Clark Circuit Court Clark Superior Court #1 Clark Superior Court #2 Clark Superior Court #3

Jeffersonville City Court Charlestown City Court Clarksville Town Court Sellersburg Town Court

The Clark County Prosecuting Attorney is responsible for filing criminal cases in each of these 8 Courts, all of which have jurisdiction to hear criminal cases. Once filed, criminal cases are assigned to a particular Judge based upon Local Rules of Practice adopted in 1995.

Generally, misdemeanor cases are filed in the city/town court in the jurisdiction where they are committed. Other traffic cases and all Class D Felony cases are filed in the Clark Superior Court #3. All Felony drug cases are filed in Clark Superior Court #2. Juvenile cases are filed in Clark Superior Court #1. Murder and Class A, B, or C Felony cases are filed in Clark Circuit Court or Clark Superior Court #1.


CLARK CIRCUIT COURT

Indiana's Fourth Judicial Circuit, consisting of Clark County, was established by statute (IC 33-4-1-10) pursuant to the Indiana Constitution at Article VII, § 7, which authorizes the election of a Clark Circuit Court Judge for a term of six (6) years without limitations, and requires the Judge to be a resident of Clark County and admitted to the practice of law in the state of Indiana.

The Clark Circuit Court has original jurisdiction to preside over all civil and criminal cases. (IC 33-4-4-3) The Court also has appellate jurisdiction to hear appeals from the Jeffersonville City Court, the Charlestown City Court, the Sellersburg Town Court, and the Clarksville Town Court. Unlike traditional appeals, appeals from City and Town Courts are tried de novo in the Clark Circuit or Superior Court. (IC 33-10.1-5-9)

The Clark Circuit Court is located on the 2nd Floor on the East Wing of the County Government Building at 501 East Court Avenue, Jeffersonville, IN 47130 (812) 285-6308. The Clark Circuit Court Probation Office is located on the 3rd Floor on the West Wing of the County Government Building at 501 East Court Avenue, Jeffersonville, IN 47130 (812) 285-6314.

Longtime Clark Circuit Court Judge, Daniel F. Donahue, retired in June 2008 after serving 22 years, and was replaced by Abraham A. Navarro, who was appointed by Governor Mitch Daniels and served through the end of the year. The current Clark Circuit Court Judge, Daniel E. Moore, was elected in November 2008 and began service in January 2009.

CLARK CIRCUIT COURT JUDGES

Daniel E. Moore Abraham A. Navarro Daniel F. Donahue Clifford H. Maschmeyer James L. Bottorff George C. Kopp James W. Fortune Harry C. Montgomery James K. Marsh George H. D. Gibson Charles P. Ferguson Simeon K. Wolfe John S. Davis George A. Bickwell William T. Otto

2009 - present 2008 - 2008 1987 - 2008 1963 - 1986 1939 - 1962 1927 - 1938 1915 - 1926 1905 - 1914 1899 - 1904 1893 - 1898 1881 - 1882 1881 - 1881 1877 - 1880 1853 - 1876 1844 - 1852

STAFF

Sherry Routh Gelsena Smith Adrianne Fuller David Munden Carissa Corolis Ginger Morlan

Probate Administrator Court Reporter Court Reporter Chief Probation Officer Probation Officer Assistant to Probation

CLARK SUPERIOR COURT #1

The Clark Superior Court #1 was created by statute in 1967. At that time, it was given no jurisdiction to hear criminal cases or probate matters. It had concurrent jurisdiction with the Clark Circuit Court in civil cases, and exclusive jurisdiction over divorce and juvenile proceedings. The statute prescribed a four (4) year term of Office, and required the Judge to be a resident of Clark County and admitted to the practice of law in the state of Indiana.

In 1976, the statute was amended to prescribe a six (6) year term of Office. In 1982, the statute was amended to make the jurisdiction of the court the same as the Clark Circuit Court. All Clark Superior Courts now have original jurisdiction to preside over all civil and criminal cases. (IC 33-5-10-2.5) The Court also has appellate jurisdiction to hear appeals from the Jeffersonville City Court, the Charlestown City Court, the Sellersburg Town Court, and the Clarksville Town Court. Unlike traditional appeals, appeals from City and Town Courts are tried de novo in the Clark Circuit or Superior Court. (IC 33-10.1-5-9)

The Clark Superior Court #1 is located on the 2nd Floor on the East Wing of the County Government Building at 501 East Court Avenue, Jeffersonville, IN 47130 (812) 285-6294. The Adult and Juvenile Court Probation Office of Clark Superior Court #1 is also located on the 3rd Floor on the East Wing of the County Government Building at 501 East Court Avenue, Jeffersonville, IN 47130 (812) 285-6300.

