New INcite Application for Presentence Investigation Goes Live Statewide
May 2, 2012 by Editor
The Judicial Conference of Indiana is a statutorily created body consisting of all of the trial, appellate, and senior judges serving in Indiana. A board of directors guides their activities, which are carried out by the Indiana Judicial Center. In Indiana, probation services are housed within the judiciary, and probation officers work for and [...]
On the Way to Something Better
February 6, 2012 by Editor
On Jan. 11, 2012, Chief Justice Randall T. Shepard delivered his 25th and final State of the Judiciary address to a Joint Session of the Indiana General Assembly. An excerpted version follows. The State of the Judiciary was broadcast to a statewide audience over the Internet and on radio and television through Indiana Public [...]
Authorization Required: Restricting Access to Criminal History Information
October 31, 2011 by Editor
The Indiana General Assembly passed Public Law 194-2011 (HEA 1211) earlier this year allowing individuals to petition courts to restrict access to certain criminal records. This law creates two new proceedings by amending Indiana Code Title 35, Criminal Law and Procedure, Article 38, Proceedings Following Dismissal, Verdict or Finding. It allows a person [...]
New INcite Application: Presentence Investigation Report/Abstract of Judgment
October 31, 2011 by Editor
Following on the heels of the INcite Risk Assessment application, JTAC is developing a new INcite application that will incorporate the Presentence Investigation Report (PSI) and the Abstract of Judgment. We are working under the direction of the Records Management Committee, along with a sub-committee of judges, a circuit court clerk, and representatives with [...]
Charitable Contributions: When Sentence Conditions Raise Ethical Concerns
October 31, 2011 by Editor
Some combinations inherently go together, like chocolate and peanut butter. Others initially sound like a good idea (e.g. chili mixed with jalapeno peppers) but later have regrettable after effects. Requiring a defendant to make a charitable contribution as a sentencing condition is a combination that falls into the latter category.
Proponents of this sentencing [...]
2011 Legislative Review
August 16, 2011 by Editor
Editor’s Note: This report is a condensed version of the full report prepared by Diane Mains and Mike McMahon of the Indiana Judicial Center.
The Indiana Judicial Center has prepared a legislative report that contains summaries of select bills of interest passed in the 2011 session and can be can be found at:
http://www.in.gov/legislative/reports/2011/DIGEST_OF_ENACTMENTS.PDF
The entire text [...]
State Public Defender Uses Videoconferencing to Reduce Costs and Improve Services
August 16, 2011 by Editor
Videoconferencing equipment was installed at the Wabash Valley Correctional Facility in Carlisle in partnership with the Indiana Department of Correction (IDOC) and the Indiana Office of Technology (IOT). The equipment resembles a pay phone and is designed specifically for correctional use. It features a video screen and camera (similar to a web cam) [...]
Different Processes Govern Special Judge Appointments for Criminal and Civil Cases
June 16, 2010 by Editor
Indiana rules of procedure and case law allow for the appointment of special judges under certain circumstances. The process for selecting judges can sometimes be confusing because it varies depending on the type of case and the reason a special judge is needed. In civil cases, different steps must be followed depending on whether the [...]
When can a court collect assessments from cash posted for bond in a criminal matter?
August 31, 2009 by Editor
Collecting fines and costs assessed upon conviction in a criminal matter is a daunting task for a county. So it is no wonder that being able to deduct fines, costs, fees and restitution from bond money already deposited with the clerk of the courts is seen as a good way to substantially increase the collection [...]
