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Superior Court History
The Jennings Superior Court was established by Indiana State Statute (Indiana Code 33-33-40-2) and has been in existence since January 1, 1997. Pursuant to Indiana Code 33-33-40-4 the Jennings Superior Court has the same jurisdiction as the Jennings Circuit Court. By local rule, The Jennings Superior Court has jurisdiction over misdemeanors, felony OMVWI charges, infractions, all small claims cases, all protective orders, all civil claims. There are approximately 3800 cases filed in the Jennings Superior Court each year. and began serving in that capacity January 1, 2009. Judge Smith graduated from Indiana University - Bloomington in 1984 with a bachelor degree in Political Science and History. He received his law degree from Indiana University - Indianapolis in 1988. Judge Smith is also a member of the Indiana Judicial Committee on Ethics and Professionalism.
Self Help
If you cannot afford an attorney, you may contact the following places to apply for free legal assistance: Legal Aid, 1531 13TH Street, Suite G330, Columbus, IN 47201; Telephone No. 1-877-378-0358.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please reach us at if you cannot find an answer to your question.
No. The Judge must remain independent, impartial and unbiased to both sides to a dispute throughout all phases of the case. The Judge may not speak with one side without the other side being present. Neither he, nor the Court staff, is permitted to give legal advice
You must request a public defender at your initial hearing or in writing. A written request may be hand written and should set out financial information that establish an inability to hire an attorney.
Bond money will only be released after the conclusion of the criminal matter
Any person may represent himself or herself in a court without a lawyer. However, this does not make the judge or the court's staff your lawyer. You must perform just like a lawyer would perform in gathering evidence and other pertinent information. Neither the Judge nor the court's staff can assist you in preparing or presenting your case. The laws and the rules of evidence remain the same whether you are represented by a lawyer or you represent yourself.
You need to request the continuance in writing (10 days) prior to the court date and provide a copy of that request to the all parties in the case. Clearly explain your reasons for the request. Your current address and a phone number should be provided to the Court. You should then contact the Court or Clerk to see if the continuance has been granted and a new court date has been set.
You need to obtain the forms from the County Clerk's Office "Petition for Exparte Order" for Protection and Request for Hearing" and they will direct you to the appropriate court for review
You must fill out a form "Petitioner's Verified Request for Dismissal" available at the County Clerk's Office
Links
Contact Us
Superior Court Judge (Honorable Gary L. Smith)
The Jennings Superior Court is located on the first floor of the Jennings County Courthouse
- 24 North Pike Street, PO Box 490, Vernon, Indiana 47282.
Staff
Tracy Hines | Criminal Court Reporter
Debbie Wilson | Civil Court Reporter
Kelsey Sutton | Bailiff / Court Reporter
Jennings County Government
200 East Brown Street, Vernon, Indiana 47282, United States
Courthouse and Government Office Hours Monday-Friday 8:00AM - 4:00PM
Copyright © 2022 Jennings County Government
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