On November 8, 2021, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana and the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana will both upgrade their Case Management/Electronic Case Filing Systems (CM/ECF) to the Next Generation of CM/ECF (NextGen). This upgrade will provide users with several benefits including Central Sign-On, which allows e-filing attorneys to use one PACER login and password to access any NextGen court (district, appellate, and bankruptcy) in which they practice.

The Supreme Court has recently issued opinions! Many of the cases involve criminal law. We’ll highlight a couple here.

Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears and the Prosecutor’s Office is taking a new approach to helping individuals experiencing homelessness and individuals struggling with substance use disorders and mental health issues gain stability and avoid the criminal justice system. The Quality of Life Unit is focused on identifying and helping individuals charged with low-level, non-violent offenses who are also struggling with homelessness, substance use disorders, and mental health issues. The unit began taking cases in April 2021.

While it’s our goal year-round to make you, IndyBar members, more profitable and productive in your practice, we’re taking extra care during the month of September to show you how much we appreciate you!

The proposed changes include amendments to the Federal Rules of Appellate, Bankruptcy, Civil and Criminal Procedure, and the Federal Rules of Evidence

One summer tradition that impacts all of us working in the criminal justice system is increased traffic enforcement. I know you have heard the slogans, “Click It or Ticket”, “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over”, “Drive High, Get a DUI”, etc. What you may not have realized is that each of these nifty slogans is commonly attached to millions of dollars of federal grant projects through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for these enforcement efforts. These campaigns are intended to drive down traffic fatalities by encouraging seatbelt usage, detecting and deterring impaired driving and other dangerous driving behavior.

The Indiana Supreme Court Committee on Rules of Practice and Procedure has posted four proposed rule amendments online for public comment.

It’s summertime, which means the Supreme Court is issuing opinions! Many of the cases involve criminal law. We’ll highlight a couple here.

At the turn of the 21st century, gang culture dominated South Central Los Angeles. The two most prevalent gangs were the 11 Deuce Hoover and the Block Crips. Kiera Newsome's father, like most young men, had gravitated toward the gang lifestyle, so she was raised by her mother. Kiera's mother emphasized the importance of education and made sure her kids were receiving one.  

Service on the Indianapolis Bar Association Board of Directors is an invaluable opportunity to play a role in the future of the legal community.