District Court AdministratorFirst Amendment attorneys say the reporter committed no crime and Magistrate Judge Laura Viar should have known the search warrants were unconstitutional when she signed them. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. m. Join the community:. Officers with the Marion Police Department, acting on a warrant, raided the office and also the home of its 98-year-old owner. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. The search warrant, signed by Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, appears to violate federal law that provides protections against searching and seizing materials from journalists. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. A photo from the Kansas 8th Judicial District website shows Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, who signed a search warrant authorizing police to raid a local. It appears to violate federal law that provides protections against searching and seizing materials from journalists, requiring law enforcement to subpoena materials instead. Marion County Attorney Joel Ensey withdrew the warrant last. It alleged identity theft of the woman and unlawful use of a computer. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. Courtroom Live Streams. ". The police obtained a two-page warrant from Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, saying the police were acting on probable cause to believe that “identity theft” and. See biographical information on Judge Laura E. 1 to fill a vacant 8th Judicial District magistrate seat, was arrested at. ". Advocacy groups and reporters across the United States have sounded the alarm throughout the weekend about a legally dubious police raid on Friday targeting the Marion County Record office and the publisher's Kansas home in an alleged identity theft investigation—events that the newspaper said contributed to the. Amy C. Kansas Protection Order Portal (KS POP) Chief Judge Michael Powers will retire August 20. MARION — In an unprecedented raid Aug. %. 6 in Morris County. An investigation by The Wichita Eagle published Wednesday revealed that Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar has been arrested at least twice for DUI in two different Kansas. People Also Viewed 1 - 0 of 0. She currently is the county attorney for Morris County. However, law enforcement could not have executed this illegal raid without the signing of a warrant by Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar. [2] As of December 2020, five judges on the court were appointed by a Democratic governor and two judges were appointed by a Republican governor. District Magistrate Judge. Clay Wirestone, Kansas Reflector. Viar, who went by Laura Allen at the time. They presented a search warrant that alleges identity theft and. The judge was arrested twice in 2012 — once on Jan. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. )Judge who signed warrant is under scrutiny. 78. Join the community:. In sharp contrast to the prior literature relying on court-level variation, we find economically meaningful and statistically significant evidence that judge political affiliation is a source of disparities in federal sentencing. 21, 2018. Laura E. Max Kautsch, a Lawrence attorney with the Kansas Coalition for Open Government, said the organization condemned the searches and. m. She currently is county attorney for Morris County. "Laura Viar probably doesn. A copy of the order is shown below. Dickinson; Geary; Marion; Morris;The Kansas magistrate judge who authorized a police raid of the Marion County Record newsroom over its probe into a local restaurateur’s drunken-driving record has her own hidden history of driving under the influence. Updated: Aug 15, 2023 / 08:30 AM CDT. (Tim. TOPEKA — The Kansas Commission on Judicial Conduct requested Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar explain her decision to authorize search warrants used in controversial raids of the Marion newspaper office, the publisher’s home and a city. . Law enforcement then obtained a search warrant, signed by Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar. (Sam Bailey/Kansas Reflector) Sometime before 11 a. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, who signed the warrant authorizing Friday’s raid, did so because of allegations that the newspaper had improperly obtained information about a local restaurant owner. 3rd Street in Marion. Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed a search warrant authorizing the police raid of the newspaper office. The Eighth District serves Morris, Dickinson,. The Marion County Record is a weekly newspaper published in Marion, Kansas, and the newspaper of record for the city and Marion County. