Ind. County Local Rule: lawrence-local-rules

Table of Contents

LAWRENCE COUNTY LOCAL ADMINISTRATIVE RULES......................... - 2 -

Section 1: Introduction............................................................................................ - 2 -

Section 2: Case Assignment.................................................................................... - 2 -

Section 3: Problem-Solving Court Cases................................................................ - 4 -

Section 4: Special Judge Appointment (Criminal Cases)....................................... - 6 -

Section 5: Evidence Retention and Disposition...................................................... - 7 -

Section 6: Court Security........................................................................................ - 9 -

Section 7: Video and Audio Equipment................................................................. - 9 -

Section 8: Court Reporter Services......................................................................... - 9 -

Section 9: Program User Fees............................................................................... - 11 -

LAWRENCE COUNTY LOCAL TRIAL RULES.............................................. - 12 -

Section 10: Service............................................................................................... - 12 -

Section 11: Pleadings............................................................................................ - 13 -

Section 12: Filing of Cases................................................................................... - 13 -

Section 13: Motions.............................................................................................. - 14 -

Section 14: Proposed Orders................................................................................. - 14 -

Section 15: Service by Sheriff; Attachment.......................................................... - 15 -

Section 16: Motion for Continuance..................................................................... - 15 -

Section 17: Discovery........................................................................................... - 16 -

Section 18: Mediation Requirements.................................................................... - 18 -

Section 19: Selection of Special Judge................................................................. - 19 -

Section 20: Special Judge Appointment (Civil Cases)......................................... - 19 -

Section 21: Required Pre-Trial Conference (Civil).............................................. - 20 -

Section 22: Trials and Juries................................................................................. - 20 -

Section 23: Guardianships.................................................................................... - 21 -

Section 24: Summoning of Jurors......................................................................... - 22 -

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LAWRENCE COUNTY LOCAL RULES

LAWRENCE COUNTY LOCAL ADMINISTRATIVE RULES

Section 1: Introduction

LR47-AR00-001: APPLICABILITY AND CITATION OF RULES

A. The following rules shall apply to cases filed on the docket in the Lawrence Circuit

and Superior Courts, excepting cases on the Small Claims Docket, and unless as

otherwise noted. In the event of conflict between the local rules and the Rule of the

Supreme Court of Indiana or the laws of the State of Indiana, the applicable law, or

the rule of the Supreme Court, shall govern.

B. These rules may be cited as “Local Rule __”. The Indiana Rules of Trial Procedure

are hereinafter referred to as “Trial Rule __” or “TR__”.

C. As used in the rules which follow, the word “pleadings” shall mean and include all

motions, documents, or other papers filed with the Court by any party, except as is

otherwise provided herein.

Section 2: Case Assignment

LR47-AR00-002: LOCAL CASELOAD ALLOCATION PLAN

A. Criminal Case Assignment.

1. All initial filing determinations shall be on the basis of the most serious offense

charged.

MURDER, LEVEL I TO IV FELONY, CLASS A TO C FELONY

All felonies classified as Murder, Level I to IV, and Class A to C, shall be blind filed

in the Superior Courts through the Office of the Lawrence County Clerk. The

Lawrence County Clerk shall assign 2/3 of those cases to Lawrence Superior Court,

Division I and 1/3 to Lawrence Superior Court, Division II.

LEVEL VI and V, MISDEMEANORS, INFRACTIONS, AND ORDINANCES

All Level VI and V felonies and misdemeanors charging an alcohol, traffic, or

controlled substance offense, and all infraction and ordinance violations, shall be filed

in the Lawrence Superior Court, Division II. All other Level VI and V felonies and

misdemeanors shall be filed in the Lawrence Superior Court, Division I.

2. New and Pending Cases: Any criminal case filed regarding a Defendant who is

under a probation sentence or has a pending felony case shall be filed in the court

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exercising jurisdiction over the prior proceedings. If a Defendant has a probation

sentence or a pending felony case in multiple courts in this county, any new charges

shall be filed in the court first having jurisdiction. A case may be transferred under

this Rule by motion of the parties or by the Court.

3. Co-Defendants: When two or more Defendants are charged under separate case

numbers, but the offenses charged arise from the same factual allegations, the cases

of all co-defendants shall be assigned to one of the Superior Courts by the Clerk of

Lawrence County as follows:

1. If any Defendant has a probation sentence or pending felony case, the new

charge shall be filed in the Court where a probation sentence or pending felony

case exists, and the other Defendants shall follow that case;

2. If more than one Defendant has a probation sentence or pending felony case, the

new case shall be filed where each defendant has a probation sentence or

pending case. This may result in co-defendants being charged in different

Courts.

3. If there are more than two co-defendants and the additional co-defendants (s) do

not have a probation sentence or pending case, the additional co-defendant(s)

case shall be filed in the Court in which the highest-level charge exists. If the

charges are equal, the additional co-defendant(s) case shall be filed in the same

Court in alphabetical order of the Defendants that have a probation sentence or

pending felony case.

4. If neither situation exists, all defendants shall be charged in the same Court

pursuant to LR47-AR00-002 A 1.

B. Transfer of Criminal and Civil Cases. The Judges of the Lawrence Circuit and

Superior Courts, by appropriate order, may transfer and reassign to the other Courts

any pending case, subject to acceptance by the receiving Court.

C. Re-Filing and Subsequent Filing of Criminal Cases. Upon dismissal of a case by

the State of Indiana and a subsequent re-filing of the case based on the same

occurrence, such newly filed case shall be re-filed in the Court from which the

dismissal was taken. Further, in the event additional criminal charges are filed

against a felony defendant at any time prior to sentencing, the additional charges shall

be filed in the Court in which the other charges are already pending.

D. Change of Judge in Criminal Case. In the event the regular Judge of the Court

recuses himself/herself, the case shall be assigned as follows: from the Judge of the

Superior Court, Division I, to the Judge of the Superior Court, Division II; from the

Judge of the Superior Court, Division II, to the Judge of the Superior Court, Division

I. If the Superior Courts are unable to accommodate the assignment, the case may be

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assigned to the Judge of the Lawrence Circuit Court. When it is necessary to appoint

a special judge pursuant to Administrative Rule 21, it shall be done in accordance

with District 20 Rule on appointment of special judge in criminal cases at DR20-

CR13-000.

