The Court of Appeals of Indiana's award-winning civics education outreach program, Appeals on Wheels, is coming to Marshall County on Sept. 4 at 6:30 p.m.
The event will be held at the Culver Academies Memorial Legion Building.
A panel of judges, Judge Pyle, Judge Tavitas, and Senior Judge Baker, will hear live, in-person arguments in Brent T. Willis v. State of Indiana.
The case synopsis states, On Sept. 28, 2023, Brent Willis attended a golf outing in Indianapolis, where he consumed alcoholic beverages. Afterward, he traveled toward Lafayette, Indiana. While speeding, he disregarded a stop sign and collided with another car carrying three people. Two occupants in the other vehicle were killed, and the third was severely injured.
Subsequent blood testing revealed that Mr. Willis had an alcohol concentration equivalent (ACE) of .248, which is above the legal limit of .08. Willis was charged with eight felony criminal offenses, which included operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated, causing death, and reckless homicide.
Willis pled guilty to each offense, and an aggregate sentence of 28 years was imposed, with 24 years to be executed in the Indiana Department of Correction and four years suspended to probation.
In this Appeal on Wheels hearing, Willis argues that the trial court abused its discretion in imposing his sentence and that his sentence is inappropriate.
The event is open to the public, and the audience will have the opportunity to ask the judges questions about the judiciary following the argument; however, they are not permitted to discuss the specific case.
The Court of Appeals of Indiana is the second-highest court in the state, hearing appeals from Indiana's trial courts and some state agencies.
The 15 judges of the court issue over 2,000 opinions per year.
Identity released in fatal U.S. 36 crash
Indiana Gov. Braun declares state of disaster emergency for 63 Indiana counties
Longtime educator tabbed to lead new Montezuma Elementary
Gov. Braun unveils Indiana’s exhibit for the National Mall during The Great American State Fair
Indiana State Fair announces final wave of Hoosier Lottery Free Stage concerts for 2026
Nominations now open for farmers and ranchers to serve on USDA Farm Service Agency county committees
CBP officers in Indianapolis seize counterfeit FIFA World Cup 2026 merchandise
Former Cloverdale coach lands back in coaching
Three pulled safely from submerged car
U.S. Postal Service will be closed in observance of Juneteenth, June 19
Third Annual Riding with an Angel Ride remembers daughter's legacy
FSSA To survey SNAP recipients about Smart SNAP
Area Indiana State parks install new playgrounds
Riverton Parke looks to bring regional baseball crown home
IDEM forecasts statewide Air Quality Action Day for Thursday
