Practitioners’ Corner
New Statute Opens Question of Expungement of Criminal Records in Indiana
A new statute has arisen in Indiana that at least opens the door to limiting access to criminal records of some criminal defendants. Indiana Code Section 35-38-5-5.5 outlines a brand new procedure (effective July 1, 2011) that allows for restricting access to noncriminal-justice agencies under particular circumstances. Up to this point, expungement of one’s criminal … Continue reading New Statute Opens Question of Expungement of Criminal Records in Indiana
Read MoreLegalizing Marijuana in Indiana!?
According to a recent Northwest Indiana Times article, Indiana may be moving its agenda toward decriminalizing marijuana–or even legalizing it for home production. See Northwest Indiana Times article, “Region state senator leads charge for reform of Indiana marijuana laws” 24 July 2011. State Senator Karen Tallian (D-Portage) is proposing that Indiana loosen its marijuana laws–the … Continue reading Legalizing Marijuana in Indiana!?
Read MorePorter County Announces New Magistrate: Mary DeBoer
After a long and deliberative decision, the Porter County Council of Judges has chosen Mary DeBoer to replace Magistrate James Johnson in Porter Superior Court #1, under the supervision of Porter Superior Court Judge Roger Bradford. See Northwest Indiana Times Article, “DeBoer hired as new Porter County magistrate,” 19 July 2011. DeBoer hired as new … Continue reading Porter County Announces New Magistrate: Mary DeBoer
Read MorePorter County Magistrate James Johnson Retires from Bench
This morning in the Northwest Indiana Times as well as the Post-Tribune, it was announced that Magistrate James Johnson, after more than twenty (20) years of service to Porter County, will retire effective August 1, 2011. (See Northwest Indiana Times article, “Porter County Magistrate Resigns Amid Case Backlog”, and Post-Tribune Article, “Porter County Magistrate Stepping … Continue reading Porter County Magistrate James Johnson Retires from Bench
Read MorePolice: “Rest Assured, Rulings Will Have No Effect”
In an EzlerLaw Blog Entry last week, “Indiana Supreme Court Errs Heavily in Favor of Law Enforcement This Week in a Pair of Surprising Decisions”, I wrote about the controversial decisions the Indiana Supreme Court reached early last week. In response to these decisions, two (2) editorials were written by the Northwest Indiana Times and … Continue reading Police: “Rest Assured, Rulings Will Have No Effect”
Read MoreIndiana Supreme Court Errs Heavily in Favor of Law Enforcement this Week in a Pair of Surprising Decisions
In two surprising legal opinions, Cornelius Tyrone Lacey, Sr. v. State of Indiana and Richard L. Barnes v. State of Indiana, the Indiana Supreme Court is arguably whittling down your rights against search and seizure. See Northwest Indiana Times Article, “Court: Police Serving Warrant May Enter Without Knocking if Circumstances Justify It”, 10 May 2011; … Continue reading Indiana Supreme Court Errs Heavily in Favor of Law Enforcement this Week in a Pair of Surprising Decisions
Read MoreBipartisan Smoking Ban Defeated 8-1 by Committee in Indiana House
After a very short lifespan and amidst all of the buzz on both sides of the issue, the statewide smoking ban banning smoking in all public places except bars, casinos, private clubs, tobacco shops and nursing homes–is now dead in the Indiana House; that is, at least for now. See Northwest Indiana Times article,“Senate Leader … Continue reading Bipartisan Smoking Ban Defeated 8-1 by Committee in Indiana House
Read MoreLEGISLATIVE WATCH – Indiana Township Government
In the short span of two weeks, hope of reform for Indiana’s system of township government has gone from brightly optimistic to likely dead. Post Tribune, “Trustee Makes Plea for Township Government,” 8 Feb 2011, and Northwest Indiana Times, “Legislation to Abolish Township Boards Appears Dead at Capitol,” 28 Feb 2011. More than a dozen … Continue reading LEGISLATIVE WATCH – Indiana Township Government
Read MoreJudicial Committee Recommends Major Overhaul for Indiana Trial Courts
The Indiana Judicial Conference has made a recommendation to make major changes to Indiana’s existing trial court system. Post-Tribune, 29 November 2010, “Courts Likely to Help Each Other with Civil Caseloads” According to the article, The Indiana Judicial Conference has proposed a new system whereby superior, circuit, and town courts would not function on a … Continue reading Judicial Committee Recommends Major Overhaul for Indiana Trial Courts
Read MoreMajor Victory for Gun Lovers: Supreme Court Weighs in on Second Amendment Issue
In a bold and unexpected move this morning, the United States Supreme Court issued an opinion today incorporating the Second Amendment Right to Bear Arms into those Rights which are applied to the states. What this means for the City of Chicago is that its attempt to ban handguns is now invalid. (For detailed background, … Continue reading Major Victory for Gun Lovers: Supreme Court Weighs in on Second Amendment Issue
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