ANDERSON, Ind. —
After 38 years of working as a defense attorney, Jeff Lockwood will join the Madison County prosecutor’s office next month.
“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do, because I’ve never done it,” Lockwood said Thursday afternoon inside his office on the corner of Eighth and Lincoln streets.
Beginning March 1, Lockwood will have a new office at the Madison County Government Center. He said he has a lot to learn about being a prosecutor, but is up for the challenge. One of the biggest challenges, he said, was “honing up” on his direct examination skills.
“As a defense attorney I primarily did cross-examination, now I have the burden of proof,” Lockwood said.
Lockwood said he was offered the job by Prosecutor Rodney Cummings, who heard Lockwood might be interested. Cummings recently received permission from the Madison County Council to hire two prosecutors.
“It’s a great opportunity for him,” said Circuit Court 3 Judge Thomas Newman, whose court Lockwood was assigned to as a public defender, “It’s something he’s wanted to do for a long time.”
Replacing Lockwood in Circuit Court 3 will be Lisa DeLey. She will partner with her husband, attorney Bryan Williams.
“She’s excited about it,” Williams said. “but I told her ‘we’ll see if you’re still excited after three months.’”
Lockwood said he’s met with DeLey on several occasions to discuss the casework she will inherit.
“She’s anxious to get started, so I think the transition will be just fine,” Lockwood said.
Over the years, Lockwood has been involved in heated arguments with members of the prosecution and law enforcement.
“There are philosophical differences between the defense and the prosecution, but when you get right down to it that’s because we’re advocates. None of us are very good losers,” Lockwood said.
When it comes to his new boss, Cummings, Lockwood said he has no worries.
“Rodney and I get along just fine,” Lockwood said.
He said he admires Cummings’ ability to bounce back after being defeated in 2007.
“Since he took office, that office is really efficient in getting the job done,” Lockwood said.
Cummings has often touted his deputy prosecutors for their experience and ability,
“He has a right to brag about them,” Lockwood said.
Lockwood said he will miss the relationships he formed with other defense attorneys, but not the controversy that comes with the job.
“Clients don’t always like to hear what you have to say,” Lockwood said.
Developing a rapport with a client can take a lot of work, he said.
“If you’re truthful, and they can tell you care about the case, and shoot straight with them, then there should be no problems,” Lockwood said.
Contact Sam Brattain: 640-4883, sam.brattain@heraldbulletin.com
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Attorney Jeff Lockwood is the joining the Madison County prosecutor's office.
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Defense attorney Jeff Lockwood to join prosecution next month
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