E. Civil and Other Case Assignment. All small claims shall be filed in the Lawrence

Superior Court, Division II. All civil proceedings which are assigned a CP, PL, CT,

RS, MF, CC, MI, CE, GV, RA, RF (criminal and civil), EV, TP, or TS case number

shall be filed in the Lawrence Circuit Court through the Clerk of Lawrence County.

Additionally, all proceedings regarding dissolution of marriage shall be filed in the

Lawrence Circuit Court and the Lawrence Superior Court, Division I, on a rotating

basis, through the Clerk of Lawrence County. All mental health proceedings shall be

filed in the Lawrence Superior Court, Division I. All protective order requests shall

be filed in the Lawrence Circuit Court, subject to statutory exceptions and any

exception specified by these rules. Additionally, if a dissolution action has been filed

in the Lawrence Circuit or Superior Court, Division I, a subsequently filed protective

order, with the same parties, shall be filed in that Court. Any Protective Order in

which there is a companion criminal case shall be filed in the court that has

jurisdiction over the criminal cause. All probate, juvenile, guardianship, trust,

adoption, or Title IV-D support collection matters, excepting those where the original

dissolution was in Superior Court, Division I, shall be filed in the Lawrence Circuit

Court. All expungement petitions shall be filed in the court that adjudicated the

underlying matter. If two or more courts adjudicated separate criminal cases, the

expungement petition shall be filed in the Lawrence Circuit Court.

F. Modification. The Courts of Lawrence County may, from time to time, modify the

above rules regarding local assignment of cases to meet the needs of the Courts in

circumstances deemed necessary by agreement of the Judges of the Courts of

Lawrence County. Some instances that may necessitate temporary modification of

this assignment of cases rule are as follows: temporary extended absence or disability

of a Judge; a case of size or complexity to overburden a particular Court; temporary

case load disparities.

(Amended rule approved by Supreme Court on _____________)

Section 3: Problem-Solving Court Cases

LR47-AR00-002.5: ASSIGNMENT OF PROBLEM-SOLVING COURT CASES

A. Criminal Case Assignment

1. All Lawrence County Problem-Solving Courts are established to provide

specialized services, including: clinical assessment, education, referral for

treatment, and service coordination and case management for eligible defendants

and probationers as determined by its written policy and procedures.

2. The Lawrence Circuit, Superior I and Superior II Courts all operate and manage

Problem-Solving Courts.

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3. All criminal charges shall be filed as otherwise provided in this rule. However,

after a charge has been filed, a judge may refer the defendant to a Problem-Solving Court, and if accepted, transfer the defendant’s case to the Court which

operates such Problem-Solving Court for services in accordance with policy and

procedures.

4. Probationers may likewise be referred.

B. Fees for Lawrence County Problem-Solving Courts. The fee schedules are set

pursuant to the authority granted by I.C. 33-23-19-23. Fees are as specified

below:

1. LAWRENCE SUPERIOR COURT II PROBLEM-SOLVING COURT -

DRUG TREATMENT COURT

PROGRAM FEE: $35.00 per month.

(Amended effective August 1, 2025)

2. LAWRENCE SUPERIOR COURT I PROBLEM-SOLVING COURT –

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE COURT

PROGRAM FEE: $35.00 per month

Fees shall be paid to the Clerk of the Court located at 916 15th Street, Room

31, Bedford, Indiana. The clerk of the Court shall collect and transmit these

fees within thirty (30) days after the fees are collected. The Clerk shall deposit

funds at the Lawrence County Auditor’s Office into fund 9924.

(Amended effective August 1, 2025)

3. LAWRENCE SUPERIOR COURT II- VETERAN’S TREATMENT

PROGRAM

Admission Fee: $100.00 for a felony offense or $50.00 for a misdemeanor offense

assessed at the time the participation agreement is signed

User fee: $30.00 for a felony offense or $20.00 for a misdemeanor offense per month

beginning the second month of participation.

Deferral Participant: $35.00 per month payable to the Clerk of the Court located

at 916 15th Street, Room 31, Bedford, Indiana.

The Veterans Treatment Court has adopted, by local court rule, a schedule of fees

assessed for problem-solving court services. Fees are to be paid to the Clerk of

Lawrence Circuit Court located at 916 15th Street, Room 31, Bedford, Indiana.

(Effective August 1, 2023)

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Section 4: Special Judge Appointment (Criminal Cases)

DR 20-AR21-000: APPOINTMENT OF SPECIAL JUDGE IN CRIMINAL CASES

Each county within the Administrative District shall amend its local rules, pursuant to

Administrative Rules 1(E)(6) and 21, to allow for the appointment of Special Judges

utilizing the following elements.

A. Eligibility for Special Judge Service.

1. Available to Serve. Pursuant to Administrative Rule 21, the full-time

Judicial Officers of Administrative District 20 and contiguous counties

shall be deemed in agreement to serve as a Special Judge. Senior Judges

are also eligible to serve.

2. Prior Service Excluded. The appointment of Special Judge shall apply

unless the appointed Judicial Officer has previously served as Judge or

Special Judge in the case, is disqualified by interest or relationship, or is

excused from service as a Special Judge by the Indiana Supreme Court.

B. Appointment within the Administrative District. In order to improve the

coordination within the Administrative District, and pursuant to Administrative

Rule 21, appointments of a Special Judge in criminal cases shall be made among

the Judicial Officers of the Administrative District.

C. Appointment of a Special Judge. In the event of the need for the regular, sitting

Judicial Officer to recuse herself/himself from a normally assigned case, Special

Judge appointment shall be made by the Administrative District 20 Facilitator.

1. Priority Given to Local County Appointments. Pursuant to

Administrative Rule 1(E)(6), appointments of a Special Judge shall be

made in the same manner as set forth within the Local Rules of the Local

County. Following the appointment of the Special Judge, the Special

Judge may request that the case be forwarded to the court of the Special

Judge.

