Schaibley urges legislature to allow Hamilton County to hire additional magistrate

State Rep. Donna Schaibley (R-Carmel) presents to the Interim Study Committee on Courts and the Judiciary on Sept. 26 at the Statehouse about the need for an additional magistrate in Hamilton County. (Photo provided)

The Interim Study Committee on Courts and the Judiciary recommended Thursday that the General Assembly allow Hamilton County leaders to hire an additional magistrate, according to State Rep. Donna Schaibley (R-Carmel).

Schaibley said the new magistrate would work with the local circuit and superior courts to handle minor offenses or hold preliminary hearings for more serious crimes.

“Hamilton County is the fastest growing county in the state, which means our courts need additional resources to keep up with the increased workload,” Schaibley said. “The summer study committee’s recommendation is a positive step forward, and I plan to file legislation to help make our county’s judicial process more efficient.”

The most recent data from The Weighted Caseload Measure shows Hamilton County has one judicial officer for every 29,432 people.

She said the committee’s recommendations received support from all of the superior court judges in Hamilton County, the circuit court judge, the Hamilton County Commissioners, the Hamilton County Council and the Hamilton County prosecuting attorney. Schaibley plans to author legislation to allow for an additional magistrate this upcoming session, which begins in January.

State Rep. Donna Schaibley (R-Carmel) represents House District 24, which includes portions of Boone and Hamilton counties.