Observation and training provided ‘reasonable suspicion’ to conduct traffic stop
A man’s voluntary confession that he was a habitual traffic violator is admissible even though he had not broken any laws when the sheriff’s deputy pulled him over.
Indiana Court of Appeals
Articles
Man may be retried on sex charge, but state may not amend
A man acquitted on a rape charge but whose charge of sexual misconduct with a minor ended in a hung jury and mistrial may be retried, but not on a count the state sought to amend, the Court of Appeals ruled Tuesday.
Time spent in federal custody does not interfere with right to speedy trial
A defendant’s repeated incarcerations in other jurisdictions did not interfere with his right to a speedy trial in Indiana.
Single sewer lien not enough to bring foreclosure
Despite liens against their respective properties, two homeowners will be able to keep their properties out of the county tax sale.
Muncie church did not invade on grieving couple’s privacy
A church that issued a press release and held a press conference following the sudden death of a baby boy was found to not have interfered with the parents’ reasonable expectation of solitude and seclusion.
Holiday World family takes dispute to Court of Appeals
An agreement meant to keep a popular amusement park in the family has sparked a bitter dispute that has reached the Indiana Court of Appeals.
Seizure of guns upheld for ‘dangerous’ man who stalked Spierer site
A man who behaved erratically, told far-fetched stories of seeing missing Indiana University student Lauren Spierer, and scoped out the place she was last seen alarmed Bloomington police enough that authorities took from him and his Indianapolis home 51 guns and ammunition.
Dismissal, jury verdict for Alcoa in cancer suit stand on appeal
A couple who sued an aluminum manufacturer and claimed their exposure to toxic chemicals led to the husband’s rare form of liver cancer lost their appeal Tuesday.
Habeas writ reverses resentencing from divided COA
A Fulton County man who filed a writ of habeas corpus claiming he was falsely imprisoned won a reversal of a clarified sentencing order Tuesday, with one Court of Appeals judge saying he should be freed entirely.
Hole in tail lamp no cause for traffic stop, appeals panel rules
An Indiana State Police trooper who pulled over a Jeep because a hole in its tail lamp emitted white light lacked probable cause to initiate the traffic stop that resulted in drunken-driving charges.
COA notes Indiana law would have changed outcome of environmental dispute
Using California law, the Indiana Court of Appeals ruled that an insurance company does not have to pay for an environmental cleanup, but the court noted it did not agree with the position of the Golden State and it would have ruled differently if Indiana law had been applicable.
Doctrine of res judicata stops property owner’s motion
A property owner’s attempt to file a separate action against a court-appointed receiver was derailed by the Indiana Court of Appeals under the doctrine of res judicata.
COA clarifies jury issue in Richmond student death case
The Indiana Court of Appeals granted a rehearing in a wrongful death lawsuit filed against a public school corporation by the family of a student with Down syndrome who died after choking at school, refining a question to be presented to a jury.
Prosecutor’s closing argument deprived defendant of fair trial
A man convicted of sexual misconduct with a minor will get a new trial after the Indiana Court of Appeals found the prosecutor’s zealous statements made to a jury during closing arguments deprived the man of a fair trial.
Family did have notice that expert pulmonologist was going to testify as pathologist
In reviewing a dispute over testimony given by expert witnesses, the Indiana Court of Appeals sees no reason to hold a new trial.
Spur-of-the-moment burglary spree does not support corrupt business influence conviction
The Indiana Court of Appeals has found that an impromptu burglary spree that lasted less than 48 hours does not meet requirements for a corrupt business influence conviction.
COA: Lingering odor of burnt marijuana does not justify warrantless search
No possibility of danger or smell of marijuana was evident, and that was enough to convince the Indiana Court of Appeals to suppress evidence found during a police officer’s search of a motorist’s backpack.
COA finds trial court acted within its discretion when calculating father’s actual income
A father’s messy financial statements do not prevent a trial court from doing its own calculations and increasing his weekly child support payments, the Indiana Court of Appeals has ruled.
Uncle has no statutory right to post-adoption visitation
An uncle’s post-adoption visitation rights were overturned on the grounds that he was not within any statutory category of individuals entitled to visitation rights.
Undisputed will makes daughter’s appointment as special administrator improper
Because the special administrator provision in the Indiana Code did not apply, the Indiana Court of Appeals has ruled the trial court did not abuse is discretion when it removed a special administrator of an estate without considering the state statute.