That’s right kids, it’s that time of the year again: that magical time of year when our favorite magistrates and commissioners shuffle off to new courtrooms and we are left shrugging our shoulders in confusion as to when/where we may meet again.

Have you ever wanted to get to know Chief Public Defender Robert Hill, how he got to where he is, and his thoughts on the criminal justice system? I had the opportunity to sit down with Hill to ask him about his background, how he got into a law practice and his path to becoming Chief Public Defender. As an added bonus, he shared some practice tips along with his thoughts on the criminal justice system.

'Tis the season of giving and recognizing outstanding professionals for the impact they've made in our community. At its annual holiday party, the Criminal Justice Section recognized two influential professionals in criminal law: Jill Minton as the recipient of the Gil I. Berry Award and Chuck Eid as the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award.

The Marion Superior Court Executive Committee, pursuant to local rule and vote, has made court assignments to commence January 2019

Recently, WBEZ Chicago launched the third season of Serial, a podcast from the creative team behind This American Life. The first season of Serial was a massive hit and set the template for the “true crime” sensation leading to shows like "Making a Murderer," podcasts like Dirty John and even hilarious satires like "American Vandal." These shows examine one extraordinary case in great detail, with plenty of exciting twists and turns.

The program would be replacing the cash bail system with a risk-based system. Under the risk-based system, each individual who is arrested is interviewed using the Indiana Risk Assessment System Pretrial Assessment Tool. 

The annual Gil I. Berry Award is presented each year to an individual within Indy's criminal court community. Winners are selected by nomination alone, with a focus on recognizing the “unsung” individuals who work in the criminal court system.

Criminal Rule 2.1 was amended, but the only change made was to section (d), which required pro se defendants to include their name, address, telephone number and email address on appearance forms. Trial Rule 3.1 was not amended. 

All of us recall the stress of becoming a new attorney. Between the inevitably mounting student loan debt and not knowing how you will fit into the legal community, how could you possibly get involved or afford membership dues in the Indianapolis Bar Association? The Criminal Justice Section has the answer!

On July 28, anti-Semitic graffiti was discovered at Congregation Shaarey Tefilla in Carmel. The incident prompted Indiana political leaders to revisit and reintroduce hate crime legislation in Indiana. Indiana is one of five states that does not have any measure of hate crime laws.