Indianapolis attorney pleads guilty to immigration fraud
An Indianapolis immigration attorney has pleaded guilty to filing false visa applications for more than 250 clients and collecting $750,000 in fraudulent fees.
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Suit claiming police ‘unleashed’ K-9 on sleeping man proceeds
The City of Indianapolis lost its bid to dismiss a lawsuit brought by a man who claims an officer “unleashed” a police dog on him as he slept, leading to serious injuries.
First Amendment suit challenging Charter School Act proceeds
A federal lawsuit alleging Indiana’s Charter School Act violates the First Amendment Establishment Clause will proceed after a district court judge declined to dismiss a portion of the complaint against a Monroe County charter school.
Magnus-Stinson, Minkler warn Hoosiers of jury duty scam
A federal judge and prosecutor in Indianapolis are warning Hoosiers about a nationwide jury duty scam that threatens people with arrest if they don’t pay up.
Ex-Planned Parenthood group worker sues over medical leave
A former employee with a Planned Parenthood advocacy group is suing the organization, alleging that she was denied family medical leave after being diagnosed with cervical cancer.
District court dismisses suit against police department for failure to investigate rape claim
A district court judge has dismissed both federal and state claims against a northern Indiana police department accused of failing to adequately investigate a rape case, finding the plaintiff and alleged rape victim failed to state a claim for relief on constitutional or equal protection grounds.
Indiana Bar Foundation to honor servant-leaders in law and education
Fifteen Hoosiers will be honored during the Indiana Bar Foundation’s recognition dinner in December for their contributions to the legal profession, pro bono legal services, civic education, and the public through community service.
Free speech, fair trials collide at ex-Lake County sheriff’s sentencing
With Lake County seemingly awash in political corruption, a local newspaper is trying to uproot the culture of kickbacks and payouts by putting the spotlight on those who speak in favor of the latest elected official to be convicted. The Lake County Bar Association formally opposes the action.
Ivy Tech entering mediation in Title VII case
The case against Ivy Tech Community College which convinced the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals that Title VII protections do include discrimination based on sexual orientation now appears to be headed toward mediation.
7th Circuit upholds denial of habeas relief for man convicted of roommate’s shooting death
An Indiana man convicted of shooting and killing his roommate will not be granted habeas relief after the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals determined the man did not receive ineffective assistance of counsel just because his attorney did not pursue an insanity defense.
‘God’ gets more time to pay filing fee to sue IU
A man claiming to be God but who’s a little light on money can sue Indiana University and the Lilly Library by paying his federal court filing fees in installments, a federal judge ruled this week.
Deputy prosecutor wins summary judgment on malicious prosecution claims
A deputy prosecutor accused of encouraging a criminal investigation into a former sheriff’s deputy due to connections she made from a television show based on her life has been cleared of the allegations against her after a district court judge found her actions were covered by qualified immunity.
Andretti Autosport sued over sponsorship money from HHGregg
A group representing the unsecured creditors of HHGregg has filed suit against Andretti Autosport in an attempt to claw back nearly $1.5 million in sponsorship money the now-defunct retailer paid the racing team in the months leading up to its bankruptcy.
District Courts warning of jury phone scams
Federal district courts across the country are warning citizens to be vigilant against jury phone scams.
Southern District Court announces selection of new magistrate judge
An Arkansas-born attorney with long ties to the Hoosier legal community has been selected to become the newest magistrate judge of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana.
Judge sides with Philadelphia in ‘sanctuary cities’ case
A federal judge in Philadelphia on Wednesday blocked the U.S. government from withholding a major grant that pays for public safety equipment because Philadelphia is a “sanctuary city.”
Indianapolis sues drug companies for opioid crisis
The city of Indianapolis is making good on its promise to sue some of the country’s largest opioid manufacturers and distributors and is seeking compensation for their role in the worsening opioid crisis that is “ravaging” the city.
Magnus-Stinson issues warning to parties filing frivolous motions
Indiana Southern District Chief Judge Jane Magnus-Stinson has issued a stern warning to any defendants considering filing an affirmative defense of failure to exhaust administrative remedies under the Prison Litigation Reform Act – provide evidence to support that claim or abandon the defense entirely.
Federal Bar Update: Revisions to SD Indiana case management plans
The Southern District of Indiana made modest changes to its Uniform Case Management Plans, both the general plan and the patent litigation plan, effective Nov. 1.
District court won’t enter judgment against Cuban government in sexual assault case
A district court judge has declined to enter default judgment against the Republic of Cuba on an Indiana woman’s claim against the foreign nation after finding members of the Cuban National Soccer Team were not acting within the scope of their employment for the country when they sexually assaulted her.