2. District (Outside County) Appointments. In the event that no Local

Judicial Officer is available, a Special Judge shall be appointed, on a

rotating basis, from the available full-time Judicial Officers within the

Administrative District and counties contiguous to Lawrence County.

D. Acceptance of Appointment.

1. Acceptance Mandatory. Pursuant to Administrative Rule 21(A), a person

appointed to serve as Special Judge under these rules must accept

jurisdiction in the case, unless the appointed Special Judge is disqualified

pursuant to the Code of Judicial Conduct, ineligible for service under these

rules, or excused from service by the Indiana Supreme Court.

2. Documentation. An oath or additional evidence of acceptance of

jurisdiction is not required.

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E. Supreme Court Certification. In the event that no Judicial Officer in the

Administrative District or contiguous county is eligible to serve as a Special

Judge, or the regular, sitting Judicial Officer in the court in which the case is

pending sets out particular circumstances why appointment under these rules

should not be made, then the regular, sitting Judicial Officer shall certify the same

to the Indiana Supreme Court for appointment of a Special Judge.

F. Discontinuation of Special Judge Service. The provisions of A.R. 21(F) apply if

a Special Judge ceases to serve following assumption of jurisdiction.

G. Method for Assignment and Related Records. The District Facilitator has

maintained a method for rotation for appointments and maintained records related

thereto which will be continued. Any amendments to the method will be made by

votes cast by the Judicial Officers of Administrative District 20.

(Amended rule approved by Supreme Court on January 1, 2026)

Section 5: Evidence Retention and Disposition

LR47-AR00-003: RULES FOR EVIDENCE HANDLING, RETENTION, AND

DISPOSITION

A. Preamble. In all cases, the court shall proceed pursuant to these Rules unless the

court directs a longer retention period after motion by any party or on its own motion.

B. Retention Periods for Evidence introduced in Civil and Criminal Proceedings.

1. Civil Cases, Including Adoption, Paternity, and Juvenile Proceedings. All

models, diagrams, documents, or material admitted in evidence or pertaining to

the case placed in the custody of the court reporter as exhibits shall be taken away

by the parties offering them in evidence, except as otherwise ordered by the court,

four (4) months after the case is decided unless an appeal is taken. If an appeal is

taken, all such exhibits shall be retained by the court reporter for two (2) years

from the termination of the appeal, retrial, or subsequent appeal and termination,

whichever is later. The Court reporter shall retain the mechanical or electronic

records or tapes, shorthand or stenographic notes as provided in Administrative

Rule 7.

2. Misdemeanor, Class D, Class C, Level V, and Level VI Felonies and

Attempts. All models, diagrams, documents, or material admitted in evidence or

pertaining to the case placed in the custody of the court reporter as exhibits shall

be taken away by the parties offering them in evidence except as otherwise

ordered by the court, three (3 years after the case is dismissed, the defendant

found not guilty, or the defendant is sentenced, unless an appeal is taken, If an

appeal is taken, all such exhibits shall be retained by the court reporter for three

(3) years from termination of the appeal, retrial, or subsequent appeal and

termination, whichever is later, unless an action challenging the conviction or

sentence, or post-conviction action, is pending. The Court reporter shall retain the

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mechanical or electronic records or tapes, shorthand or stenographic notes as

provided in Administrative Rule 7.

3. Class B, Class A, Level IV, Level III, Level II, and Level I Felonies and

Murder, and Attempts. All models, diagrams, documents, or material admitted

in evidence or pertaining to the case placed in the custody of the court reporter as

exhibits shall be taken away by the parties offering them in evidence, except as

otherwise ordered by the court, twenty (20) years after the case is dismissed, the

defendant found not guilty, or the defendant is sentenced, unless an appeal is

taken. If an appeal is taken, all such exhibits shall be retained by the court reporter

for twenty (20) years from termination of the appeal, retrial, or subsequent appeal

and termination, whichever is later, unless an action challenging the conviction or

sentence, or post-conviction action, is pending. The court reporter shall retain the

mechanical or electronic records or tapes, shorthand or stenographic notes as

provided in Administrative Rule 7. Courts should be encouraged to photograph as

much evidence as possible, and courts and parties are reminded of the

requirements of Appellate Rule 29(B).

C. Non-documentary and Oversized Exhibits. Non-documentary and oversized

exhibits shall not be sent to the Appellate level Court, but shall remain in the custody

of the trial court or the Administrative Agency during the appeal. Such exhibits shall

be briefly identified in the Transcript where they were admitted into evidence.

Photographs of any exhibit may be included in the volume of documentary exhibits.

Under no circumstances should drugs, currency, or other dangerous or valuable items

be included in appellate records.

D. Notification and Disposition.

1. Notification. In all cases, the court shall provide actual notice, by mail, to all

attorneys of record and to parties only if unrepresented by counsel, that the

evidence will be destroyed by a date certain if not retrieved before that date.

Counsel and parties have the duty to keep the court informed of their current

addresses, and notice to the last current address shall be sufficient. Court reporters

should maintain a log of retained evidence and scheduled disposition date, and

evidence should be held in a secure area. At the time of removal, a detailed receipt

shall be given to the court reporter by the party receiving and removing the

evidence, the receipt will be made part of the court file.

2. Disposition. In all cases, evidence which is not retaken after notice should be

disposed of by the sheriff on the court’s order. The sheriff should be ordered to

destroy evidence if its possession is illegal or if it has negligible value. Evidence of

some value should be auctioned by the sheriff, with proceeds going to the county

general fund. These Rules and their retention periods will take precedence over

inconsistent language in statutes.

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E. Biologically Contaminated Evidence. A party that offers biologically contaminated

evidence must file a pretrial notice with the trial court and serve all the parties so that

the court can consider the issue and rule appropriately before trial. A party can show

contaminated evidence or pass photographs of it to jurors, but no such evidence,

however, contained, shall be handled or passed to jurors or sent to the Jury Room.

