Denise Paul Hatch Seeks to Vacate Plea Deal, Court Hearing Scheduled for November 11th

Indianapolis—Former Center Township Constable Denise Paul Hatch has been granted a lifeline in her legal battle, as the Marion County Courts have denied the State of Indiana’s motion to strike her request to have her plea agreement vacated. Judge Nelson has scheduled a hearing for November 11th, just days after a special election on November 7th to fill the position she once held.

The Plea Deal Controversy

Denise Paul Hatch took a plea deal earlier this year, resulting in two felony charges and a six-month jail sentence. Under Indiana law, her felony conviction disqualified her from holding public office, leading to her removal as Center Township Constable. While Hatch’s legal team initially pursued the plea deal to avoid a protracted court battle, Judge Nelson expressed disappointment at her decision, stating he had advised against it. “I did NOT want her to take the plea deal in the first place,” Nelson remarked, suggesting there may have been opportunities to fight the charges.

The Push to Vacate

Hatch has since argued that her plea deal was a mistake and is requesting the courts to vacate it, a move that would potentially clear her record and restore her eligibility to hold office. The State's attempt to block her request was thwarted when Judge Nelson allowed Hatch's case to proceed, setting the stage for a pivotal hearing next month.

What Could This Mean for Hatch?

The upcoming hearing will determine whether Hatch can successfully vacate her plea deal, a rare legal maneuver that would likely hinge on proving issues such as misrepresentation or coercion during the plea negotiation process. If successful, it could be seen as a major vindication for the former constable, who has maintained that she was given incorrect information about her gun rights being restored, which led to her legal troubles.

However, even if her plea is vacated, Hatch faces another formidable hurdle—politics. The Democratic Party in Indiana appears to have distanced itself from Hatch following her legal issues, and many insiders suggest that there is little appetite for reinstating her, even if she manages to clear her name.

A Democratic No-Show?

Sources close to the Democratic Party machine in Indiana indicate that the organization has no intention of reinstating Hatch, regardless of the outcome of her court battle. The position of Center Township Constable is a key role, and the Democrats have already moved on by organizing a special election to fill the position. Bobby Kern, a Senior Democrat Strategist, has announced his intention to run, and it’s unlikely that the party would reverse course and back Hatch should her legal standing change.

“The Democratic Machine in Indiana will not allow her because they all work together,” a local insider commented. While it remains to be seen who will emerge victorious in the special election on November 7th, one thing is clear: the party is looking to move forward, not backward.

The Road Ahead

Denise Paul Hatch’s next chance to be heard will come on November 11th. The hearing will be closely watched, not just for its legal implications, but for its potential to shake up the local political landscape. Despite her legal troubles, Hatch remains a well-known figure in Indianapolis, and a favorable ruling could reignite speculation about her future in public service.

Yet, even with a favorable court ruling, the likelihood of a return to office remains slim. The Democratic Party’s reluctance to support Hatch underscores the challenges she faces—not just in the courtroom, but within her own political circles.

As the November 11th hearing approaches, all eyes will be on Judge Nelson’s courtroom to see if Hatch can overcome the legal and political obstacles that stand in her way.