FAQ
Q: Why can't I speak to the Judge directly?
A: Because in order for the Judge to remain impartial, he cannot
hear one side of the case without the other side present.
Q: What should I do if I'm the victim in a case?
A: Keep in contact with the Prosecutor's Office and the Victim's
Advocate. They will keep you informed of how the case is progressing.
Q: If I have an attorney, can I file motions on my own?
A: If you have an attorney, private or court appointed, the
filings presented to the Court must come from your attorney. That is their job
and that is why they are hired or appointed to represent you.
Q: I have written a letter to the Judge, but I haven't received a
response?
A: Many of the letters the Court receives are from family members
of defendants and cannot be addressed by the Court. Those that are received
from defendant's themselves are addressed either by the Court setting a
hearing, or if the defendant is represented by counsel, the letter will be
referred to counsel.
Q: What should I do if I can't make it to a hearing?
A: If you know you are going to be late for a hearing because of
traffic or transportation issues, or other problems, call the court and tell
them when you expect to arrive. If you know ahead of time that you will be
unable to attend a scheduled hearing and need to request a continuance, you
must do so in writing, and you must notify the opposing part of your intention
to request a continuance. Motions to continue are available in the download
section of this website. Phone calls for continuances are not accepted unless
it is an emergency situation.
Q: What if I can't afford to hire an attorney?
A: If you find that you are unable to hire an attorney and need
the Court to appoint an attorney to represent you, you must make that request
in writing. The Court will then set a hearing to determine if you are indigent
for purposes of appointing counsel.
Q: What if I want to check on the status of a case?
A: There is a public terminal located in the basement of the
Courthouse. If you have access to the internet, you may
click here and search for a case. Basic searches are free.
Q: I think I missed a court date and there may be a warrant out
for my arrest. What should I do?
A: If you think there is a warrant out for your arrest, you should
turn yourself in to the Sheriff's Department as soon as possible. If it is a
civil case (i.e. child support), and a body attachment has been issued, you
should turn yourself in to the Sheriff's Department.
Q: Can't I just call in for my hearing?
A: Hearings can be held over the telephone with consent of the
Court. Call in advance to arrange it at 260-636-2128.
Q: What if I have questions about my case?
A: Procedural questions may be answered by either the Clerk's
Office or the Court. At no time can any member of the Clerk's office or the
Court give you legal advice. Only an attorney may advise you. If you are told
to contact an attorney regarding your questions, you should do so.
Q: What if I need extra time to - pay my probation user's fee, pay
my restitution, pay my ticket, pay my fines and costs, complete my community
service work?
A: If you are on probation, you should contact your probation
officer and let them know what the problem is. They can give you an extension.
If you've already had an extension from the probation officer, they may tell
you to contact the Judge. Do so in writing. Tell him what the problem is and
how much extra time you think you will need.