New Haven, IN – New Haven City Court Judge Geoff Robison announced that he is retiring from the bench. The retirement took effect at 6:00 p.m. EST on Wednesday, December 26, 2018.
“I have been involved in public service for forty-five years, and I have very much enjoyed serving the people of our community,” Robison, a former Chief of Police for the New Haven Police Department, said on Friday. With only six days remaining in his tenure, Robison was reflective. “I am honored and privileged to have served my friends and neighbors for so many years, and I am retiring with a great deal of personal satisfaction with that service,” he added.
The New Haven City Court was created by a local ordinance approved by the New Haven City Council, and Robison took his position as judge in 2000. Robison is a rarity, in that he served as a judge though he was not an attorney. Indiana law permits those who are not attorneys to serve as city or town court judges. The New Haven City Court has primarily handled traffic cases. It is not a so-called “court of record”, and therefore any appeal of a ruling in a city or town court must be taken up “de novo” to the superior or circuit courts, meaning as if the case had never been filed before.
Asked what he would call his greatest achievement, Robison indicated that he thoroughly enjoyed working with young people and giving them guidance in their individual situations, to the extent that he was permitted to do so by law. The New Haven City Court utilized an Infraction Deferred Program for many years, enabling traffic offenders to get a fresh start from their motorist issues.
Robison indicated that he is looking forward to his retirement, and plans to spend more time with his family, particularly his grandchildren.
Mayor Terry McDonald thanks Judge Robison for his 45 years of honorable and dedicated service to the citizens of New Haven.
No other comments or interviews will be given at this time.tion Deferred Program for many years, enabling traffic offenders to get a fresh start from their motorist issues.
Robison indicated that he is looking forward to his retirement, and plans to spend more time with his family, particularly his grandchildren.
Mayor Terry McDonald thanks Judge Robison for his 45 years of honorable and dedicated service to the citizens of New Haven.
No other comments or interviews will be given at this time.
