Prosecuting Attorney for the 72nd Judicial Circuit, E. Nelson Chipman, Jr. gave an interesting and informative overview of the Prosecutor’s Office at last night’s meeting of the Plymouth Lions Club.
Chipman explained the different divisions of the office and some of the changes in each, he added, “The Marshall County Prosecutor’s Office Mission Statement is to do justice. We exercise the power given to us by the people with fairness and humility.” The number of felony cases handled last year in the Felony Division was 604. In the past felony cases were listed as Class A, B, C, & D. However we now have six different classes of felony charges plus Murder with it being the highest. The terms advisory sentencing and plea agreements were also discussed and the necessity of both within the judicial system. It was also noted that the salaries for the Prosecutor and the Chief Deputy were paid for by the State of Indiana.
In the Traffic and Misdemeanor division there were 1133 Misdemeanors, and 4528 Infractions. Other sentencing options are also Community Corrections, Probation, and Diversion.
In the Marshall County Prosecutor Child Support Division their mission is to enhance the well-being of children by assuring that assistance in obtaining support, including financial and medical, is available to children through locating parents, establishing paternity, establishing support obligations and monitoring and enforcing those obligations. The Child Support Division touches more people with this division than with the other divisions involving criminal activity. Last year $5,449,910 was collected in child support.
Upcoming events were discussed with Nelson BBQ being May 9th and the Membership Meeting with District Governor, Marty Juel on May 20th.
In other business three new members were formally inducted into the Plymouth Lions Club by 1st Vice District Governor Vic Fischer. Alicia Torres, Rebekkah Peacock, and Rose Swartz were all welcomed by many fellow Lions present. Lions are about providing service and our strength is directly tied to our members. Anyone interested in joining the Plymouth Lions Club should contact any Lions Club member.
