Madison County Circuit Court 5 · Indiana · 2026
Candidate for
Madison County Circuit Court 5 Judge
Attorney. Parent. Madison County native.
Guided by the law, committed to fairness.
Stay informed — join the campaign:
About Emilee
"Madison County is my home. My decision to run is driven by a commitment to fairness, preparation, and public trust in the judicial system."
Emilee Hammond was born and raised in Madison County. She earned her B.S. in Criminal Justice from Indiana University East, then attended Faulkner Law in Montgomery, Alabama — before returning home to Indiana to raise her family and build her legal career.
Her experience spans criminal law, family law, appellate advocacy, and civil proceedings. She served as appointed counsel to more than 200 parents in CHINS cases, participating in over 150 mediations to help families find forward-focused solutions. As a Deputy Public Defender with the Public Defender of Indiana, she investigated constitutional claims, conducted evidentiary hearings, and drafted appellate briefs — including a published opinion. She has also served as a legal educator, teaching litigation and civil procedure, and understands the real-world impact court decisions have on families and communities.
A courtroom should be a place where people know they will be heard, where the law guides the decisions, and where fairness matters — FOR EVERYONE. — Emilee Hammond
Her Platform
Every person who walks into Circuit Court 5 deserves to be heard fairly and treated with dignity — regardless of who they are, who they know, or what side of the courtroom they're on. Emilee will be a neutral decision-maker guided by the law, not by politics or personal preference.
A court earns public trust through consistent professionalism — judges who show up prepared, issue timely orders, and maintain accurate records. Emilee's background in detailed legal work, including discovery, motions, hearings, and mediations, has shaped exactly this discipline.
When courts are slow or disorganized, families wait longer for stability and victims wait longer for closure. Emilee is committed to a well-run court: consistent scheduling, timely orders, and a courtroom culture that treats every person with the respect they deserve.
Emilee’s Vision for Evictions in Circuit Court 5
If elected, Emilee would pursue an Eviction Assistance Program pilot to connect people with independent legal help and housing resources. The proposed six-year plan is an ambitious pursuit, subject to change—not a promise to complete a program. Beginning on Day 1 in office, she would prioritize federal grant preparation and pursue appropriate state funding in Year 1.
Among Madison County’s 1,267 eviction cases closed in 2024. Countywide, not Court 5 alone. [24]
HUD’s 2016 study: historical shelter and service costs in other communities, not a cost per eviction or a Madison County estimate. [23]
Selected Stout estimates in other jurisdictions; includes broader economic value, not just direct budget savings. No local return is predicted. [25]
Added services would begin or expand only when secured outside funding covers their added costs, without new local tax appropriations for the program. Program planning and reporting would identify any use of existing public staff time, facilities, or assistance resources. Potential taxpayer savings would be evaluated rather than assumed. Progress would depend on funding, participating partners, provider capacity, and required approvals. Emilee would keep an open mind and decide each case under the law and evidence, without a preferred outcome for either side.
Support the Campaign
Hoosiers for Hammond is raising the resources needed to reach voters across Madison County — yard signs, direct mail, and digital outreach. Every contribution makes a real difference in a local race.
Paid for by Hoosiers for Hammond | Tina Hammond, Treasurer.
Contributions must comply with Indiana campaign-finance law and Indiana Judicial Conduct Rule 4.4. Contributions are not tax-deductible.
Finance reports filed with the Madison County Election Board.
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