Elizabeth Smith, Attorney

05/08/2026

Free info Friday:
** disclaimer -- this is a long one
So normally, I don't do politics but in response to the primary election, there is some information I'd like to share without being "political"

1 - Only 18% of Morgan County voters actually voted in the primary -- here's the info you need to know -- SOME RACES ARE WON OR LOST IN THE PRIMARY ELECTION. So don't think just because you vote in November, that's enough.

2- sometimes, there are general questions on the ballot for consideration that each person gets a say (instead of their elected representative) This November there will be 2 such questions on the ballot and I'd like to hear everyone's thoughts. This is not a place to try to change anyone's mind. Share your thoughts, do not reply to other's comments. I will remove any comments I deem to be argumentative. So here are the questions:

1 - Shall the Constitution of the State of Indiana be amended to allow a person to serve as a judge of a city or town court if the person resides in the county in which the city or town is located or in a county that is adjacent to the county in which the city or town is located?

In my opinion, this one's easy, YES! This will allow us more candidates who are qualified as that can be a problem, especially in small towns.

2 - Shall the Constitution of the State of Indiana be amended to provide that a person charged with an offense other than murder or treason is NOT entitled to bail if: (1) the proof is evident or the presumption strong; and (2) the state proves by clear and convincing evidence that no release conditions will reasonably protect the safety of any other person or the community?

This one certainly requires more thought. Of course we want to protect victims and the community. We also have to protect the rights of persons who are placed under arrest. The US Constitution protects against excessive bail but does not necessarily provide a right to bail. Will Prosecutors abuse this provision if changed? Where do we draw the line on "protect the safety?" So maybe that's easy in say repeat domestic violence cases, but what about repeat drinking & driving? What release conditions would reasonably protect the safety of others? I haven't fully formulated an opinion on this question. It is certainly a balancing act.

05/08/2026

These flowers are BEAUTIFUL, reasonably priced ($30) and support a great cause!!! I've been attending this sale for years now. Go check it out, I promise you won't be disappointed! Great Mothers' Day gift!!

04/24/2026

Free info Friday!! A Motion in Limine is a pretrial Motion that requests the Court rule on admissibility of evidence before trial. This type of Motion is used to exclude info such as prior bad acts or criminal history for example and helps to ensure a fair trial. When the court denies a Motion in Limine, objections to the evidence should still be made at trial.

04/19/2026

Beyond a reasonable doubt...everyone has heard it but what does that mean???
More to me than most I fear. This is serious. Not to be taken lightly. Are you SURE?
Is there another reasonable explanation?? NOT GUILTY
Probably guilty... NOT GUILTY
Questionable...NOT GUILTY
Great movie on HBO MAX right now - Juror #2
Directed by Clint Eastwood

https://m.imdb.com/video/vi2755905049/

From legendary filmmaker Clint Eastwood comes “Juror #2,” a Warner Bros. Pictures release.The film stars Nicholas Hoult (upcoming “Superman,” “The Menu”), Os...

04/10/2026

Free info Friday: When a person is IN CUSTODY and being questioned by law enforcement, police must advise Miranda rights; however, if they don't your case does not get dismissed. It only means statements made cannot be used against you. Miranda does not apply in all encounters with police. For example, traffic stops, consensual encounters or volunteered statements/outbursts not in response to questioning. Note: Legal analysis is always case and fact specific.

04/07/2026

I was on Spring Break last week and experienced a medical emergency Sunday night. Please be patient during this time as I try to catch up and manage health issues.

03/13/2026

Free info Friday:
In Indiana, you can get charged with Operating While Intoxicated on private property.

03/06/2026

Free info Friday - some decisions are up to the lawyer and some are left specifically to the client, including settlement or accepting a plea.

03/01/2026

Update from their page: Brooke's name will be added to CODIS, a national database that could help identify her if she has ever been found as a Jane Doe.

Local cold case: Share the story. It makes a difference. Awareness matters. Closure matters. Maybe it triggers a memory. If you know something, say something. Every bit of information is helpful.

Brooke Hill went missing out of Martinsville, Indiana during the summer of 1997. She left all of her things behind and simply vanished. The world continued to move on despite her absence. In a time before social media and regular contact, it took many of her friends a while to realize the true gravity of her disappearance. She was finally reported missing out of Putnam County months after she was said to have "run away," but nothing came of this report.

Whether something happened to Brooke in her home town, or she really did run away and something happened after she left, SOMETHING happened to her. A person does not just disappear with no trace for almost three decades. Brooke deserves to be remembered, and her friends want to bring her home, wherever she may be.

Brooke is one of the missing people out of Indiana that has no entry into CODIS*. Meaning, if she has been found deceased, she would be listed as a Jane Doe as things stand right now.

Brooke's case has been submitted to some larger true crime podcasters to try to get her story out there, but there just isn't much to go off of with such a little paper trail.

This page is meant to get Brooke's name back out there, and act as a hub for people to discuss what they know about the night she disappeared and whatever may have happened afterwards.

02/27/2026

Free info Friday: It costs nothing to be kind. 😀