In response to concerns about COVID-19, the Carmel City Court, working with local officials and monitoring the situation with guidance from health officials, will remain open but will immediately adjust the manner in which operations are conducted in order to protect the public health.
Administrative Rule 17 describes the Indiana Supreme Court’s ability to oversee the local administration of trial courts in the event of any unanticipated work interruption.
Poindexter
Trial courts can utilize the rule by petitioning the Supreme Court for emergency relief, if needed, based on local circumstances such as a public health crisis. Judge Brian G. Poindexter has petitioned the Indiana Supreme Court for emergency relief in response to the pandemic that threatens our community.
The Indiana State Department of Health, which is Indiana’s lead agency on COVID-19, has the latest information about the virus. The best approach is to use fundamental healthy practices, such as washing your hands, covering your mouth with your arm or a tissue rather than your hand, and staying home when you are ill.
Maintaining required court operations is important so that the public is guaranteed due process and access to justice. The health and safety of court employees and the community are equally important.
Therefore, Carmel City Court will be working to develop a number of changes in daily operations, with additional details coming soon. The court has already continued a number of public hearings to aid in the reduction of transmission of the virus.
Court Employees
All staff of the Carmel City Court and City Clerk’s Office will be in contact with the Judge, City Clerk or direct supervisor for instruction, employees will come to work if they have been designated as essential staff at the court, while others may be instructed to work remotely.
Litigants/Parties to a Case
Individuals who are scheduled to come to Carmel City Court for a hearing, for a criminal matter or traffic infraction/ordinance, during the month of March and April should contact the court at (317) 571-2440. The court, on its own motion, has already continued a number of matters given the present public health concerns. You should contact the Clerk of Court to learn the new date.
If represented, litigants should be in contact with their attorney to receive the advice of counsel.
Attorneys
Lawyers who are scheduled to appear during the month of March and April should expect that the matter will be continued by the court to a new date. Lawyers with matters scheduled in the month of May should consider filing a motion to continue or check with the court on potential dates for rescheduling.
E-filing and Odyssey
Indiana’s e-filing system is working. Cases and documents can continue to be filed through the statewide system.
The statewide case management system (Odyssey) is working. Litigants, attorneys, press and the public can continue to view case information on mycase.in.gov. Not all courts use Odyssey; see a listing of courts online.
Jail
The Hamilton County courts are working with the County Sheriff to ensure public safety. Anyone arrested or defendants already in jail will have their cases addressed quickly by a judge or magistrate. The courts have the ability to address matters involving incarcerated individuals both in person or electronically to assure due process and access to justice.
Probation and Court-ordered Services
Hamilton County court runs the Hamilton County probation department/court ordered services. All individuals on probation should continue to be in contact with their officer and are expected to continue to appear in person for drug screens and as otherwise directed by their probation officer.