summarily affirmed a Court of Appeals decision remanding an improper sentence imposed in a drug case but rejected a convict’s argument that he was wrongly denied his request for a speedy trial.
Suspect in IMPD officer’s slaying to face death penalty
The man accused of fatally shooting an Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officer will face a potential death sentence, the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office announced Tuesday.
Supreme Court launches pretrial diversion pilot program
A pretrial pilot program aimed at preserving judicial resources has been launched in four Indiana counties. The pilot will allow prosecutors to offer pretrial diversion to defendants charged with a variety of low-level offenses.
Bloomington woman pleads guilty to climbing Mount Rushmore
An Indiana woman has pleaded guilty to climbing Mount Rushmore, a federal violation.
COA reversal affirms charges but judge calls out ‘arbitrary’ traffic stops
Incriminating evidence found when two separate drivers were stopped for failing to signal a turn in advance can be used against them, the Indiana Court of Appeals has ruled, though one judge is calling on the Legislature to review traffic laws that lead to “arbitrary” traffic stops.
Evansville man gets 43 years for shooting 5 outside Legion post
A southwestern Indiana man convicted of shooting five people last year outside an American Legion post has been sentenced to 43 years in prison for the attack.
Judge convicted after meth sting barred from bench, suspended
A Hamilton County judge who purchased meth from an informant in a sting operation then bit the thumb of an officer who tried to stop the jurist from swallowing the evidence has been barred from holding judicial office but may continue to conditionally practice law after a 90-day suspension.
Lawsuit settled over Indiana sheriff’s shoving of teenager
A federal lawsuit over allegations that the Allen County sheriff shoved a 15-year-old boy after drinking alcohol at a festival has been dismissed after the county agreed to a settlement.
Reversal: Man who knocked girlfriend off scooter did not voluntarily assume her care
A man who knocked his obese girlfriend off an electric scooter and onto the ground has had his felony domestic battery conviction reversed by the Indiana Court of Appeals.
Reversal: Disorderly conduct conviction violated Indiana Constitution
A woman convicted of disorderly conduct as police intervened in a neighbor’s domestic dispute secured a reversal Wednesday, with the Indiana Court of Appeals finding the woman’s right to free political expression under the state Constitution had been violated.
Allen Co. sheriff says he’ll pay settlement in shoving lawsuit
A northeastern Indiana sheriff has agreed to pay $55,000 to cover the county’s settlement of a lawsuit over allegations that he shoved a 15-year-old boy during a festival.
Community service dropped against Logansport attorney convicted of battery
A northern Indiana lawyer who pleaded guilty to battering his wife has been relieved of a community service condition imposed on his probation.
Justices suspend mayor’s son following multiple alcohol arrests
A mayor’s son and lawyer who has been arrested five times for alcohol-related incidents has been suspended from the Indiana bar for at least one year.
Intimidation conviction upheld for man who threatened officer on YouTube
A man convicted of intimidation after posting a threatening video meant for a police officer did not convince the Indiana Court of Appeals on Monday that his jury panel was unfair or that his conviction should be overturned.
Appeals court reverses suppression of evidence in stolen gun case
The grant of a motion to suppress all evidence found in a man’s home during a search by police has been reversed, with the Indiana Court of Appeals finding a reasonable probability for law enforcement to believe that a stolen gun would be there.
Appeals court reduces misdemeanor sentence of man first charged at age 64
A man who picked up his first of several criminal charges at age 64 amid signs of undiagnosed mental illness and was subsequently ordered to spend 15 months behind bars on misdemeanor charges received an inappropriate sentence, the Indiana Court of Appeals ruled Friday.
Attorney juror at center of Supreme Court murder appeal also suing state
As the Indiana Supreme Court takes up the question of whether a man convicted of murder should get a new trial because of misconduct by an attorney who served as jury forewoman at his trial, that attorney also is suing the state over her firing related to her conduct in the case.
Public defender report underscores need for additional resources
The Indiana Public Defender Commission last month released an analysis of caseloads in Indiana, showing disparities between actual and ideal workloads. That data has led public defense experts to one conclusion: there’s still work to be done to ensure indigent Hoosiers receive quality defense.
Marion County courts plan to resume jury trials
Following a months-long hiatus, the largest county court system in Indiana will resume felony jury trials next week. The Marion Superior Courts announced that major felony trials will resume Monday, while low-level felony, misdemeanor and civil jury trials will resume the week of Sept. 14.