Section 6: Court Security

LR47-AR00-004: WEAPONS

No weapons of any nature shall be brought into a courthouse, except those carried

by an officer of the Court or a duly authorized law enforcement officer. Violation of

this rule may result in a finding of Contempt of Court, and possible imposition of

sanctions or penalties against the violating party.

Section 7: Video and Audio Equipment

LR47-AR00-005: AUDIO OR VIDEO EQUIPMENT IN COURTROOM

No audio or video equipment shall be brought into or used in the courtroom, unless

authorized by the Court.

(Amended effective July 1, 2014)

Section 8: Court Reporter Services

LR47-AR15-006: PROVISION OF COURT REPORTER

SERVICES

A. Definitions. The Definitions contained in Administrative Rule 15(B) are adopted

herein and control any question of interpretation. For the purposes of this rule, the

regular hours worked by the Court reporting staff shall be Monday through Friday

from 8:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon, and 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. The work week

shall be a seven (7) – day period, commencing with Sunday and ending with the

Saturday of each week, and contain thirty-five (35) hours for which salaried

compensation is paid. Such work period may, from time to time, be modified by

the judge in each Court of this county.

B. Compensation. A Court Reporter shall work directly under the control,

direction, and direct supervision of the judge by whom they are employed during

all hours of employment. Each Court Reporter shall be paid an annual salary, as

set by the Court and approved by the county council, for regular hours worked

during the work week. Gap hours shall be separately compensated at a rate

equivalent to the hourly rate of the yearly salary and overtime hours shall be

separately compensated at a rate equivalent to one and one-half (1 ½) times

the hourly rate of the yearly salary, or compensatory time off shall be given,

weighted in the same manner.

C. Duties and Responsibilities. The duties of a Court Reporter shall include:

1. Reporting the evidence presented in proceedings before the Court.

2. Preservation and storage of any physical evidence presented in Court

proceedings.

3. Preparation of chronological case summary entries at the direction of the Court

and providing notice thereof as required by the Rules of Trial Procedure.

4. Preparation of written documents to effectuate the rulings, orders, and

judgments of the Court or comply with the rules of the Indiana Supreme Court.

5. Preparation of transcripts of evidence presented in Court proceedings

requested, pursuant to the Rules of Trial Procedure.

6. Such other functions and responsibilities as required by law or the Court for its

effective administration.

D. Transcripts.

Per Page Fees

1. The maximum per-page fee a Court Reporter may charge for the preparation of a

routine (either appellate or non-appellate) county indigent transcript shall be

$5.00. The Court Reporter shall submit a claim to the Auditor directly for the

preparation of any county indigent transcripts requested by a self-represented

person found indigent by the Court. Otherwise, the Court Reporter shall submit an

invoice to the requesting party (i.e., Lawrence County Public Defender Agency,

Lawrence County Prosecutor’s Office, GAL, CASA) for submission of a claim to

be paid out of that entity’s budgeted transcript fund.

2. The Court Reporter shall not charge a fee for copies of an indigent transcript to a

court-appointed agency when the preparation of the same has already been paid

by the county on behalf of any local or state government entity.

The Lawrence County Courts have adopted Court Reporter Model 1 in

compliance with Administrative Rule 15. A Court Reporter shall be paid by

Lawrence County for indigent transcript services as an independent contractor and

separate from their regular salary.

3. The maximum per-page fee a Court Reporter may charge for the preparation of a

non-appellate state indigent transcript shall be $5.00.

4. The maximum per-page fee a Court Reporter may charge for the preparation of an

appellate or non-appellate private transcript shall be $5.50. The per-page fee a

Court Reporter may charge for a copy of a prepared transcript shall be $2.00.

5. A minimum fee of $50.00 per transcript will be charged for transcripts of eight (8)

pages or less.

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6. A $7.00 fee will be assessed for each binder needed, and an additional $3.00 fee

will be charged for each disc and/or $8.00 for each USB thumb drive.

7. A fee of $17.75 per hour will be charged for binding costs on appealable

transcripts.

8. The Table of Contents and Index will be charged at the designated per-page fee in

addition to binder costs and the hourly rate of $17.75 to bind the same.

9. The Volume of Exhibits will be charged at the designated per-page fee and the

hourly rate of $17.75 to bind the same.

10. The Court Reporter may, at their discretion, contract with an outside Court

Reporter or Transcription Service to complete any requested transcript.

Annual Report

A Court Reporter shall annually report all transcript and deposition fees received

to the Office of Judicial Administration on such forms as may be prescribed.

Private Practice

1. If a Court Reporter elects to engage in private practice by recording a deposition

and/or preparing a deposition transcript, outside of and in addition to his or her

official duties for the Court, and the Court Reporter desires to utilize the Court’s

equipment, work space, and supplies, and the Court agrees to the use of the court

equipment for such purpose, the Court and the Court Reporter shall enter into a

written agreement which must, at a minimum, designate the following:

a. The reasonable market rate for the use of equipment, work space, and

supplies;

b. The method by which records are to be kept for the use of equipment, work

space, and supplies; and

c. The method by which the Court Reporter is to reimburse the Court for the use

of the equipment, work space, and supplies.

2. If a Court Reporter elects to engage in private practice through the recording of a

deposition and/or preparation of a deposition transcript, all such private practice

work shall be conducted outside of regular working hours.

(Amended rule approved by Supreme Court on January 1, 2026)

Section 9: Program User Fees

LR47-AR00-0007: COURT ALCOHOL AND DRUG PROGRAM USER FEES

A. The Lawrence Superior Courts I and II have set the following schedule of fees

pursuant to the authority granted by I.C. 12-23-14-16.

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B. Court Alcohol and Drug Program Schedule of Fees:

1. Assessment, Referral, and Monitoring: $300.00 for misdemeanor conviction;

$300.00 for felony conviction.

2. Case Management fee for other jurisdiction: $200.00.

3. Transfer out fee: $100.00.

4. Substance Abuse Information Class: $100.00.

5. Prime for Life course: $150.00.

6. All Court Alcohol and Drug Program Fees are payable to the Clerk of the

Court.

