Format:  NCSA Format:  NCSA


  • Clark Circuit Court #1
  • Clarksville Town Court
  • Clark Circuit Court #2
  • Clark County Unified Probation
  • Clark Circuit Court #3
  • Clark County Magistrates
  • Clark Circuit Court #4
  • Local Rule 5 - Allocation of Cases
  • Clark Superior Court #5
  • Clark Superior Court #6

  • The Clark County Judicial System consists of 7 Courts: The Clark County Prosecuting Attorney is responsible for filing criminal cases in each of these 7 Courts, all of which have jurisdiction to hear criminal cases. Once filed, criminal cases are allocated to a particular Judge based upon Local Rules of Practice first adopted in 1995.

    In general, cases charging Murder or Level 1-5 Felony cases are filed in Clark Circuit Court #1 (if committed during even numbered months) or Clark Circuit Court #4 (if committed during odd numbered months). All Felony drug cases are filed in Clark Circuit Court #2. Cases charging a Level 6 Felony are filed in Circuit Court #3. All felony or misdemeanor traffic cases are filed in Clark Circuit Court #3. All Misdemeanor cases (non-traffic) allegedly committed in Clarksville are filed in the Clarksville Town Court. All other misdemeanor cases (non-traffic) are filed in the Clark Superior Court #5. All infraction cases are filed in the Clark Superior Court #5. All IV-D Child Support Cases, and Protective Order cases, shall be filed in Superior Court #6. All Juvenile cases, Contributing to Delinquency cases, and Neglect of Dependent Cases, are filed in the Clark Circuit Court #4.

    Effective January 1, 2012, all Superior Courts in Clark County became Circuit Courts with 4 Divisions. The Clark Superior Court #1 became the Clark Circuit Court #4. The Clark Superior Court #2 became the Clark Circuit Court #2. The Clark Superior Court #3 became the Clark Circuit Court #3. The Clark Circuit Court became the Clark Circuit Court #1.


    CLARK CIRCUIT COURT #1

    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. Effective January 1, 2012, the Clark Circuit Court became the Clark Circuit Court #1.

    The Clark Circuit Court has original jurisdiction to preside over all civil and criminal cases. (IC 33-28-1-2) The Court also has appellate jurisdiction to hear appeals from the Clarksville Town Court. Unlike traditional appeals, appeals from City and Town Courts are tried de novo in the Clark Circuit Court. (Indiana Rules of Court, Rules of Trial De Novo)

    The Clark Circuit Court #1 is located on the 2nd Floor on the East Wing of the Clark County Judicial Center at 501 East Court Avenue, Jeffersonville, IN 47130 (812) 285-6308. The Clark Circuit Court #1 Probation Office is located on the 3rd Floor on the West Wing of the Clark County Judicial Center at 501 East Court Avenue, Jeffersonville, IN 47130 (812) 285-6314.

    The current Clark Circuit Court #1 Judge, Nicholas A. Karaffa, was appointed in November 2022 by Indiana Governor Eric J. Holcomb following the retirement of Judge Daniel E. Moore, and began service of this term of office on January 1, 2023.

    Judge Nicholas A. Karaffa
    Judge Nicholas A. Karaffa

    CLARK CIRCUIT COURT / CLARK CIRCUIT COURT #1 JUDGES

    Nicholas A. Karaffa
    Daniel E. Moore
    Andrew Adams
    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

    2023 - present
    2021 - 2022
    2015 - 2020
    2009 - 2014
    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


    CLARK CIRCUIT COURT #2 (FORMERLY CLARK SUPERIOR COURT #2)

    The Clark Superior Court #2 was created by statute in 1982. The statute prescribed a six (6) 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. The jurisdiction of the court was the same as the Clark Circuit Court. Effective January 1, 2012, the Clark Superior Court #2 became the Clark Circuit Court #2.

    The Clark Circuit Court has original jurisdiction to preside over all civil and criminal cases. (IC 33-28-1-2) The Court also has appellate jurisdiction to hear appeals from the Clarksville Town Court. Unlike traditional appeals, appeals from City and Town Courts are tried de novo in the Clark Circuit Court. (Indiana Rules of Court, Rules of Trial De Novo)

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

    The current Clark Circuit Court #2 Judge, Brad Jacobs, was elected to that Office in 2014 and began service in 2015.