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar authorized a search of the Marion County Record in August. Chris Mann Democratic. They targeted the news outlet with impunity. unaffected by political or media influences, in order to. Robson; Honorable Keith L. 1 to fill a vacant 8th Judicial District magistrate seat, was arrested at. C. According to a lawsuit filed against him by his former attorneys. Coppola - Geary County Neal Gugler - Dickinson County Laura Viar - Morris County . D. Sometime before 11 a. CNN has reached out to Marion County Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, who signed the search warrant, and Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach, who oversees the Kansas Bureau of Investigation that. Clipart Library graphic. Law enforcement officers in Kansas raided the office of a local newspaper and a journalist's home on Friday, prompting outrage over what First Amendment experts are calling a likely violation of federal law. First Amendment attorneys say the reporter committed no crime and Magistrate Judge Laura Viar should have known the search warrants were unconstitutional when she signed them. The law requires law enforcement to subpoena materials instead. Video Access to Courtroom Hearings. Kudos to the Kansas City Star and Wichita Eagle reporters who broke such. Viar (M02) Amy C. The Kansas Commission on Judicial Conduct says Marion County Magistrate Judge Laura Viar should explain her. Ensey acknowledged Cody sent him the warrants. Both incidents happened in 2012 in Morris and Coffey counties. August 18, 2023. The Kansas Commission on Judicial Conduct says Marion County Magistrate Judge Laura Viar should explain her decision to sign search warrants relied on by police to raid the Marion newspaper office in August. View requirements by county. m. Viar did not. 6 in Morris County. District Magistrate Judge. The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. If not for cheating both legal and illegal there is one political party in America that would rarely be politically empowered. Viar didn’t respond to a request to comment for this story or explain why she. “Basically,” Eric Meyer said, “all the law enforcement officers on duty in Marion County, Kansas, descended on our offices today and seized our server and computers and personal cellphones of staff members. 11 raids on the newspaper office, the publisher’s home, and the home of a city councilwoman after small-town drama erupted over a restaurant owner’s quest for a liquor license. Delaware’s requirement that there must be a political balance among judges is unconstitutional, according to a federal appeals court on Tuesday. 1) Magistrate Viar, or the presiding district judge, should immediately revoke the overly broad search warrant she signed and declare that any evidence seized under it be inadmissible in court. The search warrant, signed by Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, appears to violate federal law that provides protections against searching. Magistrate Judge. In another development, news emerged that Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, who signed the search warrant allowing police to seize the equipment, was arrested at least twice for driving under the influence. View less. Joan Meyer had been undergoing severe stress and emotional distress in the hours before her death, the Marion County Record reported. Judge Laura Viar Wikipedia, Political Party Judge with a history of DUI charges authorized the raid on the Kansas newspaper. Sometime before 11 a. , will retire on Aug. 11 minutes; comment; Now Playing (Clips). The search, led by Marion Police Chief Gideon Cody, has sparked international condemnation as an attack on. Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed a search warrant authorizing the police raid of the newspaper office. The alleged victim is Kari Newell, who owns a restaurant in Marion and was trying to obtain a liquor license. The paper was founded as The Western News in 1869 in nearby Detroit, Kansas. The next step should occur Monday in the case of a Council Grove attorney accused of trying to run over a City Council member. 6 in Morris County. 1 to fill a vacant 8th Judicial District magistrate seat, was arrested at. The search warrant, signed by Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, appears to violate federal law that provides protections against searching and seizing materials from. Others are also calling into question whether the search warrant signed by Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar adhered to the federal law protecting journalists from searches. Viar’s new position will be effective on her swearing-in. She will take her new. Special Requirements in the 8th. The law requires law enforcement to subpoena materials instead. According to a lawsuit filed against him by his former attorneys. District Court Judge. Interviews are coming next month as Morris County District Court fills a judge position. View requirements by county. Five of the eight candidates took part in the debate: Marianne Alto, Stephen Andrew, Brendan Marshall, Lyall Atkinson and Rafael Fuentes. The article the Record published covered the council meeting and Newell’s accusation against the newspaper. They obtained a search warrant, signed by Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, for evidence of identity theft and criminal use of a computer. Joan Meyer was unable to eat or sleep after the raid; she. Jennifer Wyatt, an attorney in private practice . Joan Meyer, the 98-year-old co-owner of the Marion County Record, finally had her say Monday. Bill Chappell. The search warrant, signed by Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, appears to violate federal law that provides protections against searching and seizing materials from journalists. KANSAS CITY, Mo. If this is your profile, please reach out to us - we'll help get your profile filled out to start making a big impression on Voterly. These decisions may stem from the candidate’s own moral values, or a cost/benefit analysis of the possible solutions to a problem, or simply what seems to be