Judge dismisses 15 cases after deputy prosecutor is no-show
An Elwood judge has dismissed 15 misdemeanor cases after a deputy prosecutor failed to show up for scheduled court hearings.
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Hill asks full 7th Circuit to reinstate death penalty for Baer
Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill has asked the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals to reinstate the death penalty for an Indiana man convicted of the “heinous” murders of a Madison County mother and her 4-year-old daughter after a 7th Circuit panel overturned the man’s death penalty sentence last month.
Civil forfeiture reform passes General Assembly
A bill to reform many aspects of Indiana’s civil forfeiture proceedings is headed to Gov. Eric Holcomb after receiving unanimous support on final passage from the House of Representatives on Monday. The legislation increases due process protections in such cases.
Hill meets Trump on gun reform, points out Indiana ‘Red Flag Law’
Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill met with President Donald Trump to discuss school safety and gun reform on Wednesday, the same day he announced a public safety campaign to remind Hoosier law enforcement of a law enabling them to seize firearms from dangerous individuals without filing criminal charges.
Kiritsis film recalls insanity defense reform
As a new documentary on the notorious Tony Kiritsis kidnapping case in Indianapolis wins critical acclaim, attorneys who worked on the case note it was an impetus for insanity defense reforms that swept the nation.
Senate backs bill to improve handling of rape evidence
A bill aimed at improving the way authorities handle sexual assault evidence has won Indiana Senate approval after an audit found more than 2,500 untested rape kits across the state.
Civil forfeiture reform advances, but concerns remain
The Indiana Senate has approved a bill that would reform many aspects of Indiana’s civil forfeiture framework, a move local attorneys who practice such cases say is a step in the right direction. However, concerns remain about whether the legislation provides criminal defendants sufficient due process.
Civil forfeiture reform bill passes Senate
A bill that would overhaul Indiana’s civil forfeiture framework has passed the Indiana Senate. The legislation is in response to a federal court ruling that struck down part of Indiana’s civil forfeiture statute as unconstitutional.
Senate committee advances civil forfeiture bill
A long-discussed civil forfeiture reform bill has cleared its first hurdle in the Indiana statehouse. The Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday passed Senate Bill 99, which tightens due process procedures when prosecutors seek to confiscate property allegedly connected with crimes.
7th Circuit: Suit against Evansville, Kentucky police may proceed
A federal complaint alleging coercion, constitutional violations and falsification at the hands of Evansville and Kentucky police officers investigating a murder will continue after the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals determined qualified immunity was not appropriate for certain claims against the officers.
Fixed plea modifications at heart of legislation, Supreme Court case
When a court accepts a fixed-sentence plea agreement, prosecutors and defenders alike say the long-standing practice has been for courts to uphold the exact terms of that sentence, absent an agreement between the parties. A recent Indiana Court of Appeals ruling, however, has seemingly put an end to that practice, leading to both a legislative and judicial review of the sentencing issue.
Barnes’ retirement from COA caps 40 years of public service
At 70, Judge Michael Barnes could continue to serve on the Indiana Court of Appeals for another five years before facing mandatory retirement. Instead, he’s thinking young. “Age and grandchildren change one’s perspective,” he said.
Child support network faces fear of collapse
Several times while talking about the statewide computer system that keeps track of child support money, John Owens rapped his knuckles on the nearest piece of wood. Indiana’s technology, dubbed ISETS, processes almost $1 billion in child support payments every year. However, the Department of Child Services says in a report that ISETS is “built on dying technology” from the 1980s. The concern is one day, it will crash for good.
Curry to file for third term as Marion County prosecutor
Marion County prosecutor Terry Curry has announced his plans to run for a third term in 2018. The two-term Democratic prosecutor announced Wednesday he will file his candidacy paperwork in the Marion County Clerk’s Office today.
Special prosecutor named in Indianapolis councilman’s molestation case
A special prosecutor has been appointed to oversee the case against an Indianapolis City-County councilman charged with three counts of child molestation.
Two ex-nursing home execs to plead guilty in kickback scheme
Two former executives with a company that operates dozens of Indiana nursing homes have agreed to plead guilty in a kickback scheme involving millions of dollars. Court documents unsealed this week show that former American Senior Communities CEO James Burkhart and former Chief Operating Officer Daniel Benson, both 52, have reached plea deals.
1 of 2 girls accused in Slender Man stabbing to be sentenced
One of two Wisconsin girls who attempted to kill a classmate to win favor with a fictional horror character named Slender Man will find out Thursday how long she will spend in a mental hospital.
Justices weigh if trial can proceed after prosecutor misconduct
The Indiana Supreme Court will decide if a man charged in his wife’s shooting death will finally have to stand trial after a series of judicial recusals and state misconduct resulted in the trial court dismissing the criminal case.
ACLU poll finds wide support for prosecutorial reform
Likely voters overwhelmingly support prosecutors who will work to end mass incarceration, alternatives to prison and reducing racial bias, according to polling results released Tuesday.
Grand jury to hear case of rail officer’s shooting of teen
A grand jury in Elkhart will decide whether a railroad officer was justified when he shot a 13-year-old boy who led police on a car chase.