John M. Plummer III at a glance
- Current role
- Judge
- Jurisdiction
- Indiana · State
- Judicial service
- Active
John M. Plummer III
Biography
Professional career
Education
Additional information
- Judge Plummer has been on paid, voluntary leave since September 23, 2025, and is not currently hearing cases
- Failed to provide complete and candid information about his drug use during the commission’s investigation The allegations stem from a period between February and May 2025, during which court staff, attorneys, and fellow judges observed significant changes in his behavior, including erratic speech, agitation, and difficulty focusing on judicial duties
- Witnesses reported that he isolated himself, appeared visibly upset, and created an anxious environment for staff Judge Plummer admitted in August 2025 to using marijuana occasionally to help with sleep, but the investigation revealed more extensive use, including vaping marijuana at a rate of five puffs daily
- Joined the Lawrence County Superior Court I in 2018 and later elected to the same position on November 5, 2024
- John M. Plummer III was admitted to the Indiana Bar on June 14, 1996, and initially practiced law with his father
- Represented by attorney Glen Koch
- focusing on criminal defense
- As a judge, he presided over a general jurisdiction docket, including criminal, civil, and domestic violence cases
- He has 20 days to file a formal answer to the charges, though he is not required to respond
Applicable Court Rules & Procedures
Exhibits
Statewide
Indiana Rule 2.17 lets a judge authorize electronic or photographic means for evidence presentation, record perpetuation, or judicial administration.
a judge may authorize: (1) the use of electronic or photographic means for the presentation of evidenceIndiana Code of Judicial Conduct Rule 2.17: Prohibiting Broadcasting of Proceedings ↗
Recording and broadcasting
Statewide
Indiana courtroom broadcasting, recording, digital streaming, and photography require judicial authorization under Rule 2.17.
No broadcast of a court proceeding is allowed without authorization from the judge.Indiana Code of Judicial Conduct Rule 2.17: Prohibiting Broadcasting of Proceedings ↗
Remote appearances
Statewide
Indiana courts may conduct non-testimonial hearings or conferences remotely on request or on the court's own order.
a court may, upon request or on its own order, conduct the hearing or conference as a remote proceedingIndiana Administrative Rule 14: Remote Proceedings ↗
Statewide
Indiana testimonial proceedings are presumptively in person unless good cause is shown or the parties agree to remote participation.
A court must conduct all testimonial proceedings in person except that a court may conduct the proceedings remotelyIndiana Administrative Rule 14: Remote Proceedings ↗
Camera Request Process
Statewide
Indiana's public cameras guidance states that local judicial officers have discretion to authorize news-media cameras in non-confidential trial-court proceedings.
Judicial officers around the state have the authority to allow news media into their courtroomsIndiana Judicial Branch: Cameras in Indiana Trial Courts ↗
Published courtroom rules
Shared court rules
Indiana Code of Judicial Conduct Rule 2.17: Prohibiting Broadcasting of Proceedings
Lawrence County Superior Court #1
Scope is limited to the court class in the source claim. Shared court context only; case-type restrictions, exceptions, later amendments and case orders apply. This is not a personal preference or a complete rules inventory.
Official source ↗ · Collected 2026-07-26Indiana Administrative Rule 14: Remote Proceedings
Lawrence County Superior Court #1
Scope is limited to the court class in the source claim. Shared court context only; case-type restrictions, exceptions, later amendments and case orders apply. This is not a personal preference or a complete rules inventory.
Official source ↗ · Collected 2026-07-26Sources
Identity source checked July 26, 2026.
Biography sources checked July 26, 2026.
Indiana Judicial Branch official judicial roster
Identity source · HTML · Source checked July 26, 2026
View Indiana Judicial Branch official judicial roster ↗Indiana Code of Judicial Conduct Rule 2.17: Prohibiting Broadcasting of Proceedings
Statewide source · HTML · Source checked July 26, 2026
View Indiana Code of Judicial Conduct Rule 2.17: Prohibiting Broadcasting of Proceedings ↗Indiana Administrative Rule 14: Remote Proceedings
Statewide source · HTML · Source checked July 26, 2026
View Indiana Administrative Rule 14: Remote Proceedings ↗Indiana Judicial Branch: Cameras in Indiana Trial Courts
Statewide source · HTML · Source checked July 26, 2026
View Indiana Judicial Branch: Cameras in Indiana Trial Courts ↗