Even twenty years after conviction, relief may be granted when trial counsel’s assistance was ineffective.
Appeals
In re S.O., No. 41A01-1510-AD-1781, __ N.E.3d __ (Ind. Ct. App., June 22, 2016).
A criminal background check that complies with Ind. Code §31-9-2-22.5 is necessary to the adoption process; its absence renders an adoption petition fatally deficient. Also, the adoption court should consolidate the paternity action before issuing its adoption decree.
Etter v. State, No. 49A02-1508-CR-1263, __N.E.3d__(Ind. Ct. App., June 16, 2016).
Although the trial court was frustrated with defense counsel and made inappropriate comments, they were not so damaging as to necessitate a mistrial.
In re J.B., No. 20A05-1510-JC-1612, __ N.E.3d __ (Ind. Ct. App., June 8, 2016).
The juvenile court did not have jurisdiction to modify the custody agreement made by the paternity court after the CHINS case was terminated.
Lehman v. State, No. 20A03-1511-CR-1963, ___N.E.3d____ (Ind. Ct. App., May 31, 2016).
Suspended attorney was guilty of practicing law as a non-attorney for providing various legal services during his suspension.