    Judge Brad Jacobs
    Judge Brad Jacobs


    CLARK COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT #2 / CIRCUIT COURT #2 JUDGES
    Brad Jacobs
    Jerome F. Jacobi
    Cecile A. Blau
    George A. Jacobs
    2015 - present
    2009 - 2014
    1997 - 2008
    1982 - 1996


    CLARK CIRCUIT COURT #3 (FORMERLY CLARK SUPERIOR COURT #3)

    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. In 1995, the Clark County Court was elevated to the Clark Superior Court #3. (IC 33-5-10-1.5) The Court had the same jurisdiction as the Clark Circuit Court, except that the Clark Superior Court #3 had a small claims and misdemeanor docket. Effective January 1, 2012, the Clark Superior Court #3 became the Clark Circuit Court #3.

    The Clark Circuit Court has original jurisdiction to preside over all civil and criminal cases. (IC 33-28-1-2) The Court also has appellate jurisdiction to hear appeals from the Clarksville Town Court. Unlike traditional appeals, appeals from City and Town Courts are tried de novo in the Clark Circuit Court. (Indiana Rules of Court, Rules of Trial De Novo)

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

    The current Clark Circuit Court #3 Judge, N. Lisa Glickfield, was elected to that Office in 2020 and began service in 2021.

    Judge N. Lisa Glickfield
    Judge N. Lisa Glickfield

    CLARK COUNTY COURT / SUPERIOR COURT #3 / CIRCUIT COURT #3 JUDGES
    N. Lisa Glickfield
    Joe P. Weber
    Steven M. Fleece
    Samuel K. Gwin
    2021 - present
    2009 - 2020
    1985 - 2008
    1976 - 1984


    CLARK CIRCUIT COURT #4 (FORMERLY 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. Effective January 1, 2012, the Clark Superior Court #1 became the Clark Circuit Court #4.

    The Clark Circuit Court has original jurisdiction to preside over all civil and criminal cases. (IC 33-28-1-2) The Court also has appellate jurisdiction to hear appeals from the Clarksville Town Court. Unlike traditional appeals, appeals from City and Town Courts are tried de novo in the Clark Circuit Court. (Indiana Rules of Court, Rules of Trial De Novo)

    The Clark Circuit Court #4 is located on the 2nd Floor on the East Wing of the Clark County Judicial Center at 501 East Court Avenue, Jeffersonville, IN 47130 (812) 285-6294. The Adult and Juvenile Court Probation Office of Clark Circuit Court #4 is located on the 3rd Floor on the West Wing of the Clark County Judicial Center at 501 East Court Avenue, Jeffersonville, IN 47130 (812) 285-6300.

    The current Clark Circuit Court #4 Judge, Vicki L. Carmichael, was first elected to that Office in 2006 after serving as Jeffersonville City Court Judge (2001-2007) and began service in 2007.

    Judge Vicki L. Carmichael
    Judge Vicki L. Carmichael

    CLARK COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT #1 / CIRCUIT COURT #4 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


    CLARK COUNTY MAGISTRATES

    Indiana Code 33-33-10-2 allows for four full-time Clark County Magistrates, who are appointed by and serve at the discretion of the Clark Circuit Court Judges. A Magistrate must be admitted to the practice of law in the state of Indiana and serves with almost the same power and authority as the sitting Judge. (IC 33-23-5) In Clark County, the Small Claims Docket and Protective Orders are handled almost exclusively by Magistrates.

    CLARK COUNTY MAGISTRATES
    William A. Dawkins, Jr.
    Joni L. Grayson
    Jeffrey K. Branstetter
    Lisa Reger
    Kenneth R. Abbott
    2007 - present
    2015 - present
    2017 - present
    2021 - present
    2009 - 2021


    CLARK COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT UNIFIED PROBATION AND SUPERVISION

    By joint Order of the Clark County Circuit Court Judges, all Clark County Circuit Courts have access to the services of a Unified Probation and Supervision Department. Those services include probation and bail supervision for adults and juveniles, Presentence Investigations, Clark County Alcohol and Drug Services, Home Incarceration Program and GPS monitoring, Community Service, Intensive Probation, Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative, and Drug Court supervision.

    Following a conviction, Clark County Courts may impose a term of probation as an alternative to incarceration. The Probation Department implements these probation orders, monitors and oversees all Defendants on probation, ensuring that there is full compliance with all court-ordered conditions. The goal is rehabilitation through community-based supervision, all in an effort to reduce the likelihood of recidivism.

    The Adult and Juvenile Court Probation Office of all Clark Circuit Courts is located on the 3rd Floor on the West Wing of the Clark County Judicial Center at 501 East Court Avenue, Jeffersonville, IN 47130 (812) 285-6300. Jamie Hayden serves as the Chief Probation Officer.