The current Clark Superior Court #1 Judge, Vicki L. Carmichael, was elected to that Office in 2006.

CLARK COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT #1 JUDGES

Vicki L. Carmichael Jerome F. Jacobi Clementine B. Barthold Harry S. Paynter Warren W. Martin

2007 - present 1995 - 2006 1983 - 1994 1973 - 1982 1967 - 1972

STAFF

Lori Fleeman Renee Darnell Diana Benson Terri Datillo James Reagan Kathie Danner Henry Ford Rupert Strawbridge Amanda King Nancy Thomas Debbie Cooper Pam Fleece

Office Manager / Court Reporter Court Reporter Court Reporter Bailiff Chief Probation Officer Chief Deputy Probation Officer Probation Officer Probation Officer Probation Officer Administrative Assistant Administrative Assistant Administrative Assistant

CLARK SUPERIOR COURT #2

The Clark Superior Court #2 was created by statute in 1982. The statute prescribes a six (6) year term of Office, and requires the Judge to be a resident of Clark County and admitted to the practice of law in the state of Indiana.

The jurisdiction of the court is the same as the Clark Circuit Court. All Clark Superior Courts have original jurisdiction to preside over all civil and criminal cases. (IC 33-5-10-2.5) The Court also has appellate jurisdiction to hear appeals from the Jeffersonville City Court, the Charlestown City Court, the Sellersburg Town Court, and the Clarksville Town Court. Unlike traditional appeals, appeals from City and Town Courts are tried de novo in the Clark Circuit or Superior Court. (IC 33-10.1-5-9)

The Clark Superior Court #2 is located on the 2nd Floor on the East Wing of the County Government Building at 501 East Court Avenue, Jeffersonville, In 47130 (812) 285-6333. The Clark Superior Court #2 Probation Office is located on the 3rd Floor on the West Wing of the County Government Building at 501 East Court Avenue, Jeffersonville, IN 47130 (812) 285-6322.

The current Clark Superior Court #2 Judge, Jerome F. Jacobi, was elected to that Office in 2008, after having served as Clark County Prosecuting Attorney (1983-1989) and Clark Superior Court #1 Judge (1995-2006).

CLARK COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT #2 JUDGES

Jerome F. Jacobi Cecile A. Blau George A. Jacobs

2009 - present 1997 - 2008 1982 - 1996

STAFF

Leann Holloway Darla Stahl Patricia Hill Jeremy Snelling Susan Knoebel Brian Sharp Shellie Current Nathan Bills Stacy Gilbert Jessie McDowell

Court Reporter Court Reporter Court Reporter Bailiff Chief Probation Officer Probation Officer Probation Officer Probation Officer Administrative Assistant Drug Court Case Manager

CLARK SUPERIOR COURT #3

The Clark Superior Court #3 was created by statute in 1995, when the Clark County Court was elevated to the Clark Superior Court #3. (IC 33-5-10-1.5) The Clark County Court was created by statute in 1976. At that time, the civil jurisdiction of the Court was limited to actions where the amount in controversy was less than $3000. Criminal jurisdiction was limited to misdemeanors. The statute prescribed a four (4) year term of Office, and required the Judge to be a resident of Clark County and admitted to the practice of law in the state of Indiana. (IC 33-10.5-2)

In 1979, the criminal jurisdiction of the County Court was increased to include Class D Felonies. In 1984, the statute was amended to prescribe a six (6) year term of Office.