best for the. “Basically,” Eric Meyer said, “all the law enforcement. William Pollitt Jr. ahead. The Kansas Reflector reported: “The search warrant, signed by Marion county district court magistrate judge Laura Viar, appears to violate federal law that provides protections against searching. They obtained a search warrant, signed by Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, for evidence of identity theft and criminal use of a computer. Viar, who went by Laura Allen at the time, was put on diversion for an arrest in Coffey County. Kansas Protection Order Portal (KS POP)Magistrate Judge Laura Viar authorized a search of the Marion County Record in August. Judge Neal A. com. In 2019, San Francisco police raided the home of Bryan Carmody, an independent journalist, seeking to find his source for a story about a police investigation into the sudden death of a local. Viar now faces official scrutiny over her actions. The search warrant for the raid, signed by Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, was to look for evidence of identity theft and criminal use of a computer. Coppola - Geary County Neal Gugler - Dickinson County Laura Viar - Morris County . Police raided the Marion County Record's office on Friday as well as the home of Joan Meyer and her son, Eric. The 8th Judicial District Nominating Commission has selected current County Attorney Laura Viar as the county’s next magistrate judge. Viar didn’t respond to a request to comment for this story or explain why she. 6 in Morris County. Nov. The Kansas magistrate judge who authorized a police raid of the Marion County Record newsroom over its probe into a local restaurateur’s drunken-driving record has her own hidden history of driving under the influence. (WIBW) - The Kansas Supreme Court announced on Monday it has reappointed 27 chief judges in Kansas. 913-735-3689. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed off on the warrants. Its offices are across the street from the Marion County Courthouse. A search warrant signed by Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar claimed probable cause over alleged violations related to identity theft and unlawful acts concerning computers. The 8th District Nominating Commission has announced Nov. Local Magistrate Judge Laura Viar issued a search warrant citing possible identity theft and illegal use of a computer, authorizing police to seize files relating to Newell. — Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, who signed the warrant allowing police to raid a Marion newspaper, is being asked by the state to respond to a complaint. Judge Laura Viar Wikipedia, Political Party. Judges desiring appointment to the bench by a governor or legislature may “seek endorsements for the appointment from any person or organization other than a partisan political organization” (Rule 4. Courtesy. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, who signed the warrant authorizing Friday’s raid, did so because of allegations that the newspaper had improperly obtained information about a local restaurant owner’s past DUI conviction. Party Identification Trends, 1992-2017. Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed a search warrant authorizing the police raid of the newspaper office. The search, led by Marion Police Chief Gideon Cody. The search warrant in Marion, signed by county magistrate judge Laura Viar on Friday morning, allowed officers to confiscate a wide range of items, from computers and hardware to reporting. 29, 2021 at 3:35 PM CST. Boehm. She currently is county attorney for Morris County. CNN has reached out to Marion County Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, who signed the search warrant, and Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach, who oversees the Kansas Bureau of Investigation that. Marion County Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed off on that search warrant. Their terms are. 19-309, concerns a provision of Delaware’s Constitution that says judges affiliated with any one political party can make up no more than a “bare majority” on the state’s. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, Marion Police Chief Gideon Cody and Marion County Attorney Joel Ensey have come under intense scrutiny for their handling of the situation. Benjamin Sexton - Dickinson County . Laura Viar, Council Grove, county attorney, Morris County . Others are also calling into question whether the search warrant signed by Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar adhered to the federal law protecting journalists from searches. Kansas Governor Laura Kelly says on Friday, Oct. Please click the links below to view each Judge's live stream. “The police department just did what the judge allowed them to do,” Mayfield said. > The search warrant, signed by Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, appears to violate federal law that provides protections against searching and seizing materials from journalists. Reporter Deb Gruver has filed against Police Chief Gideon Cody, alleging violations of First Amendment rights to free press and Fourth Amendment rights against unlawful search and seizure. A judge rejected it, he said, but he’s not sure why. Keith Collett, district magistrate judge, Dickinson County Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. Votes. Sometime before 11 a. Apparently this sort of work isn’t appreciated by Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, who OK’d the raid on the Marion County Record and Meyer’s home — where, according to the Record, the zealous. 