INDIANAPOLIS - Governor Eric J. Holcomb today announced he has selected Porter County Circuit Court Judge Mary DeBoer as the next member of the Indiana Court of Appeals. Judge DeBoer will replace retiring Judge Patricia Riley.  

“Judge DeBoer is a person of immense integrity, intellect, and energy. I’m proud to appoint her to the Court of Appeals,” Gov. Holcomb said. “Judge DeBoer’s commitment to the law and justice will serve her fellow Hoosiers with distinction as she joins the second highest bench in Indiana.” 

Mary DeBoer is an exceptional lawyer who has been active in the legal profession and community during her career.  She has extensive experience in the courtroom and has used that experience to run an efficient and effective court.

As Circuit Court Judge in Porter County, she handles a mix of civil and criminal cases, from malpractice to murder.  She oversees the juvenile justice center & leads the juvenile services team.  She presides over 3 problem solving courts (juvenile & family drug court, truancy court, and transformation (mental health) court) – two of which were implemented by her. She also leads the Alternative Dispute Resolution program and the local Domestic Violence Committee.

Judge DeBoer is a compassionate individual that cares greatly for others, eagerly contributes her leadership to worthy organizations, and has an approachable personality that would serve her well on the Court of Appeals. 

Judge DeBoer studied criminal justice & political science at Western Michigan University and received her J.D. from Valparaiso Law School.

Immediately before being appointed to the Circuit Court, DeBoer was a Magistrate Judge in the Porter Superior Court for eight years. Prior to that she served as a Deputy Prosecutor, Porter County and Starke County; Associate Attorney in private practice; Chief Probation Officer and Magistrate Judge, Starke County; and Adjunct Instructor, Brown Mackie College.

A date for DeBoer’s swearing in and robing ceremony will be determined by the Indiana Court of Appeals.

Click HERE for a headshot.