High court rejects defendant’s vindictive-prosecution claim
The U.S. Supreme Court has refused to hear an appeal from a Virginia drug dealer who is serving a 41-year murder sentence that he claims is the result of vindictive prosecution.
Drugs
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Justices rule against low-level crack cocaine offenders
The Supreme Court ruled unanimously Monday that low-level crack cocaine offenders convicted more than a decade ago can’t take advantage of a 2018 federal law to seek reduced prison time.
Former magistrate banned from bench gets 180-day suspension for probation violations
A former Hamilton County magistrate who was banned from the bench and put on disciplinary probation after being convicted in a drug sting has been suspended from the practice of law in Indiana for 180 days without automatic reinstatement.
Majority justices uphold return of seized Land Rover that went to SCOTUS
After seven-plus years of litigation, the Indiana Supreme Court has ruled in favor of a Marion man seeking the return of his seized white Land Rover. The majority justices concluded Thursday that Tyson Timbs met his high burden of showing that the harshness of his vehicle’s forfeiture was grossly disproportionate to the gravity of his underlying drug dealing offense and culpability for the vehicle’s misuse.
Appellate panel affirms denial of PCR in meth manufacturing case
A man whose meth manufacturing case has twice been through the appellate process has lost in a third appeal, this time challenging the denial of his petition for post-conviction relief.
Officers’ request to see identifying logo not an ‘illegal search,’ COA rules
A man convicted of multiple felonies after using counterfeit money at a drug store failed to convince the Indiana Court of Appeals that an officer’s request to see an identifying logo on his clothes violated his constitutional rights.
Shelbyville man’s corrupt business influence conviction divides COA panel
Indiana Court of Appeals judges split in a decision regarding low-level drug offenses after a Shelbyville man selling meth to someone undercover was convicted of corrupt business influence.
Split justices uphold warrantless search, seizure of van in drug possession case
Indiana Supreme Court justices split Thursday in a decision concerning a Boone County man’s drug-possession convictions that were previously reversed by an appellate court that found the warrantless search of his car following a crash violated his Fourth Amendment rights.
Justices suspend Indianapolis attorney for felony drug possession conviction
Grant Helms, who has no prior disciplinary actions, was found guilty of possession of methamphetamine.
7th Circuit finds search warrant of suspected drug dealer’s home valid
A northern Indiana man could not convince the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals that a search of his home that revealed drugs and firearms was baseless and that he endured prosecutorial misconduct during his trial.
COA reverses narcotic conviction for insufficient evidence
The Indiana Court of Appeals has vacated a man’s felony conviction for possessing a narcotic, agreeing with both the defendant and the state that the substance found in the man’s possession was not actually a narcotic.
Lake Co. father of drowned brothers pleads guilty to neglect charges
An Indiana man pleaded guilty Wednesday to two counts of neglect of a dependent resulting in serious bodily injury in the drownings of his two sons.
Father of drowned brothers pleads guilty to neglect charges
An Indiana man pleaded guilty Wednesday to two counts of neglect of a dependent resulting in serious bodily injury in the drownings of his two sons.
COA rejects challenge to text message evidence, upholds meth dealing conviction
A man convicted of dealing meth based largely on text messages failed to convince the Indiana Court of Appeals that the messages were improperly admitted at his trial.
Supreme Court skeptical of low-level crack offender’s case
Crack cocaine trafficking kingpins convicted more than a decade ago can ask courts to reduce their prison terms under a 2018 federal law. The Supreme Court on Tuesday sounded skeptical that people convicted of older low-level crack crimes can do the same.
7th Circuit: Convicted heroin conspiracy leaders lose suppressed evidence argument
Two men at the top of a heroin drug conspiracy were unable to sway the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals in a Friday decision to reconsider granting their motion to suppress evidence.
Six-day delay in initial appearance was improper, but prejudice not shown, COA rules
Although a trial court should not have allowed a six-day delay in a defendant’s initial appearance, the Indiana Court of Appeals upheld the denial of the defendant’s motion to reduce bail because he did not establish prejudice. A concurring judge, however, cautioned that restraint should be used when “extending” Supreme Court precedent.
Former magistrate banned from the bench now suspended for ignoring show-cause order
The former Hamilton County magistrate who is banned from the bench following his conviction related to a drug sting is now suspended from practicing law after he failed to respond to a show cause order alleging probation violations.
Justices toss suppression of drug evidence in home-detention search
A defendant sentenced to home detention waived his rights protecting him against searches and seizures even without reasonable suspicion, the Indiana Supreme Court ruled Friday, overturning the suppression of evidence found during a home-detention search.
Noble Co. man hospitalized after police shootout, long pursuit
A man who fled a traffic stop was hospitalized after exchanging gunfire with officers early Thursday following a police pursuit through several northern Indiana counties, state police said.