    CLARK COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT #5

    The Clark Superior Court #5 and the Clark Superior Court #6 were created pursuant to statute (IC 33-33-10) and began operations on July 1, 2021. Both Courts have original jurisdiction to preside over all civil and criminal cases, the same as the Clark Circuit Courts. Abraham Navarro was appointed by Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb as Judge of Clark Superior Court #5. Kyle Williams was appointed by Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb as Judge of Clark Superior Court #6. Both shall remain in office until January 1, 2025. At that time, both Courts shall convert to Clark Circuit Court #5 and Clark Circuit Court #6. Election for Judge of both new Circuit Courts shall be in 2024. A six (6) year term of Office without limitations is thereafter prescribed. It is required that the Judge be a resident of Clark County and admitted to the practice of law in the state of Indiana.

    Judge 
Abraham Navarro
    Judge Abraham Navarro


    CLARK COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT #6

    The Clark Superior Court #5 and the Clark Superior Court #6 were created pursuant to statute (IC 33-33-10) and began operations on July 1, 2021. Both Courts have original jurisdiction to preside over all civil and criminal cases, the same as the Clark Circuit Courts. Abraham Navarro was appointed by Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb as Judge of Clark Superior Court #5. Kyle Williams was appointed by Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb as Judge of Clark Superior Court #6. Both shall remain in office until January 1, 2025. At that time, both Courts shall convert to Clark Circuit Court #5 and Clark Circuit Court #6. Election for Judge of both new Circuit Courts shall be in 2024. A six (6) year term of Office without limitations is thereafter prescribed. It is required that the Judge be a resident of Clark County and admitted to the practice of law in the state of Indiana.

    Judge 
Kyle Williams
    Judge Kyle Williams


    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 51 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 Clarksville 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 the Clarksville Town Court. The Town Attorney is responsible for enforcement of Ordinance violations in the town of Clarksville.

    Ordinarily, the Clarksville Town Court Judge resolves issues of fact in pending cases. However, upon demand a jury trial may be held. Appeals from Judgments of the Clarksville Town Court may be taken to the Clark Circuit Court. Unlike traditional appeals, appeals from the Clarksville Town Court are tried de novo in the Clark Circuit Court. ((Indiana Rules of Court, Rules of Trial De Novo)

    The Judge of the Clarksville Town Court is elected during municipal elections by the legal voters of the town of Clarksville. The statutes prescribe a four (4) year term of Office, without limitations. Pursuant to 2015 amendments to IC 33-35-5-7, the Clarksville Town Court Judge must be an attorney in good standing licensed to practice law in the state of Indiana.

    The Clarksville Town Court is located in the Town Hall off Veterans Parkway at 2000 Broadway Street, Clarksville, IN 47129 (812) 283-1505.

    Clarksville Town Court Webpage

    The current Clarksville Town Court Judge, James F. Guilfoyle, was first elected to that Office in 2006 after serving as Jeffersonville City Court Judge (2001-2007) and began service in 2007. Following the resignation of Clarksville Town Court Judge Mickey Weber, James F. Guilfoyle, an attorney licensed to practice in Indiana, was elected by a Precinct Caucus called to fill the vacancy. Judge Guilfoyle began his service in December 2015, and was elected to a four (4) year term in the 2015 and 2019 Municipal Elections without opposition.

    Judge James F. Guilfoyle
    Judge James F. Guilfoyle


    CLARKSVILLE TOWN COURT JUDGES
    James F. Guilfoyle
    Mickey Weber
    Samuel K. Gwin
    Joe P. Weber
    Richard E. Dickman
    Thomas S. Pointer
    Edward N. Bolly
    2015 - present
    2011 - 2014
    2009 - 2010
    1986 - 2008
    1975 - 1986
    1974 - 1975
    1972 - 1974


    JEFFERSONVILLE CITY COURT
    (Abolished Effective December 31, 2015)

    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 75 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 Jeffersonville City Court Judge resolves issues of fact in pending cases. However, upon demand a jury trial may be held. Appeals from Judgments of the Jeffersonville City Court may be taken to the Clark Circuit Court. Unlike traditional appeals, appeals from City and Town Courts are tried de novo in the Clark Circuit Court. (Indiana Rules of Court, Rules of Trial De Novo)

    The Judge of the Jeffersonville City Court is elected during municipal elections by the legal voters of the City of Jeffersonville. The statutes prescribe a four (4) year term of Office, without limitations. The Judge of the Jeffersonville City Court must be a resident of the city of Jeffersonville 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 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 - 2015
    2007 - 2007
    2000 - 2007
    1988 - 1999
    1976 - 1987
    1974 - 1975
    1968 - 1974
    1962 - 1967
    1960 - 1962


