Courts

COUNTY GOVERNMENT Courts

Jasper County Circuit Court

Located on the top fl oor of the Jasper County Courthouse, handles all of the juvenile cases in the county as well as small claims and infraction cases. The Circuit and Superior Courts share criminal and civil cases, including paternity and domestic relations cases, adoptions, estates, and guardianship. Criminal cases are assigned to the courts on the predetermined basis pursuant to the Supreme Court rules; however in most civil matters, the litigants may choose the court in which they wish to fi le their case. The court reporters and bailiff for the circuit court are appointed positions. There are 92 circuit courts in the state, with each county having one. Superior courts are created by the legislature and based upon population and other factors. Circuit and Superior court judges are elected for a term of six years and although the judges are partly paid by the county they serve, the judges are state offi cers. The current Circuit Court Judge is John D. Potter who has severed since 2006. He was appointed to that position by former Governor Mitch Daniels and was re-elected and was reelected to the post in 2012 Address: 115 West Washington St. Rensselaer In 47978 Phone 219-866-4941 Offi ce Hours: 8 a.m.- noon and 1-4 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Jasper County Superior Court

The Jasper County Superior Court is located on the top fl oor of the Jasper County Courthouse. It is a court of general jurisdiction that handles all matters including infraction, small claims and juvenile cases. The current Superior Court Judge is Russell Bailey; He was re-elected to the post in 2014. Court security for both courts are provided by Jasper

John Potter County Sheriff’s Offi ce CIRCUIT COURT Address: 115 West Washington St.

JUDGE Rensselaer IN 47978 Phone 219-866-4971 Offi ce Hours: 8 am- Noon and 1-4 pm Monday-Friday.

Jasper County Superior Court Clerks Offi ce

The Clerks offi ce is located on the ground fl oor of the Jasper County Courthouse. The offi ce handles small claims records, and some criminal and civil records for Jasper County. Title and search records, divorce records, Department Of Natural Resources violations, bond records and traffi c violations that involve misdemeanor or felony charges are available to the public through this offi ce. Small claims cases may be fi led or paid through this offi ce. This clerk’s offi ce also manages the main room of the county library. The library is open to the public to read and make copies only. Phone 219-8664922 for civil cases, 219-866-4912 for small claims and 219-866-4913 for criminal cases.

Russell Bailey SUPERIOR COURT

JUDGE

Crossroads CASA

Crossroads CASA is a volunteer program through the Jasper Circuit Court that focuses on recruiting, training, supervising, and supporting community volunteers whose mission is to advocate for abused and neglected children in Jasper, Newton, and Benton Counties.

CASA is the only volunteer organization that empowers everyday citizens as offi cers of the court. In an overburdened social welfare system, abused and neglected children often slip through the cracks and their thoughts and needs become unheard. CASA volunteers enable a child’s voice to be heard in court. While others may come and go, CASA volunteers provide that one constant link that children need in order to thrive.

Crossroads CASA is searching for community members who are willing to help the children in need . Are you ready to stand up for a child who needs you? Inquire today about the power you have to change a child’s life. Contact Information:

Director - Katie Hall 910 S Sparling Ave

Rensselaer, IN 47978 katie.hall@co.jasper. in.us

Phone: 219-866-0843

Fax: (219) 866-0852

Katie Hall CASA DIRECTOR