COA: Plea deals can’t waive right to sentence modification
Offenders who enter into plea agreements cannot waive future sentence modification under the plain language of a reform passed in 2014, the Indiana Court of Appeals held Thursday.
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Jury convicts ex-Oklahoma police officer in 4th murder trial
A white former Tulsa, Oklahoma, police officer was convicted of first-degree manslaughter late Wednesday in the off-duty fatal shooting of his daughter's black boyfriend after jurors in three previous trials couldn't decide whether to find him guilty of murder.
Tax Court remands denial of pro-life ministry’s exemption
The Indiana Board of Tax Review must reconsider a South Bend pro-life ministry’s appeal of the denial of a tax exemption after the Indiana Tax Court ruled Tuesday the board erred by dismissing the appeal sua sponte.
Justices affirm Evansville SWAT drug arrest that split COA
The Indiana Supreme Court on Wednesday unanimously affirmed drug convictions against an Evansville man who challenged a “military-style” SWAT team raid on his house that turned up cocaine, marijuana and prescription painkillers. The convictions previously were reversed in a divided opinion of the Indiana Court of Appeals that was vacated when justices granted transfer.
COA: ‘Horrific nature’ of fatal neglect warrants 40-year sentence
A former Gary woman who starved an infant to death in inhabitable living conditions received no relief Wednesday in her appeal and will serve her 40-year sentence.
Trump’s lawyers to ask for dismissal of lawsuit
Lawyers for President Donald Trump are asking a federal judge to toss a civil lawsuit accusing the president of violating the Constitution because his businesses accept money from foreign governments.
Decline in bankruptcy filings is smallest in years
National data released Wednesday by the United States Courts suggests a continuing decline in bankruptcies may be plateauing. Bankruptcy filings fell by 1.8 percent for the 12-month period ending September 30, 2017, compared with the year ending September 30, 2016.
Judge orders Indiana bombing suspect jailed until trial
A federal magistrate Tuesday ordered a northwestern Indiana man to remain jailed until his trial on charges related to a pipe bomb explosion last month at a post office.
Judge: Indiana sex offender class violates US Constitution
A recent court ruling that says Indiana's mandated sex offender classes for prisoners violates the U.S. Constitution will affect all convicted, incarcerated sex offenders who opt out of the state's sex offender program.
Man charged after LaPorte County highway crash leaves 2 dead
A 40-year-old man has been charged with drunken driving and reckless homicide after a head-on crash in northern Indiana left a husband and wife dead.
Judge in Hawaii blocks latest version of Trump’s travel ban
A federal judge in Hawaii blocked the Trump administration Tuesday from enforcing its latest travel ban, just hours before it was set to take effect.
Lawsuit seeks disclosure of FBI 9/11 investigation files
A lawsuit seeking disclosure of FBI files that may detail a U.S.-based support network for the 9/11 hijackers has reached a federal appeals court, which is being asked by a Florida online publication to order a Freedom of Information Act trial on the dispute.
Indiana man sentenced in attack on Michigan state trooper
An Indiana man accused in an attack on a Michigan State Police trooper has been sentenced to 15 to 50 years in prison.
Authorities: Man may be linked to 100 thefts, burglaries
Authorities say a 26-year-old man charged in a northwestern Indiana burglary that was thwarted by a homeowner may be linked to roughly 100 thefts and burglaries in LaPorte County.
Supreme Court denies Gitmo prisoner’s petition
The Supreme Court of the United States has denied the habeas corpus petition filed by Guantanamo Bay prisoner Abd Al-Rahim Al-Nashiri, who is accused of masterminding the bombing of the USS Cole, and whose legal team includes an Indianapolis defense attorney.
Judicial Nominating Commission certifies senior judges for next year
The Indiana Judicial Nominating Commission has certified three new senior judges for the next year.
Illinois judges to hear cases in Southern Indiana District
The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana is getting more help from within the circuit. Chief Judge James Shadid of the U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois and Judge Rebecca Pallmeyer of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois will sit by designation and assist with the caseload of the Southern District of Indiana.
Asbestos removal requires Anderson courthouse to close
Officials decided to close the Madison County Government Center for about seven months beginning at the end of November. Courts will take up temporary residency for several months about six miles away from downtown Anderson.
Law restores will challenges as separate actions
An unintended change in law that temporarily required will challenges to be filed within the probate case was reversed under a bill that took effect July 1 and tweaked several provisions of Indiana’s Probate Code.
New case, same battle over partisan gerrymandering
The Wisconsin gerrymandering case now before the Supreme Court of the United States has all the intrigue of a first-class thriller — secrecy, sophisticated computer programs, outside consultants, and carefully drawn district lines to ensure a firm grip on power. It also has echoes of a similar Indiana case from 30 years ago.