    CHARLESTOWN CITY COURT
    (Abolished Effective December 31, 2011)


    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 75 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 - 2011
    1987 - 1987
    1983 - 1987
    1980 - 1983
    1976 - 1979
    1972 - 1975
    1967 - 1971
    1960 - 1967


    SELLERSBURG TOWN COURT
    (Abolished Effective December 31, 2011)


    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 75 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 JUDGES
    R. Thomas Lowe
    2004 - 2011




    Local Rules of Practice for the Courts of the 4th Judicial Circuit,
    Clark County, Indiana (Effective October 6, 2021)

    Local Rule 5 - Allocation of Cases

    A. Applicability. This rule shall apply to all felony and misdemeanor cases filed in the Circuit Courts in Clark County, Indiana and in the Clarksville Town Court.

    B. Major Felony Cases. Except as otherwise specifically provided for, all cases which include Murder, Class A, Class B, Class C, Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, Level 4, or Level 5 Felony offenses as the most serious charged offense, shall be assigned as follows: (1) Cases alleging the most serious offense was committed during the months of February, April, June, August, October or December shall be assigned to the Judge of Circuit Court No. 1. (2) Cases alleging the most serious offense was committed during the months of January, March, May, July, September, or November shall be assigned to the Judge of Circuit Court No. 4. Cases with co-defendants shall be filed in the same court.

    C. Misdemeanor, Class D Felony and Level 6 Felony Cases. Except as otherwise specifically provided, all cases having a Class D Felony or Level 6 as the most serious charge shall be assigned to the Judge of Circuit Court No. 3. Misdemeanor offenses occurring in Clarksville shall be assigned to the Judge of Clarksville Town Court; all other misdemeanor offenses, except as noted in paragraph D below, shall be assigned to the Judge of Superior Court No. 5.

    D. Traffic-Related Cases. All misdemeanor and felony cases which include a charge relating to traffic or motor vehicles under Title 9, Article 30, Chapter 5 of the Indiana Code or Indiana Code 35-42-1 (Homicide) shall be assigned to the Judge of Circuit Court No. 3, with the exception noted below in F when a charge of Neglect of a Dependent is also filed. Traffic infraction (IF) and ordinance violation (OV) cases shall be assigned to the Judge of Superior Court No. 5.

    E. Controlled Substances Cases. All Class A, Class B, Class C, Class D, Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, Level 4, Level 5 and Level 6 felony cases which include a charge related to Controlled Substances under Indiana Code 35-48 or Legend Drugs under Indiana Code 16-42 shall be assigned to the Judge of Circuit Court No. 2. Except as noted in paragraphs C and D above, cases which include driving offenses shall be assigned to the Judge of Circuit Court No. 3. Cases involving controlled substance charges and a murder, Class A, Class B, Class C, Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, Level 4, or Level 5 Felony offense shall be assigned to the Judge of Circuit Court No. 1 or No. 4 as outlined in paragraph B above.

    F. Juvenile Criminal Cases. All cases which include a misdemeanor or felony charge against a defendant alleged to be under the age of eighteen (18) at the time of the commission of the offense, shall be assigned to the Judge of Circuit Court No. 4. All cases which include a charge of Neglect of a Dependent or Contributing to the Delinquency under Indiana Code 35-46-1-8 or Violation of Compulsory School Attendance under Indiana Code 20-8.1-3 shall be assigned to the Judge of Circuit Court No. 4.

    G. Attempt, Conspiracy, and Aiding Cases. For purposes of this Rule, when a case includes a charge of Attempt under Indiana Code 35-41-5-1, Conspiracy under Indiana Code 35-41-5-1, or Aiding under Indiana Code 35-41-2-4, proper assignment of the case shall be determined by reference to the substantive offense underlying each charge.

    H. Re-filing of Dismissed Cases. In the event a criminal case is dismissed, and thereafter, the same or similar case is filed against the same defendant(s) based upon the same transaction, the case shall be assigned to the judge who entered the Order of Dismissal on the earlier case.

    I. Juvenile Paternity Cases. Juvenile Paternity cases shall be assigned to the Judge of Circuit Court No. 4.

    J. Other Juvenile Cases. All Juvenile CHINS cases, Juvenile Status cases, Juvenile Termination of Parental Rights cases, and Juvenile Miscellaneous cases shall be assigned to the Judge of Circuit Court No. 4.

    K. Mortgage Foreclosure and Civil Collection Cases. Mortgage Foreclosure and Civil Collection cases shall be assigned to the Judge of Superior Court No. 6.

    L. Civil Tort and Civil Plenary Cases. Civil Tort and Civil Plenary cases shall be assigned to the Judge of Superior Court No. 6.

