On January 9, 2007, Van Bokkelen was nominated by President George W. Bush to a seat  on the United States District Court for the Northern District of Indiana vacated by Rodolfo Lozano.
Van Bokkelen was confirmed by the United States Senate on June 28, 2007, and received his commission on July 18, 2007.
He assumed senior status on September 29, 2017.
On January 9, 2007, Van Bokkelen was nominated by President George W. Bush to a seat  on the United States District Court for the Northern District of Indiana vacated by Rodolfo Lozano. Van Bokkelen was confirmed by the United States Senate on June 28, 2007, and received his commission on July 18, 2007. He assumed senior status on September 29, 2017.
Joseph S. Van Bokkelen