There are three branches that the state government of the Indiana Constitution is divided into- the Legislative, Executive, and Judicial. According to the Constitution, the State’s judicial power is given to the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, and other courts that the General Assembly chooses to establish.
In 1800, the Governor appointed three judges for the very first court in Indiana. Over the years, the Indiana court system has grown into a complex judicial system. Different types of courts deal with different things- there are more than 575 judicial officers who listen to more than 1.8 million cases every year.
About the Indiana State Courts
The two levels of state courts in Indiana include trial courts and appellate courts. Appellate courts include the Court of Appeals of Indiana, the Supreme Court of Indiana, and the Indiana Tax Court. These courts are responsible for handling cases pre-decided in a trial court.
For example, if someone loses at trial but wants the court to reconsider their case, they will go to an appellate-level court to challenge the outcome.
The three kinds of trial courts in Indiana are:
- Superior courts
- Circuit courts
- Town courts
- Local city courts
Even though the names of these courts are different, they have more similarities than differences. Trial courts are only referred to with different names because of the local custom and legislative history, not because they are different from each other.
Cases in Court Systems
Individuals in limited jurisdiction courts can represent themselves without an attorney- the only condition is that they follow the rules of the court.
Here is what you can expect:
- First appearance: The defendant needs to appear in court, after which they are told of the charges. In case they cannot afford an attorney, the judge appoints one.
- Arraignment: After some time, the defendant has to appear in court and plead guilty or not guilty. Some jurisdiction courts combine the first appearance with the arraignment.
- Trial: In case the defendant has pleaded not guilty, a trial will take place. The judge will listen to the evidence and charges and decide whether the defendant is guilty or not.
- Sentence: If the court decides that the defendant is guilty, an appropriate sentence will be decided.
- Appealing: If the defendant wants to appeal the decision, he will have to go to the supreme court. A new trial may take place to hear the appeal, or the judge of the supreme court may listen to the records of the trial and make a decision accordingly.
Conclusion
Cases in court systems can be complicated, especially if you cannot even afford to bail yourself out of jail. However, there is a solution- all you need to do is get in touch with a licensed bail bonds agent who can pay your bail and ensure that the judge takes your case.
Get in touch with Delaughter Bail Bonds today so that we can post bail for your loved ones!