LR47-AR00-0008:

LAWRENCE SUPERIOR COURT II PROBLEM-SOLVING COURT – (DRUG

TREATMENT COURT)

A. The Lawrence Superior Court II has set the following schedule of fees pursuant to

the authority granted by I.C. 33-23-16-23.

B. Drug Treatment Court User Fee: Assessment fees of $100.00; and Monthly Case

Management Program fee of $35.00 per month, beginning on the second month of

participation – not to exceed $1,400.00 per case.

C. Drug Treatment Court User Fees are payable to the Clerk of the Court.

(Amended effective September 2017)

LAWRENCE COUNTY LOCAL TRIAL RULES

Section 10: Service

LR47-TR05-101: CONSENT TO ALTERNATE SERVICE

A. Courthouse Boxes. Any Lawrence County attorney or any firm of attorneys

may, without charge, maintain an assigned Courthouse mailbox in the central

Lawrence County Courthouse. Such boxes are for the receipt of notices, pleadings,

process, orders, or other communications from the Lawrence Circuit and

Superior Courts or the Clerk, and other attorneys and law firms.

B. How Assigned. Courthouse mailboxes shall be assigned to each Lawrence

County attorney or firm, or attorneys who shall be deemed to have consented to

service therein.

C. Effect of Consent. Deposits made in any assigned mailbox of notice, pleadings,

process, orders, or other communications made shall be deemed to constitute

and be accepted as service in compliance with Trial Rule 5. Such consent shall

require regular (at least weekly) appearance at such location and the picking up

of any items left in such mailbox.

D. Revocation of Consent. Consent to Alternate Service under this rule shall

remain valid until a revocation in writing has been filed with the Courts of

Lawrence County. Notice of the revocation shall be given to all Courts and

members of the Lawrence County Bar who have consented to alternative service

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by the attorney or law firm which has withdrawn its consent to alternative

service.

Section 11: Pleadings

LR47-TR05-102: PREPARATION OF PLEADINGS

All pleadings shall be in accordance with the Indiana Rules of Trial Procedure. For the

purposes of uniformity and convenience, the following requirements shall also be

observed:

A. Form. Except for affidavits or supporting materials originally written by hand, or pro

se applications or infraction petitions, handwritten pleadings or printed forms filled

out in handwriting shall not be accepted for filing without the permission of the

Court. The lines shall be at least one and one-half space except for quotations, which

shall be indented and single-spaced. Photocopies are acceptable if legible.

B. Margins and Binding. Margins shall be 1 inch. Binding or stapling shall be at the

top left and at no other place. Covers or backing shall not be used.

C. Proceedings before Special Judges. Pleadings filed in cases wherein a Special

Judge has assumed jurisdiction shall state the name of the Special Judge immediately

below the caption. Whenever the case is assigned to a Special Judge from Lawrence

County, the hearings regarding the case shall be held in the Court of the Special

Judge. If the Special Judge is from outside of Lawrence County, all hearings shall be

held in the original Court unless otherwise ordered by the Special Judge. Pleadings

shall be served pursuant to TR 5.

Section 12: Filing of Cases

LR47-TR77-103: FILING AND FILES

A. Docketing of Cases by the Clerk. Cases shall be docketed in the Courts by the

Clerk pursuant to the Local Caseload Plan for the Eighty-First Judicial Circuit

regarding the Assignment of Felony and Misdemeanor Cases as approved by the

Indiana Supreme Court.

B. “Emergency” Pleadings and Delivery of Files. When immediate action by the

Court is sought upon a filed pleading, the pleading shall be delivered immediately to

the Court along with a proposed order. The pleading shall indicate, as a heading, that

the filing is an “emergency.”

Upon filing a pleading entitled “emergency” or requesting an “emergency hearing,”

the attorney and/or party filing same consents to hearings that may be set at irregular

Court hours (e.g., early morning or evening), and with reduced notice to the attorney

and parties.

C. Removal of Files. Court files shall not be removed from the Courthouse except by

the Clerk or the appropriate Court.

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Section 13: Motions

LR47-TR08-104: MOTIONS AND BRIEFS

A. Setting Motions for Hearing. Unless the setting of a hearing is required by law, the

scheduling of a hearing shall be discretionary with the Court. Parties desiring a

hearing shall file a written praecipe with their motion prior to a ruling by the court.

Attorneys filing “emergency” petitions or requesting “emergency hearings” are

directed to note LR47-TR77-106 above.

B. Briefs and Memoranda. If a party desires to file a brief or memorandum in support

of any motion, such brief or memorandum shall accompany the motion, and a copy

shall be promptly served upon the adverse party. Opposing parties may file a brief or

memorandum within the time prescribed by the Trial Rules.

C. Trial Briefs. Unless ordered otherwise, Trial Briefs may be filed and exchanged by

the parties at least five (5) working days before trial.

Section 14: Proposed Orders

LR47-TR08-105: PROPOSED ORDERS

A. Matters in Which Proposed Orders Required. Prior to entry by the Court of

orders granting motions or applications, the moving party or applicant shall, unless

the Court directs otherwise, furnish the Court with a proposed order in the following

matters:

1. Enlargement of time;

2. continuance containing a blank space for rescheduling;

3. default judgment;

4. compulsion of discovery;

5. dismissal;

6. appointment of receiver;

7. appointment of guardian;

8. restraining order, temporary or permanent injunction;

9. immediate possession of real estate;

10. immediate possession of personal property;

11. proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law and judgment under TR 52;

12. foreclosure of a mortgage or other lien;

13. stay of proceedings by reason of bankruptcy, appeal, or other grounds; and

14. such other orders, judgments, or decrees as the Court may direct.

This rule does not apply to judgments on general verdicts of the jury or upon a

decision to be announced by the Court.

B. Copies. All proposed orders submitted to the Court shall be in sufficient number so

that, in addition to the original and one copy for the Court file, a copy can be

furnished to each party. Further, upon request of a Court, parties may be required to

submit proposed orders on disc in “Word” format.