With the elevation of the Clark County Court to Clark Superior Court #3 in 1995, this Court now has the same jurisdiction as the Clark Circuit Court, except that the Clark Superior Court #3 has a small claims and misdemeanor docket. All Clark Superior Courts have original jurisdiction to preside over all civil and criminal cases. (IC 33-5-10-2.5) The Court also has appellate jurisdiction to hear appeals from the Jeffersonville City Court, the Charlestown City Court, the Sellersburg Town Court, and the Clarksville Town Court. Unlike traditional appeals, appeals from City and Town Courts are tried de novo in the Clark Circuit or Superior Court. (IC 33-10.1-5-9)

The Clark Superior Court #3 is located on the 2nd Floor on the East Wing of the County Government Building at 501 East Court Avenue, Jeffersonville, IN 47130 (812) 285-6316. The Clark Superior Court #3 Probation Office is located on the 3rd Floor on the West Wing of the County Government Building at 501 East Court Avenue, Jeffersonville, IN 47130 (812) 285-6322.

Longtime Clark Superior Court #3 Judge Steven M. Fleece retired in 2008 after serving 24 years. The current Clark Superior Court #3 Judge, Joe P. Weber, was elected in November 2008 after serving as Clarksville Town Court Judge (1988-2008).

CLARK COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT #3 JUDGES

Joe P. Weber Steven M. Fleece Samuel K. Gwin

2009 - present 1985 - 2008 1976 - 1984

STAFF

Dawn Wills Heather Brock Candice Weddle Katie Clark Lori Love Whitney Newton Karla Donahue Julie Sumler Fran Pendleton Dennis Sumler Jamie Hayden Terry Dorsett Julie Osborne Jerry Priest Elizabeth Starck Angela Stephens Anthony Todd Eric Watkins William Delehanty Joe Renck Robert Clements Missi Denney Judy Bussey Annette Trump Pat Glass

Office Manager / Court Reporter Assistant Court Reporter Assistant Court Reporter Bailiff File Clerk File Clerk Traffic Clerk / Office Manager Traffic Clerk Traffic Clerk Chief Probation Officer Probation Officer Probation Officer Probation Officer Probation Officer Probation Officer Probation Officer Probation Officer Probation Officer Home Incarceration Coordinator Community Services Coordinator Alcohol and Drug Services Coordinator Secretary Secretary Secretary Secretary

JEFFERSONVILLE CITY COURT

The Jeffersonville City Court was created pursuant to statute (IC 18-1-14-1) in 1959, and began operations on January 1, 1960. With the abolition of the Justice of the Peace Courts and the reorganization of all state courts in the 1970's, City and Town Courts were abolished. However, a savings clause allowed all such Courts in existence on January 1, 1981 to continue operations. Today, any Second or Third Class City or Town may by Ordinance create or abolish a City or Town Court. The Jeffersonville City Court is one of 71 City and Town Courts across the state.

The criminal jurisdiction of the Court is limited to misdemeanors. The civil jurisdiction of the Court is limited to cases where the amount in controversy does not exceed $500, but includes enforcement of infractions and city ordinance violations. Cases involving real estate, probate, slander, and all equitable actions are specifically excluded from the Court's jurisdiction. (IC 33-10.1-2) A City or Town Court has jurisdiction to hear misdemeanor cases which were allegedly committed outside the city/town limits, as long as it was committed within the county.

The Prosecuting Attorney is responsible for the prosecution of misdemeanors and infractions in City and Town Courts. The City or Town Attorney is responsible for enforcement of Ordinance violations in City and Town Courts.

Ordinarily, the City or Town Court Judge resolves issues of fact in pending cases. However, upon demand a jury trial may be held. Appeals from Judgments of the City or Town Court may be taken to the Clark Circuit Court or the Clark Superior Court. Unlike traditional appeals, appeals from City and Town Courts are tried de novo in the Clark Circuit or Superior Court. (IC 33-10.1-5-9)

The Judge of a City or Town Court is elected during municipal elections by the legal voters of the City or Town. The statutes prescribe a four (4) year term of Office, without limitations. The Judge of the Jeffersonville City Court, the Charlestown City Court, the Clarksville Town Court, and the Sellersburg Town Court must be a resident of the city/town during the term of Office, but need not be an attorney.

The Jeffersonville City Court is located on the 1st Floor in the Jeffersonville City Hall, located at 500 Quartermaster Court, Jeffersonville, IN 47130 (812) 285-6431. The Jeffersonville City Court Probation Office is also located on the 1st Floor in the Jeffersonville City Hall, located at 500 Quartermaster Court, Jeffersonville, IN 47130 (812) 285-6436.