    M. Small Claims and Eviction Cases. All Small Claims and Eviction cases shall be assigned to the Judge of Superior Court No. 6.

    N. Mental Health Cases. All Mental Health cases shall be assigned to the Judge of Circuit Court No. 1.

    O. Domestic Relations Cases. Domestic Relations cases (DC and DN) shall be assigned to the Judge of Superior Court No. 5.

    P. Reciprocal Support and IV-D Child Support Cases. All Reciprocal Support and IV-D child support cases shall be assigned to the Judge of Superior Court No. 6.

    Q. Protective Order Cases. All Protective Order cases shall be assigned to the Judge of Superior Court No. 6.

    R. Guardianship and Estate Cases. Guardianship cases involving adults shall be assigned to the Judge of Circuit Court No. 1 and Guardianship cases involving children shall be assigned to the Judge of Circuit Court No. 4. Estate cases (supervised and unsupervised) shall be assigned to the Judge of Circuit Court No. 1.

    S. Trust Cases. All Trust cases shall be assigned to the Judge of Circuit Court No. 1.

    T. Adoption Cases. All Adoption Cases shall be assigned on an equal basis to the Judges of the Circuit Courts and the Superior Courts.

    U. Conservancy Districts. Conservancy district cases shall be assigned to the Judge of Circuit Court No. 1.

    V. Tax Sale. Tax sale cases shall be assigned to the Judge of Circuit Court No. 1.

    W. Family Court Exceptions. This subsection applies to situations of pending CHINS or juvenile delinquency matters in Circuit Court No. 4. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Rule, when a family law case (e.g., dissolution, paternity, guardianship, adoption, reciprocal support) or a modification of an existing family law case involving the same family in the pending CHINS or juvenile delinquency matter is presented to the Clerk for filing, that matter shall be filed in or transferred to Circuit Court No. 4. When a CHINS or juvenile delinquency case is filed in Circuit Court No. 4 after a family law case has been filed in any other court, the judge with jurisdiction over the family law case shall transfer that case to Circuit Court No. 4. The Judge of Circuit Court No. 4 may request a transfer of certain criminal cases where those cases have a direct impact on allocation of parenting time or placement of the child in a pending CHINS or delinquency matter.

    X. Problem Solving Court Exceptions. This subsection applies to any problem-solving court operated by the Clark Circuit Courts. When an individual is accepted into the problem-solving court, any case associated with that individual shall be transferred to the court having jurisdiction over the problem-solving court.

    Y. Exceptions for Defendant with Pending Cases. When a new criminal case filing involves a defendant who has a pending criminal case, other than a Petition to Revoke Probation, the provisions of this subsection shall apply. If a defendant has a pending case in Circuit Court No. 1 or Circuit Court No. 4 and is charged with a new offense that is not solely (1) a traffic or driving related offense or (2) a felony drug or controlled substance offense, the new case shall be filed where the current case is pending. If a defendant has a pending case in Circuit Court No. 2, Circuit Court No. 3, or Superior Court No. 5 that is not (1) a traffic or driving related offense or (2) a felony drug or controlled substance offense, and a new case is filed against that defendant in Circuit Court No. 1 or Circuit Court No. 4, the pending case in Circuit Court No. 2, Circuit Court No. 3, or Superior Court No. 5 shall be transferred to Circuit Court No. 1 or Circuit Court No. 4 upon the filing of the new charge. If there is a pending level 6 felony filed in Circuit Court No. 3 and the defendant is charged with a new misdemeanor offense, that misdemeanor offense shall be filed in Circuit Court 3.

    Z. Transfer of Cases. Any case that is transferred between courts shall be done so pursuant to I.C. 33-33-10-15 and 33-33-10-15.3.

    AA. Magistrates. The presiding judges of Clark Circuit Courts 1, 2, 3, and 4 shall assign a magistrate to serve any of the Circuit or Superior Courts in a manner which provides greater assistance to the courts with greater caseloads. As such, a judicial officer of a court of record may serve as acting judge in another court within Clark County. This Rule shall automatically expire on January 1, 2025.

    BB. Error in Case Assignments. Any error in the assignment of a criminal case shall not constitute grounds for an appeal or post-conviction relief unless actual bias or prejudice of the judge hearing the case is demonstrated

    CC. Clerk Management of Case Assignment Process. The Clerk of the Circuit Courts shall, upon the approval of the Judges of each Circuit or Superior Court, implement and manage an appropriate, efficient system for distribution of cases described in the foregoing subsections as being the object of assignment "on an equal basis."

    Amended effective October 6, 2021


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