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Section 15: Service by Sheriff; Attachment

LR47-TR69-106: SERVICE BY SHERIFF; ATTACHMENT

A. Attachment-Duties of Sheriff. Unless otherwise directed by the Court, when a civil

body attachment is to be issued by a Court and delivered to the sheriff in a

proceedings supplemental, the Court from which the proceedings supplemental is

pending, shall first issue a written notice or CCS entry to the judgment

debtor/defendant to their last known address. Such letter or notice shall inform the

judgment debtor that a civil body attachment has been issued and he/she must satisfy

the reason such attachment was issued as specified in such notice/CCS entry. Prior to

issuing the body attachment, the plaintiff’s attorney will request that the Court place a

bond upon the judgment debtor/defendant; such bond may be fixed within the

discretion of the Court and applicable law. If the attachment is served outside of

Court hours, he/she shall be taken to the jail and required to post the amount of bond

indicated to guarantee his/her appearance in Court. Upon posting of the bond, he/she

will be released with the admonition to appear in the appropriate Court at a

designated time or be subject to a finding of contempt and issuance of another body

attachment without bond.

B. Attachment Hearings. When a judgment debtor/defendant has been brought into

Court on a body attachment, a hearing will be conducted at the earliest convenience

of the Court. Plaintiff, if unrepresented, and/or counsel for plaintiff, will respond to

the telephone request by Court personnel to appear at the hearing forthwith, and

counsel will be deemed to have consented to such notice to immediately appear by

requesting a body attachment. The hearing requires the presence of the attorney of

record, and clerical or secretarial personnel shall not appear to interrogate the

attached judgment defendant. Failure of counsel to respond promptly to such request

may result in the discharge of the attached defendant, dismissal of the proceeding, or

other appropriate measures by the Court.

Section 16: Motion for Continuance

LR47-TR53.5-107: CONTINUANCES

A. Motion for Continuance. Unless made during trial or hearing, a motion for

continuance shall be in writing and state with particularity the following: the grounds

for such request; that all opposing counsel or parties have been contacted; whether

they consent or object to the continuance, or if counsel or the party have not been

contacted, the reasons therefore must be fully set forth. Counsel requesting such

continuance shall contact the Court with a proposed date for the rescheduling of the

case, which is acceptable to opposing counsel and the Court.

B. Time for Filing. Motions or Stipulations for Continuance shall be filed as soon after

the cause for continuance or delay is discovered by the party seeking same, and no

later than seven (7) days before the scheduled date, unless the reason therefore is

shown by affidavit to have occurred within such seven (7) day period. Such time for

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filing shall not apply to jury trials, for which motions for continuance shall be filed

thirty (30) days in advance.

C. Small Claims. The provisions of the rule shall also apply to small claim matters,

excepting the requirements for filing of affidavits in paragraph B above.

Section 17: Discovery

LR47-TR26-108: DISCOVERY

A. Civil Cases. In all cases triable by jury, final lists of witnesses and exhibits shall be

exchanged pursuant to pre-trial orders of the Court.

B. Extension of Time. For good cause shown, time may be extended for completion of

discovery.

C. Criminal Cases. The State of Indiana and the Defendant shall provide full reciprocal

discovery as described herein and as permitted by applicable law. Each side shall

have an ongoing duty to promptly supplement the discovery it has provided.

Disclosure deadlines may be modified by a filed written agreement of counsel and by

leave of the Court.

In order to obtain discovery pursuant to these rules, the Defendant shall provide a

written request to the state. Such written requests shall be, in short form, as follows:

“Defendant requests discovery from the State of Indiana pursuant to Local Rule

TR26-111.C.”

The Defendant shall then disclose and furnish all relevant items and information as

requested by this rule to the State within fifteen (15) days after the State’s disclosure.

All discovery is subject to Constitutional limitations, and such other limitations of

Indiana statute and case law, and as the Court may specifically provide by separate

order.

A written motion is also required as follows: to compel compliance with this rule; for

additional discovery not covered by this rule; for a protective order seeking

exemption for the provisions of this rule; or for an extension of time to comply with

this rule.

1. State’s Disclosure. The State shall disclose the following materials and

information within its possession or control as a result of the short-form request of

the defendant described above:

a. the names and last known addresses of persons whom the State knows to be

witnesses, and/or that the State intends to call as witnesses, along with copies

of their relevant written and recorded statements;

b. any written, oral, or recorded statements made by the accused or by a co-defendant, and a list of witnesses to the making and acknowledgement of such

statements;

c. any reports provided by any law enforcement agency made in connection with

the case;

d. if applicable, the State shall disclose the existence of grand jury testimony of

any person whom the prosecuting attorney may call as a witness at any trial or

hearing. In addition, the State shall provide a copy of those portions of any

transcript of grand jury minutes, within the State’s possession, which contain

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the testimony of such witness and witnesses. If such transcripts do not exist,

the defendant may apply to the Court for an order requiring their preparation;

e. any reports or statements of experts, made in connection with the particular

case, including results of physician or mental examinations and of scientific

tests, experiments, or comparisons;

f. any books, papers, documents, photographs, or tangible objects that the

prosecuting attorney intends to offer in evidence at a hearing or trial, or which

were obtained from or belong to the accused;

g. any record or prior criminal convictions that may be used for impeachment of

the persons whom the State intends to call as witnesses at any hearing or trial;

and

h. any material or information within its possession or control that tends to

negate the guilt of the accused as to the offenses charged or would tend to

reduce the punishment for such offenses.

2. Defendant’s Disclosure. Defendant’s counsel (or defendant where defendant is

proceeding pro se) shall furnish the State with the following material and

information within his/her possession or control:

a. the names and last known addresses of persons whom the defendant intends to

call as witnesses, along with copies of their relevant written and recorded

statements;

b. any books, papers, documents, photographs, or tangible objects defendant

intends to use as evidence at any trial or hearing;

c. any medical, scientific, or expert witness evaluations, statements, reports, or

testimony, which may be used at any trial or hearing;

d. any defense, procedural or substantive, which the defendant intends to make

at any hearing or trial; and

e. any record of prior criminal convictions known to the defendant or defense

counsel that may be used for impeachment of the persons whom the defense

intends to call at any hearing or trial.

