John C. Bohdan, II, a long-time Allen County public defender and graduate of the Indiana University Maurer School of law, has been named a Magistrate in the Allen Superior Court Misdemeanor and Traffic Division.

Bohdan, 54, is currently a deputy Allen County Public Defender and a practicing private attorney with the Bohdan Law Office. As Magistrate, he will serve at the Charles “Bud” Meeks Justice Center deciding misdemeanor cases as well as infractions, ordinance violations and miscellaneous criminal cases. He will, on occasion, preside over bench and jury trials.

Bohdan is a 1989 graduate of the Indiana University Maurer School of Law. He was admitted to the Indiana Bar in October 1989.

The incoming Magistrate began his career in Allen Superior Court, serving as a law clerk in 1989 and 1990. He has also served as Judge pro tem on numerous occasions. Bohdan’s experience includes a broad range of family, civil and criminal law and more than 285 trials.

“John’s time in the courtroom alone speaks to his readiness to serve as an effective Magistrate from day one,” said Judge Frances C. Gull, Administrative Judge of the Allen Superior Court Criminal Division. “But his depth of experience in so many facets of law will make John an invaluable resource across all of Superior Court.”

Bohdan replaces Magistrate David Zent, who was recently appointed to succeed retiring Judge John F. Surbeck, Jr. Bohdan will start as Magistrate in early January 2019.

“This is an exciting time to be involved in the Indiana courts,” Bohdan said. “This opportunity to join the Allen County judiciary is the culmination of a career I have dedicated to helping people navigate the courts and find justice. I look forward to contributing in any way I can.”