The annual training will take place October 24. If you have not already done so, please register to attend by clicking the button below.
Among other topics, we will be discussing the upcoming Misdemeanor Reimbursement Pilot.
As a reminder, every county that participates in the Commission's Standards and Reimbursement Program is required to send at least one person to our Annual Trainings.
Questions about the Annual Training may be directed to Jennifer Pinkston.
|
The Commission has approved new guidance on the use of County Supplemental Public Defense Funds.
Assuming the fund is not depleted and continues to retain a reasonable amount of funds to cover unexpected, unbudgeted, public defense expenses as outlined elsewhere in Commission Guidelines, a county may also use its County Supplemental Public Defense Fund for a period not to exceed one year, to pay for all, or a portion of, the following:
- The salary and benefits for a new county or regional Chief PD position;
- The salary and benefits for a new county or regional Chief Deputy PD position; and
- Any expenses associated with the creation of a new county or regional public defender office, including building, equipment, supplies, or personnel expenses.
Questions about Commission Guidelines may be directed to Derrick Mason or Andrew Falk.
|
Effective September 18, the Commission has approved White County's new "Comprehensive Plan for Indigent Defense Services".
This makes the county eligible for a reimbursement for 40% of most public defense expenses. 68 of Indiana's 92 Counties now participate in this voluntary reimbursement program.
CLICK HERE to see if your county is participating. If it is not, CLICK HERE to view the steps to join.
Questions about joining the Commission may be directed to Derrick Mason.
|
At the most recent Commission Meeting, Attorney Mark W. Rutherford was unanimously re-elected as Chair of the Commission, for a 3-year term.
Rutherford has served on the Commission as a Gubernatorial Appointee under three Governors.
A shareholder at the law firm of Thrasher, Buschmann, & Voelkel, P.C., he focuses his practice on business advising and litigation, white collar defense, and working with tax-exempt and charitable organizations and political and campaign organizations. He has previously served as both a deputy public defender and a deputy prosecutor.
In addition to chairing the Commission, Rutherford serves as President of the Indianapolis Junior Tennis Development Fund, Inc. He has previously served as President of the Woodstock Club, Indianapolis Police Athletic League, Inc., Central Indiana Tennis Association, Inc., National Junior Tennis League of Indianapolis, Inc. and the Lambda Chi Alpha Home Association of Wabash College, Inc.
|
|
Counties and regional systems may request reimbursement for public defender office employee health insurance benefits paid by self-insured systems. However, those costs are limited to an annual cap.
The cap each year is based on the State of Indiana Employer premiums. The updated amounts for 2025 are below.
Single: $8,817.12
Family: $25,119.12
|
The Commission welcomes the following new and/or re-appointed members to local Public Defender Boards. Their 3-year terms were approved at the prior Commission meeting.
- Eric Spencer, Clinton County
- Robert Little, Jefferson County
- Luz Elena Vargas, Noble County
- Josh Hutchison, Warrick County
At the next meeting, the Commission will consider appointments or re-appointments to the following local boards:
- Decatur County
- Knox County
If you have any questions about this or any matters regarding local public defender boards, contact Andrew Cullen or Linda Hunter.
| REIMBURSEMENT REQUESTS DUE |
COMMISSION MEETING |
| November 14 |
December 18 |
Commission meetings begin at 2 p.m. Eastern and comply with the Indiana Open Door Law (IC § 5-14-1.5). Meetings are held at the Commission Office (101 W. Ohio Street, Suite 1800, Indianapolis, IN, 46204) unless otherwise stated on the meeting notice and agenda. The public is invited to attend in person or via electronic means permitted under IC § 5-14-1.5-3.6 excluding any Executive Sessions that may be scheduled as permitted under IC § 5-14-1.5-6.1. To view the Commission’s Electronic Meeting Policy, click here.
Notice of Executive Sessions & meetings will be posted at the entrance to the Commission Office (101 W. Ohio St., Suite 1800, Indianapolis, IN, 46204) and will be posted on the front page of the Commission's website under "News & Announcements" at least 48 hours in advance. Meeting materials and agendas will be posted at least 24 hours in advance.
If you have any questions about the Commission meetings, contact Derrick Mason.
|