3. General Provisions. Counsel for the State of Indiana and Defendant shall only

be required to produce criminal record information which they actually have

obtained. Absent a showing of good cause neither side shall be required to obtain

criminal records for the other party. The parties may perform these disclosure

obligations in any mutually agreeable manner. Compliance may include a

notification that material and information being disclosed may be inspected,

obtained, tested, copied, or photographed at a specified reasonable time and place.

D. Interrogatories.

1. Interrogatories and requests for admissions to be served upon another party shall

not be filed with the Court. The person serving interrogatories or requests for

admissions shall notify the Court in writing of the service of such and the date

upon which answers are to be made.

2. Answers or objections to interrogatories or requests for admissions shall set forth

in full the interrogatory being answered or objected to immediately preceding the

answer or objection; if a request for admission is being denied, admitted, or

objected to, the requested admission shall be set forth immediately preceding the

answer or objection.

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3. Each interrogatory or request for admissions requiring an answer shall be

numbered individually and consecutively by simple Arabic numerals; no question

shall be phrased or numbered by the use of parentheses or letters in a way to make

it a sub-question to another interrogatory. No sub-questions are permitted.

4. No mimeographed or otherwise duplicated forms of interrogatories or requests for

admissions shall be filed or served upon a party unless all interrogatories or

requests for admissions on such forms are consecutively numbered and applicable

to the case in which the same are filed and served. The intent and purpose of this

rule is to prohibit the filing of mimeographed or otherwise duplicated forms of

interrogatories or requests for admissions, except where the nature of the case or

the number of the parties makes the use of such forms necessary and feasible.

5. The number of interrogatories or requests for admissions, which may be served

pursuant to TR-33 or TR-36, shall be limited so as to require the answering party

to make no more than twenty (20) answers. Waiver of this limitation by order of

the Court will be granted in cases in which such limitation would work a manifest

injustice or would be impractical because of the complexity of the issues of the

case. Requests for waiver on the limitation of a number of interrogatories may

only be made to the Court following original service and answer of twenty (20)

interrogatories. Any such waiver request must specify the information needed,

that additional interrogatories are the most expeditious way to obtain such needed

information, and how many additional interrogatories are believed necessary.

E. Cooperation in Discovery. To curtail undue delay in the administration of justice,

the Court shall refuse to rule on any and all motions for discovery concerned with the

production of documents or things, permission to enter upon land or other property

for inspection and other purposes, for physical or mental examinations, or to compel

discover, all as provided in TR-26, unless the moving party shall first advise the

Court in writing that after personal consultation and sincere attempts to resolve

differences, the parties are unable to reach an accord on such discovery request. The

Court shall be advised in writing as to what specific efforts have been made. If

counsel for any party advises the Court in writing that opposing counsel has refused

or delayed meeting to discuss the matters covered in this subsection, the Court may

take such action as is appropriate to avoid delay, including, but not limited to,

sanctions.

Section 18: Mediation Requirements

LR47-ADR2-109: MEDIATION

A. In all cases of dissolution of marriage or modification, or original decrees

thereof, requiring more than one (1) hour for a final hearing, and in all

civil cases where a timely demand for jury trial has been made and all

cases to be tried without a jury where more than two hours of trial is

anticipated, mediation pursuant to A.D.R. Rule 2 is mandatory. Referral

of the case to mediation may occur at the first Pre-trial Conference or

preliminary hearing, or earlier by agreement of the parties, or order of the

Court, or a written request for appointment of a mediator. In the event the

parties agree upon a mediator, they shall advise the Court of the identity of

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the mediator so that an order of appointment may be entered.

B. Objection to Mediation. Any party may object to mediation by filing a

written objection specifying the grounds. Upon hearing or after receipt of

the parties' written positions, the Court shall consider the objection and

determine whether the litigation should be mediated.

C. Other Forms of Alternative Dispute Resolution. The parties are

encouraged to consider other forms of Alternative Dispute Resolution,

either in lieu of or to augment required mediation.

Section 19: Selection of Special Judge

LR47-TR79-110: SPECIAL JUDGE SELECTION (INCLUDING SMALL

CLAIMS)

When it is necessary to appoint a special judge pursuant to Trial Rule 79 (H), it shall be

done in accordance with District 20 Rule on appointment of special judge in civil cases at

DR20-TR79-000.

(Amended effective August 15, 2013)

Section 20: Special Judge Appointment (Civil Cases)

DR 20-TR79-000 APPOINTMENT OF SPECIAL JUDGE IN CIVIL CASES

A. Eligibility for Special Judge Service:

1. Agreement to Serve. Pursuant to Trial Rule 79(H), the full-time

Judicial Officers of Administrative District 20 and Senior Judges shall be

deemed in agreement to serve as a Special Judge.

2. Prior Service Excluded. The appointment as Special Judge shall apply

unless the appointed Judicial Officer has previously served as Judge or

Special Judge in the case, is disqualified by interest or relationship, or is

excused from service as a Special Judge by the Indiana Supreme Court.

B. Appointment of a Special Judge: In the event of the need for the regular,

sitting Judicial Officer to recuse herself/himself from a normally assigned

case, or should the appointment of a Special Judge through agreement by the

parties fail, the Special Judge appointment shall be made by the

Administrative District 20 Facilitator:

1. Priority Given to Local County Appointments. Special Judge

appointments shall be made within the Local County. Following the

appointment of the Special Judge, the Special Judge may request that the

case be transferred to the court of the Special Judge.

2. District (Outside County) Appointments. In the event that no Local

Judicial Officer is available, the case will be forwarded to the District 20

Facilitator who will appoint a Special Judge on a rotating basis, from the

available Judicial Officers within the Administrative District.

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C. Acceptance of Appointment:

1. Acceptance Mandatory. Pursuant to Trial Rule 79(H), a person

appointed to serve as Special Judge under these rules must accept

jurisdiction in the case unless the appointed Special Judge is disqualified

pursuant to the Code of Judicial Conduct, ineligible for service under these

rules, or excused from service by the Indiana Supreme Court.