Jeffersonville City Court Webpage

The current Jeffersonville City Court Judge, Kenneth C. Pierce II, is an attorney licensed to practice in Indiana, and was elected to that Office in 2007.

JEFFERSONVILLE CITY COURT JUDGES

Kenneth C. Pierce II R. Scott Lewis Vicki L. Carmichael Roger L. Lindsey Duard B. Avery, Jr. George A. Jacobs William L. Allen Thomas S. Pointer Robert L. Schnatter

2008 - present 2007 - 2007 2000 - 2007 1988 - 1999 1976 - 1987 1974 - 1975 1968 - 1974 1962 - 1967 1960 - 1962

STAFF

Jamie Miller Stacy Armour Debra Hughes Joan Garrett Little Patty Rush Jennifer Boyd

Court Clerk Court Reporter Chief Probation Officer Probation Officer Administrative Assistant Traffic Clerk

CHARLESTOWN CITY COURT

The Charlestown City Court was created pursuant to statute (IC 18-1-14-1) in 1959, and began operations on January 1, 1960. With the abolition of the Justice of the Peace Courts and the reorganization of all state courts in the 1970's, City and Town Courts were abolished. However, a savings clause allowed all such Courts in existence on January 1, 1981 to continue operations. Today, any Second or Third Class City or Town may by Ordinance create or abolish a City or Town Court. The Charlestown City Court is one of 71 City and Town Courts across the state.

The criminal jurisdiction of the Court is limited to misdemeanors. The civil jurisdiction of the Court is limited to cases where the amount in controversy does not exceed $500, but includes enforcement of infractions and city ordinance violations. Cases involving real estate, probate, slander, and all equitable actions are specifically excluded from the Court's jurisdiction. (IC 33-10.1-2) A City or Town Court has jurisdiction to hear misdemeanor cases which were allegedly committed outside the city/town limits, as long as it was committed within the county.

The Prosecuting Attorney is responsible for the prosecution of misdemeanors and infractions in City and Town Courts. The City or Town Attorney is responsible for enforcement of Ordinance violations in City and Town Courts.

Ordinarily, the City or Town Court Judge resolves issues of fact in pending cases. However, upon demand a jury trial may be held. Appeals from Judgments of the City or Town Court may be taken to the Clark Circuit Court or the Clark Superior Court. Unlike traditional appeals, appeals from City and Town Courts are tried de novo in the Clark Circuit or Superior Court. (IC 33-10.1-5-9)

The Judge of a City or Town Court is elected during municipal elections by the legal voters of the City or Town. The statutes prescribe a four (4) year term of Office, without limitations. The Judge of the Jeffersonville City Court, the Charlestown City Court, the Clarksville Town Court, and the Sellersburg Town Court must be a resident of the city/town during the term of Office, but need not be an attorney.

The Charlestown City Court is located in the new Town Hall on the Square at 304 Main Cross, Charlestown, IN 47111 (812) 256-3422.

The current Charlestown City Court Judge, George W. Waters, was elected to that Office in 1987, 1991, 1995, 1999, 2003, and 2007.

CHARLESTOWN CITY COURT JUDGES

George W. Waters James R. Knoebel Rayburn Anderson Clay Hall Harold G. Satterly Elizabeth Simpson Douglas E. Cain David L. James

1988 - present 1987 - 1987 1983 - 1987 1980 - 1983 1976 - 1979 1972 - 1975 1967 - 1971 1960 - 1967

STAFF

Kim Ruoff

CLARKSVILLE TOWN COURT

The Clarksville Town Court was created pursuant to statute (IC 18-1-14-1) and began operations in 1972. With the abolition of the Justice of the Peace Courts and the reorganization of all state courts in the 1970's, City and Town Courts were abolished. However, a savings clause allowed all such Courts in existence on January 1, 1981 to continue operations. Today, any Second or Third Class City or Town may by Ordinance create or abolish a City or Town Court. The Clarksville Town Court is one of 71 City and Town Courts across the state.

