Floyd Superior Court 3 was founded upon the fundamental notions of integrity, fairness and respect for all served by the court. The court has General Jurisdiction and decides cases involving crimes committed by adults, divorce, child support, protection orders juvenile matters and various other civil cases. Cases not regularly heard by the court include estates, trusts, guardianships, adoptions and small claims. The Floyd County Superior Court was established in 2008 Under Indiana Code 33-33-22-2. The Honorable Maria D. Granger was the first Judge to preside over the court. Judge Granger speaks to various community groups about the courts, the law and our legal system. Judge Granger is also the Supervising Judge of the Veterans Court which addresses the needs of Veterans many of whom have become court involved after multiple deployments to military service. Veterans Court is a specialized court docket promoting public safety in Floyd County and Southern Indiana that addresses the mental health, alcohol or substance abuse problems of these court involved Veterans.

Judge Granger serves as faculty for the Indiana Judicial Conference and has taught the following courses for Indiana judges and journalists:

• Indiana Supreme Court History, September 2011
• New Legislation, September, 2010; September 2011
• Law School for Journalists – Sentencing Hearing Practice and Procedure, July 2011
• The Sentencing Hearing & Sentencing Considerations and The Sentencing Decision & the Sentence on Appeal, April 2011
• Transition to the Bench, Employment and Personnel Issues, December 2010

Judge Granger’s Education and Experience includes:

• Office of Judge, Floyd Superior Court 3 from January 2009 – present
• Title IV-D Referee January, 2005 – December 2009
• Adjunct Professor Indiana University Southeast during Fall Semester 2001 – 2004
• Practicing Attorney in Southern Indiana October 1994 – December 2009
• Admitted to practice of law by the Indiana Supreme Court October 1994
• Received a Doctorate of Jurisprudence degree from Indiana University School of Law at Indianapolis May 1994
• Received a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary English Education from Indiana University in December 1990

Judge Granger has been recognized:

• 2009 Earl T. Shinhoster Award
• 2006 Woman of Achievement
• Contributing Author, Justices of the Indiana Supreme Court. Indianapolis: Indiana Historical Press Society in cooperation with the Indiana Supreme Court, 2010.

Judge Granger is a member of Judicial Organizations:

• Board of Directors, Indiana Judicial Conference
• Sherman Minton Inn of Court
• Indiana Conference for Legal Education Opportunity
• Indiana Judges Association
• American Judicature Society
• National Association of Women Judges
• Bar Associations, Floyd County, Indiana and American
• Former Faculty Judge for "We The People", providing civil education to Floyd County Middle High School students     
  

Court Information:

• Courtroom Attire is business casual.
• Children cannot accompany parents in the courtroom unless they are being interviewed by the court in a particular case. There are no facilities to care for children. Other appropriate arrangements must be made.
• Cell Phones and Recording Devices must be turned off at all times while in the courtroom. No photo or recording devices of any kind are permitted.
• Parking is available in areas around the courthouse. There is a parking garage that charges a fee, 2-hour parking limits on street spaces, and a free parking lot at the Southwest corner of West 2nd and Market Streets across from the New Albany Tribune Office.
• Security prohibits weapons of any kind in the courtroom and in the building.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q. Can I talk to the Judge about a case?
A. 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 she, nor her staff, is permitted to give legal advice.

Q. How do I get a public defender?
A. You must request a public defender at your initial hearing or in writing. A written request may be handwritten and should set out financial information that establish an inability to hire an attorney.

Q. How long do I have to wait before I can be divorced?
A. You must wait at least 60 days from the date the case is filed. Unless the parties file a written agreement, waiver of rights and decree of dissolution, they will need to request a hearing date to be held after 60 days.

Q. When will my bond money be returned?
A. After a person posts bond in a criminal matter, the bond will be released minus certain Court cost and fees. The remaining bond monies will be released to the person who posted the bond approximately two weeks after a defendant is sentenced or the case is dismissed.

Q. Do I have to hire an attorney?
A. Any person may represent himself or herself in a court without a lawyer. However, this does not make the judge or the court personnel 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. The self-help website address is: http://www.in.gov/judiciary/selfservice/forms.html

Q. How do I get a continuance of a court date if I don't have an attorney?
A. You need to request the continuance in writing prior to the court date and provide a copy of that request to the other party 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 to see if the continuance has been granted