1 to fill a vacant 8th Judicial District magistrate seat, was arrested at least twice for DUI in two different Kansas counties in 2012, a Wichita Eagle. The law requires law enforcement to subpoena materials instead. Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar reportedly signed off on the search warrant, according to Kansas Reflector. Eighth Judicial District Magistrate Judge Laura Viar has two DUI arrests on her record. The affidavits authorizing the searches and seizures at the paper and the publisher’s house were signed by Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, and while her signature was dated Aug. The search warrant, which was signed by Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, allowed authorities to look for evidence of identity theft and evidence of criminal use of a computer. Sexton; Honorable Courtney D. A political adversary, Mayor David. Judge Laura Viar, who signed off on a search warrant authorizing the searches, is facing a complaint about her decision and has been asked by a judicial body to respond, records shared with CNN by. “This commitment must remain steadfast and unbiased, unaffected by political or media influences, in order to uphold the. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, who signed the warrant authorizing Friday’s raid, did so because of allegations that the newspaper had. Honorable Laura E. Cody told the KBI that Magistrate Judge Laura Viar “scrutinized the evidence and decided it was not enough for me to get Pam Maag’s electronic devices. Steve Leben, former judge and Professor of Law at University of Missouri-Kansas City referred to Cody's affidavits as "weak. unaffected by political or media influences, in order to. ”. Ongoing investigation into the police chiefMagistrate Judge Laura Viar, who signed the warrant authorizing Friday’s raid, did so because of allegations that the newspaper had improperly obtained information about a local restaurant owner. At the time, Viar's last name was Allen. By: Tim Carpenter - September 6, 2023 9:22 am. Kansas resident Keri Strahler filed the complaint against Judge Laura Viar about a. Friday, officers showed up simultaneously at Meyer’s home and the newspaper office. Even in the absence of a federal statute it seems like a crazy step to take. The search, led by Marion Police Chief Gideon Cody, has sparked international condemnation as an attack on. Adams, arises from a challenge to the provision of Delaware’s Constitution which only allows. The warrant, signed by Magistrate Viar specifically targeted ownership of computers capable of being used to “participate in the identity theft of Kari Newell. Kansas Courts says the 8th Judicial District Nominating Commission has chosen Laura Viar to fill an open magistrate judge position in Morris Co. Viar. TOPEKA -- The 8th Judicial District Nominating Commission has selected Laura Viar to fill a magistrate judge vacancy in Morris County. “Basically,” Eric Meyer said, “all the law enforcement officers on duty in Marion County, Kansas, descended on our offices today and seized our server and computers and personal cellphones of staff members. MARION — In an unprecedented raid Aug. The August 2020 death of Judge H. Skip to Main Content. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. Sexton – ZOOM Meeting ID 646 694 5873 District Judge Susan C. TOPEKA—The 8th Judicial District Nominating Commission has selected Laura Viar to fill a magistrate judge vacancy in Morris County. Officers hauled away computers, hard drives and reporters’. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed off on the warrants. Reporting on the 2012 charges this week, the Wichita Eagle said it was unclear how Viar’s DUI cases were resolved or whether officials in either county were aware of her arrest in another jurisdiction. %. Live streams for the Morris County District Court can be viewed online at the link below. The newspaper’s front page was dedicated to two stories about a raid by. Chief Judge. 36 million by his former lawyers -- one of which was a longtime friend -- for an outstanding legal bill of which he paid off only $214k since 2019. Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed a search warrant authorizing the police raid of the newspaper office. Zoom Meeting ID: 920 1538 9098Laura Crane: Candidate for D. 14 — three days after the search was conducted. Police who searched Meyer’s home also took photos of his personal bank records. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar authorized a search of the Marion County Record in August. County magistrate judge Laura Viar signed a search warrant on Friday morning, authorizing the Marion police department to raid the Record. The lawsuit, filed by Joseph Grabill and the St. Kansas Courts says that the 8th Judicial District. Critics and legal experts say the search warrant signed by Magistrate Judge Laura Viar and used to seize the newspaper’s equipment violates federal law that provides protections against. Kansas resident Keri Strahler filed the complaint against Judge Laura Viar about a week after police raided the office of the Marion County Record, the home of the paper’s publisher and a county. Keri Strahler, a Topeka resident, filed a complaint against the judge following the search with the. Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed a search warrant authorizing the police raid of the newspaper office. Police Chief Gideon Cody received approval from Magistrate Judge Laura Viar to conduct the Aug. At the time, Viar's last name was Allen. m. Boehm - Geary County Ryan W. at 203 N. Sam Bailey/Kansas Reflector The law requires law enforcement to. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar authorized a search of the Marion County Record in August. The judge was arrested twice in 2012 — once on Jan. Civil Scandal. m. 50,257. Reporting on the 2012 charges this week, the Wichita Eagle said it was unclear how Viar's DUI cases were resolved or whether officials in either county were aware of her arrest in another jurisdiction. In nonpartisan elections, however, a judge is specifically prohibited from disclosing party affiliation. They have to do it, and they are very good at it. Aug 13, 2023. Kudos to the Kansas City Star and Wichita Eagle reporters who broke. Collett. The Kansas Reflector reported: “The search warrant, signed by Marion county district court magistrate judge Laura Viar, appears to violate federal law that provides protections against searching. Wow, unreal that she could approve such a warrant. Judge Steven Hornbaker retired June 1 from his position serving Geary County. Criminal Court. Viar - (620) 767-6838, Option 1. Image credit Sam Bailey/Kansas Reflector. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar authorized a search of the Marion County Record in August. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar authorized a search of the Marion County Record in August. Kautsch also said the case does raise a First Amendment issue, “because the action taken by the authorities appears to be in retaliation for bringing publicly available information to the attention of local. County magistrate judge Laura Viar signed a search warrant on Friday morning, authorizing the Marion police department to raid the Record. Viar didn’t respond to a request to comment for this story or explain why she. Supreme Court on Friday announced it will decide whether a state can consider the political affiliation of appointed judges in order to maintain the state courts’ ideological balance. Normally, law enforcement is required to obtain a subpoena for such materials. Updated August 14, 2023 at 9:55 AM ET. 18 as the interview day. Boehm – ZOOM Meeting ID 459 437 2998 District Judge Keith L. 1 to fill a vacant 8th Judicial District magistrate seat, was arrested at. Police Chief Gideon Cody received approval from Magistrate Judge Laura Viar. KANSAS CITY, Mo. By Danielle Martin. Kansas Courts. Eric Meyer, owner and publisher of the newspaper, said police were motivated by a. Courtroom Live Streams. At 9:05 a. November 18, 2022, 18:57 GMT Share This Article TOPEKA—The 8th Judicial District Nominating Commission has selected Laura Viar to fill a magistrate judge vacancy in Morris County. Melissa Standridge. During the raid, Cody, along with four police officers and two sheriff’s deputies, took cell phones and other electronic devices. County magistrate judge Laura Viar signed a search warrant on Friday morning, authorizing the Marion police department to raid the Record. m. Chief Judge Michael Powers, who serves Marion Co. Friday, officers showed up simultaneously at Meyer’s home and the newspaper office. 18 Sep 2023. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, of the 8th Judicial District, was charged at least twice for DUI in two Kansas counties in 2012, including in August that year when she allegedly drove off the road. Judge Laura Viar signed a warrant to allow police to raid the newspaper over claims it illegally obtained DUI information about a business owner. Abigail Jo Shry was arrested for allegedly leaving a threatening voicemail to Judge Tanya Chutkan, the judge overseeing election. Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed a search warrant authorizing the police raid of the newspaper office. 1 to fill a vacant 8th Judicial District magistrate seat, was arrested at least twice for DUI in two different Kansas counties in 2012, a Wichita Eagle. (KSNW) – The publisher of the long-standing Marion County Record said his paper was raided this week by the Marion Police Department, who took. During the raid, Cody, along with four police officers and two sheriff’s deputies, took cell phones and other electronic devices. Wow, unreal that she could approve such a warrant. 11, Magistrate Judge Laura E. Divorce impact class attendance may be modified or excused by the assigned judge upon a showing of good cause. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar authorized a search of the Marion County Record in August. Steve Leben, former judge and professor of law at University of Missouri-Kansas City said neither Cody nor Magistrate Judge Laura Viar who signed the warrant took state and federal laws into. Judges: Magistrate Judge Laura E. The search, led by Marion Police Chief Gideon Cody, has sparked. 11, the court did not receive the affidavits until Monday, Aug. Jeff is also a freelance writer and political contributor who has appeared on Fox News, The Hill's "Rising," Fox. Judge Viar approved the search warrants. Kansas resident Keri Strahler filed the complaint against Judge Laura Viar about a week after police raided the office of the Marion County Record, the home of the paper’s publisher and a county. She was the chief prosecutor of Morris County at the. Ensey issued a statement saying that “insufficient evidence. Judges: Magistrate Judge Laura E. The police department in Marion, Kansas — a town of about 2,000 — raided the Marion County Record under a. