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Appointed as
Hearing Officer by the Chief Justice
Chief
Justice Randall Shepard appointed Maria as a Hearing Officer in
2004 to preside over matters of attorney discipline and
professional responsibility. Maria was chosen after full
consideration of her professional experience and service to her
community. The selection process followed a complete Indiana
State Police background investigation and included feedback to
the Chief Justice from Floyd County Judges. Few judges and even
fewer attorneys are selected for this important duty to serve
the high court. A Hearing Officer must demonstrate the highest
standards of integrity, strong character, and sound
decision-making. The appointment uniquely qualifies Maria for
judicial office and marks her advancement to a judge from a pro
tem. In this capacity she is responsible for ruling on motions,
evidence and testimony, preparing orders, findings of fact,
conclusions of law, and making recommendations for discipline to
the high court regarding Indiana attorneys. She continues to
receive appointments and preside over these cases for the
Indiana Supreme Court. |
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Appointed a
Judicial Officer by the Scott
County Courts
Maria
was appointed
to the bench in 2005 as
Referee in the Superior and Circuit Courts in Scott County,
Indiana, to regularly hear and manage a court caseload. She presides over
child support enforcement and modification cases, paternity
actions and emancipation suits. She conducts hearings, and
issues findings and orders. She continues to serve in this
judicial capacity. |
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Accepted as a
Member of
National Association of Women Judges
&
American Judges Association
Maria
has accepted membership in the American Judges Association and the National Association of
Women Judges. In 2000, she served on the
Special Reappointment Committee for U. S. District Court
Magistrate. Maria has served the legal profession as both an
attorney and a judicial officer. |
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Dedicated Service to the Poor
and Economically Disadvantaged
Maria has dedicated her time to serving the interests of the
poor and economically disadvantaged. Between 1997 and
2000, she served as a member and later Secretary of the Board of
Directors for the Legal Services Organization of Indiana (LSOI).
The organization provides quality legal assistance and
representation for low-income or indigent clients. |
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Appointed to
ICLEO Advisory Commission by
Chief Justice
Maria
was appointed to the ICLEO Advisory Commission by Chief Justice
Randall Shepard in 2005. ICLEO stands for
the Indiana Continuing Legal Education Opportunity (ICELO) which
is seven-member board chaired by the Chief Justice. The purpose
of the commission is to assist minority or low-income or
educationally disadvantaged college graduates to attend law
school. Maria's commitment of service is for three years.
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