2. Documentation. An oath or additional evidence of acceptance of

jurisdiction is not required.

D. Supreme Court Certification. If no Judicial Officer in the Administrative

District is eligible to serve as a Special Judge, or the regular, sitting Judicial

Officer in the court in which the case is pending sets out particular

circumstances why appointment under these rules should not be made, then

the regular, sitting Judicial Officer shall certify the same to the Indiana

Supreme Court for appointment of a Special Judge.

E. Discontinuation of Special Judge Service. The provisions of T.R. 79(I)

apply if a Special Judge ceases to serve following assumption of jurisdiction.

F. Method of Assignment and Related Records. The District Facilitator has

maintained a method for rotation for appointments and maintained records

related thereto, which will be continued. Any amendments to the method will

be made by votes cast by the Judicial Officers of Administrative District 20.

(Amended rule approved by Supreme Court on January 1, 2026)

Section 21: Required Pre-Trial Conference (Civil)

LR47-TR6-111: PRE-TRIAL CONFERENCE (CIVIL)

A. Requirement for Pre-Trial Conference – Waiver. There shall be a pre-trial

conference in every non-small claim case. Such pre-trial conference shall

fully comply with Trial Rule 16, unless:

1. the parties stipulate in writing to the contrary and the Court approves

the stipulation; or,

2. the Court, on its own motion, directs to the contrary.

B. Telephonic Pre-Trial. Pre-Trial Conferences may be conducted by

telephone or Zoom upon prior arrangement with and approval by the Court. Such

telephonic conferences shall be initiated by counsel for plaintiff, unless otherwise

agreed or ordered.

Section 22: Trials and Juries

LR47-TR47-112: TRIALS AND JURIES

A. Timeliness. Trials and hearing shall begin promptly as ordered unless

otherwise directed by the Court. Advance “settlement conferences” may be

required. The attorneys and the litigants are encouraged to arrive substantially

in advance of the scheduled time for the purpose of entering into any last-minute

stipulations or agreements.

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B. Jury Questionnaire. Completed Jury Questionnaire forms shall be available for

inspection by the parties in the cause.

C. Voir Dire Examination by Court. The Court, in its discretion, may conduct the

Initial voir dire examination.

D. Voir Dire Examination by Counsel. Following the voir dire examination by the

Court, if any, each party shall be permitted an opportunity to conduct voir dire

examination. The questions asked by the parties on voir dire shall be limited to

the extent possible, to those questions bearing upon the qualifications of the

prospective jurors not adequately covered by the questions and answers

contained in the completed juror questionnaire or the previous questions, if any.

Time limitations upon voir dire will be implemented by the Court with notice to

counsel.

E. Challenges. After the Defendant’s voir dire examination, the parties, or their

attorneys shall approach the bench and either accept the prospective jurors or

make peremptory challenges, out of the hearing of the prospective jurors.

Challenges for cause shall be made immediately upon the basis for the challenge

being disclosed by the prospective juror and shall be tried summarily by the

Court with leave granted to all parties to participate in voir dire upon the issue.

F. Multiple Parties. In case of multiple Plaintiffs or multiple Defendants, the

details of the voir dire procedure will be determined before trial.

G. Jury Instructions. Preliminary and initially proposed Final instructions shall be

filed with the Court no later than ten (10) days in advance, unless otherwise

ordered by the Court, of the commencement of trial.

H. Juror Contact. It shall be improper for any party, or any attorney who has been

involved in a trial by jury, to approach or contact any member of the jury panel

called to hear the case. The Court may, at the conclusion of any jury trial,

offer to the jurors the option to speak with counsel; such choice shall be the sole

decision of each juror.

Section 23: Guardianships

LR47-GU00-113: GUARDIANSHIPS

A. Physician’s Report: In all guardianship proceedings seeking to declare an adult

incapacitated, a Physician’s Report by the doctor treating the alleged

incapacitated person, or such additional evidence the Court may require, shall be

presented to the Court with the filing of the petition or on the date of the hearing.

The Physician’s Report shall substantially comply with the GUARDIANSHIP

PHYSICIAN’S REPORT FORM, which can be obtained from the Clerk of the

Court or by visiting the Court’s website at:

https://lawrencecounty.in.gov/justice/lawrence-circuit-court.

The Court will not make a determination on the petition without the Physician’s

Report or testimony at the hearing.

B. Guardian’s Information Sheet: A Guardian’s Information Sheet must be

completed and filed with any petition seeking to establish a temporary or permanent

guardianship or a protective order pursuant to I.C. § 29-1-3-4 et. seq., as amended.

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The Court will not act upon the petition until the Guardian’s Information Sheet is

completed and filed. The Guardian’s Information Sheet must be filed in compliance

with Indiana Trial Rule 5(G) and the Indiana Rules on Access to Court Records,

Rule 5. The GUARDIANSHIP REGISTRY FORM may be obtained from the Clerk

of the Court or by visiting the Court’s website at:

https://lawrencecounty.in.gov/justice/lawrence-circuit-court.

C. Guardian ad Litem: The Court may, in its discretion, determine that the alleged

incapacitated person should have a guardian ad litem or attorney appointed to

represent his or her interests, and the hearing for the appointment of a guardian for

the alleged incapacitated person may be continued by the Court f or that purpose.

Guardian ad litem will be paid reasonable compensation, considering the needs of

the alleged incompetent person, the nature and relative difficulty of the services

provided, local custom, the availability or limitations of resources of the alleged

incompetent person's estate, and, in the discretion of the Court, any other

considerations deemed relevant under the circumstances of the case.

(Effective August 1, 2023)

Section 24: Summoning of Jurors

LR47–JR4-114: SUMMONING JURORS

Pursuant to Indiana Jury Rule 4, the judges of Lawrence County have selected the two-

tier system of subparagraph b of Indiana Jury Rule 4 as the method for summoning jurors

in Lawrence County.