Judge David

udge Steve David has served in the capacity of Boone County Circuit/Juvenile Court Judge since 1995. Within that time-frame, he has created and promoted numerous programs and policies that have helped to change and enrich the lives of those unfortunates who have found themselves encased in the justice system. He has worked closely with those people who bring to him a diversity of viewpoints and knowledge and is always welcoming of their input. He has been especially passionate in finding innovative ways to reach troubled young people and has been extremely proactive in the area of mental health. He offers offenders the opportunity to discover new and positive ways to work out their problems, often helping them to be empowered by their choices. Judge David realizes there are often stories behind the stories and is willing to learn about the particular circumstances so that he might make completely informed decisions. Many of his programs are based on the common-sense approach that call for structure, discipline, and responsibility, yet factor in the need for second chances. He has brought to the bench the awareness that mental health treatment, as opposed to punishment, can often be the needed judgment. His willingness to continue to learn about matters relating to mental health and his efforts to coordinate and provide cohesiveness among all agencies that interact within the justice system have been applauded. Steve David is a man who is the epitome of a judge who rules with the clarity and compassion that offers us justice tempered with mercy.

Among his many programs, involvements, and accomplishments are the following:

Boy Scout Diversion Program
Teen Court (the judge presides as the teens prosecute, defend, and sit as jurors among their peers)
Boone County Mentoring Program (partnering of boys & girls with trained adults in caring relationships)
Alternative School (out-of-school suspension program designed to keep kids off the streets)
Community Systemwide Response Team (deals with issues of drugs/alcohol, self-esteem, and suicide all three school corporations)
Parenting Classes (classes provided by Boone Mental Health for families of children on probation)
Help Children Through Divorce (therapist provides 4-hour class for parents to learn how to help their children adjust and cope with the divorce)
Teenage sexual assault programs (utilizes Purdues CARe initiative)
Its My Child Too (program for young, inexperienced fathers)
Advocated for psychological counseling services in all three school corporations
Liaison to CUBE, Community United for Business Education (working to influence teenagers to attain higher grades in order to be hired for part-time and summer jobs)
Works closely with Division of Family and Children, United Methodist Childrens Home, Behavior Corp., Youth Action Community Council, and Boone County Mental Health Assoc.
Founder of Annual Community In-Service - Boone County - Youth/Mental Health related

Judge David was appointed to the Juvenile Justice Improvement Committee for a three-year term by Indiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Randall T. Shepard. Along with 11 other members, he served as a liaison between other state agencies such as the DOC, Dept. of Education, and Division of Family & Children. The committee prepared guidelines for the states juvenile judges; served as the clearinghouse for communication between Indianas Juvenile Judges and various public and private providers; and monitored and reviewed recent legislation.

In addition to the many listed accomplishments, he is active as a Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves. On a personal level, when duty calls, he also responds. Several years ago, his niece was on dialysis and in need of a kidney transplant. After testing positive as a possible donor, his honor donated a kidney to her. Judge David is gentleman who is regarded with a great deal of respect and affection.

Education:

BS Finance (Magna cum laude) Murray State University (1979)
JD Indiana University (1982)
U. S. Army JAG Basic Course (1982)
JAG Advanced Course (1988)
U. S. Army Command and General Staff College (1999)
44^th U. S. Military Judges Course (2001)
Indiana Graduate Judges Program (2000)

Awards:

Distinguished Military Graduate (1979)
Outstanding Senior in Finance/Magna cum Laude) (1979)
Numerous Military Awards
National Alliance for Mentally Ill (NAMI)(Public Policy Award - Indiana)(1999)
Robert J. Kinsey Award - Annually bestowed on one Juvenile Court Judge (2000)
Boone County Outstanding Citizen of the Year Award-(2000)

Community Activities:

Board of Directors, Zionsville Area Boys and Girls Club (2002 to present)
Board of Directors, Lebanon Area Boys and Girls Club (1995 to2001)
Board of Directors, Boone County Leadership (2002 to present)
Board of Directors, Boone County Step Ahead Council
Member, Lebanon Kiwanis Club
Member, Zionsville American Legion
Member, Lebanon Elks Club
Member, Boone County Community Team

Teaching/Speaking:

Frequent Faculty member for the Indiana Judicial Center
Frequent Faculty member for Indiana Juvenile Judges Symposium
Organizer/Creator-Boone County Circuit Court Annual Fall CLE program (1995 to present)
National Presenter--- OJJDP National Leadership Conference 2002-Dallas TX.
Presenter 2001 American Polygraph Association Annual Convention

Organizations:

Association of the United States Army
National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges
Vice President-Indiana Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges
Boone County Bar Association
Indiana State Bar Association
Indiana State Bar Association-Civil Rights of Children Committee (2001-present)

Activities:

Triathlons; golf; family and friends

Military Service:
Also serves as U.S. Army Reservist (COL-JAGC)-Present assignment is as Military Judge in Second Judicial Circuit, Ft. Campbell KY (serves on Active Duty on interim basis as needed and presides over Active Duty Army Courts-Martials)

Previous assignments have included service as Prosecutor, Defense Counsel, Team Leader, Training Officer, and Administrative Board President. Assignments have included Ft. Benning, GA, Ft. Harrison, IN, Panama, Germany, Ft. Campbell, KY, and Ft. Knox, KY

Update: In the spring of 2003, Judge David was called to duty as a U.S. Army trial court judge and was stationed in Ft. Gordon, Georgia where he assisted the military with courts-martial cases in the 2nd Judicial Circuit, which covers most of the south-eastern United States. During his 9-month mobilization, Judge/Col. David was deployed in support of Operation Noble Eagle, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

In October of 2003 Judge David was selected by the Judge Advocate General of the Army to accompany Major General Ryder, the Army's top cop, to Iraq on a special mission to assess and advise Coalition Forces on myriad issues. He assisted in expediting the return of control of the Iraqi criminal courts to the Iraqis and dealt with issues of detention, housing and prosecution of alleged criminals.

When he embarked on his journey, in a statement to The Reporter, Judge David said, "I am honored to serve the citizens of this county. I love what I do and I believe I work hard to do my best. Now I have the opportunity to do my small part to serve these United States. I welcome the opportunity and greatly appreciate all of the support that the community has given me."

Judge David returned to us in January of 2004 and has resumed his place on the bench and in this community. We welcome him home!