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed the search warrant that Marion Police Chief Gideon Cody used to seize the newspaper’s equipment, records about the restaurant owner, utility bills, and other materials. She signed them. They seized computers, cell phones, and other equipment. FOND DU LAC - Four people are in the running to become the Fond du Lac County Circuit Court Judge serving Branch 3 this spring. Sometime before 11 a. John Carney because as a political independent, Adams didn’t meet political affiliation requirements to apply for certain judgeships. In another development, news emerged that Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, who signed the search warrant allowing police to seize the equipment, was arrested at least twice for driving under the influence. According to a Wichita Eagle investigation, Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on January 1 to fill a vacant 8th Judicial District magistrate seat, was detained at least twice in 2012 for DUI in two distinct Kansas counties. 25 in Coffey County and again on Aug. Three, we know that Marion County Attorney Joel Ensey announced he was withdrawing the. According to a Wichita Eagle investigation, Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed Jan. Judge Laura Viar, who signed off on a search warrant authorizing the searches, is facing a complaint about her decision and has been asked by a judicial body to respond, records shared with CNN by. Viar - (620) 767-6838, Option 1. Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed a search warrant authorizing the police raid of the newspaper office. KANSAS CITY, Mo. Laura Kelly, who has 60 days to decide who will fill the vacancies. Live. The Kansas magistrate judge who authorized a police raid of the Marion County Record newsroom over its probe into a local restaurateur’s drunken-driving record has her own hidden history of driving under the influence. The search warrant, signed by Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, appears to violate federal law that provides protections against searching and seizing materials from. Attempts to contact both Marion’s police chief – Gideon Cody – and the judge who authorized his agency to conduct the raids aimed at the Record, Laura Viar, for comment on Meyer’s sudden. . 25 in Coffey County and again on Aug. Published: Nov. It turns out Viar reportedly has two DUIs of her own. Judge Laura Viar signed a warrant to allow police to raid the local newspaper over claims they illegally obtained DUI information about a business owner, but turns out she has two DUI charges herse…Party Affiliation. Viar, who went by Laura Allen at the time, was put on diversion for an arrest in Coffey County. Each has faced newfound scrutiny: Cody over his departure from the Kansas City police force and Viar over her driving record. Those 2012 arrests came months apart in two counties — and it's not clear how much information was shared between officials at the time, The. Journalists “feared that the magistrates who issued warrants for these searches, often political allies of law enforcement officials, would be biased in deciding whether there was. She’s escaped the harshest possible coverage so far, but her approval cleared the way for this gross. Term expires June 30, 2023. The 8th Judicial District is made up of Dickinson, Geary, Marion and Morris counties. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. Boy, did we get a talking-to. Live streaming will include jury trials, as space will be limited in the courtrooms to allow plenty of social distancing space for jurors, parties, witnesses, attorneys, and judicial staff. 42,238. See an overview of the judges that make up the 8th Judicial District of Kansas. 1 to fill a vacant 8th Judicial District magistrate seat, was arrested at. Judge Laura Viar has previously been arrested for two DUI incidents in 2012. . According to a Wichita Eagle investigation, Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on January 1 to fill a vacant 8th Judicial District magistrate seat, was detained at least twice in 2012 for DUI in two distinct. Those 2012 arrests came months apart in two counties — and it's not clear how much information was shared between officials at the time, The. The vacancies are due to two retirements. Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar has faced criticism for her approval of the search warrant, which cites Newell. Video Access to Courtroom Hearings. 1%. Eric Meyer, owner and publisher of the newspaper, said police were motivated by a. Cody told the KBI that Magistrate Judge Laura Viar "scrutinized the evidence and decided it was not enough for me to get Pam Maag's electronic devices. play_arrow. 1) Magistrate Viar, or the presiding district judge, should immediately revoke the overly broad search warrant she signed and declare that any evidence seized under it be inadmissible in court. This story was originally published August 18, 2023, 3:32 PM. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, who signed off on the search warrants, is scheduled to go before the Kansas Commission on Judicial Conduct next month for a complaint filed against her following the raid.