The criminal jurisdiction of the Court is limited to misdemeanors, and has the power to hear misdemeanor cases which were allegedly committed outside the city/town limits, as long as it was committed within the county. The Town Court has exclusive jurisdiction over all violations of Town Ordinances. (IC 33-10.1-2)

The Prosecuting Attorney is responsible for the prosecution of misdemeanors and infractions in City and Town Courts. The City or Town Attorney is responsible for enforcement of Ordinance violations in City and Town Courts.

Ordinarily, the City or Town Court Judge resolves issues of fact in pending cases. However, upon demand a jury trial may be held. Appeals from Judgments of the City or Town Court may be taken to the Clark Circuit Court or the Clark Superior Court. Unlike traditional appeals, appeals from City and Town Courts are tried de novo in the Clark Circuit or Superior Court. (IC 33-10.1-5-9)

The Judge of a City or Town Court is elected during municipal elections by the legal voters of the City or Town. The statutes prescribe a four (4) year term of Office, without limitations. The Judge of the Jeffersonville City Court, the Charlestown City Court, the Clarksville Town Court, and the Sellersburg Town Court must be a resident of the city/town during the term of Office, but need not be an attorney.

The Clarksville Town Court is located in the Town Hall behind the River Falls Mall at 2000 Broadway Street, Clarksville, IN 47129 (812) 283-1505.

Longtime Clarksville Town Court Judge Joe P. Weber resigned in 2008, following his election as Judge of Clark Superior Court #3. He was replaced by Samuel K. Gwin, an attorney licensed in Indiana, who was elected by a Precinct Caucus called to fill the vacancy. Judge Gwin previously served as Judge of the Clark County Court (1976-1984).

CLARKSVILLE TOWN COURT JUDGES

Samuel K. Gwin Joe P. Weber Richard E. Dickman Thomas S. Pointer Edward N. Bolly

2009 - present 1986 - 2008 1975 - 1986 1974 - 1975 1972 - 1974

STAFF

Christy Johnson Amanda Craig Teri Hill Jim Rissler Norman Bratcher Meredith Kraft

Chief Court Clerk First Deputy Clerk Second Deputy Clerk Bailiff Bailiff Probation Officer

SELLERSBURG TOWN COURT

The Sellersburg Town Court was created pursuant to statute (IC 33-10.1-1) with the adoption of a Town Ordinance, and began operations in January 2004. The Sellersburg Town Court is one of 71 City and Town Courts across the state.

With the abolition of the Justice of the Peace Courts and the reorganization of all state courts in the 1970's, City and Town Courts were abolished. However, a savings clause allowed all such Courts in existence on January 1, 1981 to continue operations. Today, any Second or Third Class City or Town may by Ordinance create or abolish a City or Town Court.

The criminal jurisdiction of the Court is limited to misdemeanors, and has the power to hear misdemeanor cases which were allegedly committed outside the city/town limits, as long as it was committed within the county. The Town Court has exclusive jurisdiction over all violations of Town Ordinances. (IC 33-10.1-2)

The Prosecuting Attorney is responsible for the prosecution of misdemeanors and infractions in City and Town Courts. The City or Town Attorney is responsible for enforcement of Ordinance violations in City and Town Courts.

Ordinarily, the City or Town Court Judge resolves issues of fact in pending cases. However, upon demand a jury trial may be held. Appeals from Judgments of the City or Town Court may be taken to the Clark Circuit Court or the Clark Superior Court. Unlike traditional appeals, appeals from City and Town Courts are tried de novo in the Clark Circuit or Superior Court. (IC 33-10.1-5-9)

The Judge of a City or Town Court is elected during municipal elections by the legal voters of the City or Town. The statutes prescribe a four (4) year term of Office, without limitations. The Judge of the Jeffersonville City Court, the Charlestown City Court, the Clarksville Town Court, and the Sellersburg Town Court must be a resident of the city/town during the term of Office, but need not be an attorney.

The Sellersburg Town Court is located at 101 South New Albany Street, Suite #110, Sellersburg, IN 47172 (812) 246-4410.

The current Sellersburg Town Court Judge, R. Thomas Lowe, is an attorney licensed to practice in Indiana, and was elected to that Office in 2003 and 2007.
Sellersburg Town Court Webpage

SELLERSBURG TOWN COURT JUDGES

R. Thomas Lowe

2004 - present

STAFF

Abby Lowe

Court Clerk