Author Archives: Jay Butchko
When Officers Ask for Consent to Search Your Vehicle During a Traffic Stop
Knowing your rights during a traffic stop can be the difference between driving away from the stop freely and being arrested by a law enforcement officer. During a traffic stop, a motorist has a wide range of rights under federal and state law, but today, we want to focus on your rights when you… Read More »
What is a Parole Violation Hearing?
Were you released on parole, only to face allegations that you have violated the terms of your parole? If so, you are now likely facing a parole violation hearing, at which your future will be decided. Parole violation hearings can be extremely stressful for parolees and for their families, especially since the outcome of… Read More »
What Are the Penalties for Sex Offenses Involving Juvenile Victims?
If you are facing any type of sex crime charges and the alleged victim is a juvenile, it is critical to understand that you are facing charges for which, if you are convicted, you could be facing a very harsh sentence. Even a first-time offender can face a lengthy prison sentence. You may be… Read More »
What Are Possible Defenses to Possession of Child Pornography?
Whether you, or someone you are close with, are currently facing charges for child exploitation or possession of child pornography, you need to begin working on a defense with an attorney as quickly as possible. You may be wondering what defense strategies could be available to you, and whether any common defenses are likely… Read More »
Defenses in Indiana DUI Cases
Charges for intoxicated driving in Indiana need to be taken extremely seriously since convictions can result in harsh consequences. Impaired driving as a result of substance or alcohol use in Indiana is typically charged under IC 9-30-5-1 for operating a vehicle while intoxicated, formerly known more commonly as a DUI. The level of the… Read More »
Underage OWI/DUI and Other Alcohol Charges
Minors, as well as adults under the age of 21, can face serious charges if they are stopped for driving with any alcohol in their systems at all, and they can even face charges simply for the possession or consumption of an alcoholic beverage. Anybody under the age of 21 who is facing OWI… Read More »
Can a Confidential Informant’s Statements Be Used Against Me in a Drug Case?
If you have been arrested in connection with a drug offense in Indiana and are facing charges for a serious drug crime, you may learn that law enforcement obtained evidence against you in order to bring the charges based on information supplied by a confidential informant. Finding out that law enforcement made use of… Read More »
Entrapment as a Defense in Drug Cases
Drug arrests often occur when a person is allegedly caught trying to purchase drugs from another party. In some cases, the party selling the drugs is an undercover law enforcement officer, and a drug crimes arrest quickly ensues. If you were arrested and have been charged with a drug offense after making a purchase… Read More »
Is There a Difference Between Record Sealing and Expungement?
If you have any type of criminal record and you do not want others — from general members of the public to potential employers or landlords — to be able to see what is contained in your criminal record, you may have started looking into record sealing and expungement. Under IC 35-38-9, all statutory… Read More »
Understanding Indiana’s Second Chance Law for Criminal Matters
Anyone who has been arrested for a criminal offense (even if they were not convicted) or charged with and convicted of a criminal offense knows how consequential these records can be. Even for misdemeanor offenses, and certainly for felony offenses, criminal records can follow a person and have a significant impact on their lives… Read More »