Elements of crimes did not occur in Indiana
The Indiana Court of Appeals ordered that charges be dropped against a pair living in Houston who faced counterfeiting and theft charges, finding the trial court lacked territorial jurisdiction.
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Crown Point lawyer leaving for Peace Corps
On Sept. 19, attorney Connie Postelli will leave legal practice behind and depart for a two-year stint in the Peace Corps. Postelli will be teaching English in Ukraine. But she knows little else about her trip.
COA: Grandma didn’t have standing to petition for visitation
The Indiana Court of Appeals has reversed the denial of a mother’s request to set aside grandparent visitation, finding the grandmother filed her petition in the incorrect court.
Rehearing: Traffic judge denies misconduct
Hammond City Judge Jeffrey A. Harkin denies that he did anything wrong in operating what may be a long-established but illegal traffic school deferral program and dismissing cases without assessing required fees. He also contends that he did not try to dissuade one litigant from contesting a seatbelt violation in court.
7th Circuit affirms judgment for officers in diabetic man’s case
The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed summary judgment in favor of the City of East Chicago and police officers on an estate’s excessive force and other claims, finding the officers had reasonable suspicion that a diabetic man who was having a hypoglycemic episode was possibly intoxicated.
3 counties join Odyssey
Cass, Shelby, and Union counties are the latest additions to the statewide case management system known as Odyssey.
Commission on Courts to discuss JTAC, new judges
At its first meeting Wednesday, the Commission on Courts will hear updates on Judicial Technology and Automation Committee projects as well as requests for new judges.
Judges split over order property owner pay for construction of drainage-ditch arm
The Indiana Court of Appeals was divided in its ruling on whether a man whose land sits higher and isn’t prone to flooding should have to pay for the reconstruction of an arm of a nearby drainage ditch. The dissenting judge wrote that Wednesday’s decision will promote “water wars” between neighbors.
Court rules on duty of care for healthy trees in residential areas
The Indiana Court of Appeals has reiterated its stance that urban or residential area landowners have a duty to take reasonable precautions regarding their own trees, healthy or otherwise, and make sure they don’t harm a neighbor’s property based on the size and where they are planted.
7th Circuit upholds mail fraud convictions
Although it found the evidence presented in a mail fraud case “thin,” the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals viewed it as enough to send the case involving three Calumet Township Trustee’s Office employees to the jury.
AG: DCS out-of-state placements shouldn’t be reviewable by courts
An Indiana Supreme Court decision upholding three statutes relating to juvenile judges’ authority on out-of-state placement cases created what the state attorney general’s office calls too much confusion, and the justices should revisit the ruling it made a little more than a month ago.
South Bend attorney pleads guilty to fraud charges
A northern Indiana attorney accused of aiding and abetting mail and wire fraud has pleaded guilty to all 13 counts listed in an information filed Monday.
Allen County bar seeks nominations for Niemann Citation
The Allen County Bar Association is accepting nominations for the 2011 Niemann Citation for Excellence and Professionalism, an award established in 2004 to honor the memory of attorney Scott T. Niemann.
Judges ask family to end litigation over parents’ interments
In a dispute among divided siblings on where their deceased parents should be buried, the Indiana Court of Appeals asked the family to end the litigation and let the parents “rest in peace.”
Ex-mayor argues $108 million judgment can be discharged in bankruptcy
The ex-East Chicago mayor hit with a $108 million racketeering judgment because of public corruption wants a federal bankruptcy court to dismiss a civil complaint against him that questions whether the judgment is dischargeable under bankruptcy code.
Longtime Kosciusko County judge dies
A former judge in Kosciusko County died Wednesday. Hon. C. Robert “Bob” Burner was 81.
Valparaiso professor to receive animal law award
Valparaiso University School of Law Professor Rebecca J. Huss will be given the Excellence in the Advancement of Animal Law Award at the American Bar Association’s annual meeting in August.
COA upholds $12 garnishment
A Miami Circuit Court did not err in its interpretation of a statute involving garnishment of wages when ruling a company was correctly withholding only $12.17 from an employee, held the Indiana Court of Appeals Wednesday.
AG sues to recover $18,000 from LaGrange County clerk
Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller has filed a civil suit against Beverly S. Elliott, LaGrange County clerk, seeking more than $18,000 in misappropriated funds. Elliot is also facing criminal charges following an investigation by the State Board of Accounts and the Indiana State Police.
Valparaiso law school recognized for reconstruction of Heritage Hall
Valparaiso University School of Law was honored by the Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce at the 44th Annual Community Improvement Awards luncheon.