Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Should I Consider a Plea Agreement?
If you are facing any type of criminal charges in the Indianapolis area and have begun researching defense options or ways of reducing the possible penalties you could face, you may be wondering if you should consider something known as a “plea agreement,” which is also sometimes known more colloquially as a “plea bargain.”… Read More »
Understanding Different Assault-Related Charges in Indiana
The term “assault” is often used relatively broadly to refer to a general type of violent criminal offense in which a person’s physical harm is threatened, or in which a person experiences actual bodily injury. It is important to understand that Indiana law does not have a specific criminal offense for an “assault,” but… Read More »
Search Warrant Affidavit Exceptions: Were My Rights Violated?
If you were recently arrested after a search that resulted in the discovery of a controlled substance, an unlawful firearm, or any other object or evidence that resulted in your arrest, one of the first things you might be wondering is this: was the search lawful? This is a critical question to ask because,… Read More »
What Are My Rights During a Traffic Stop?
When you are stopped by any law enforcement officer in the Indianapolis area or elsewhere in Indiana, it is essential to know that you have rights. These rights apply whether you are the driver of a vehicle that has been stopped, or a passenger in the vehicle. These rights exist under Indiana state law,… Read More »
Three Things to Know About Hearsay and Your Defense
When a person is arrested and charged with a criminal offense in Indiana, the issue of “hearsay” might come into the case. Under Rule 801 of the Indiana Rules of Evidence, hearsay is defined as a “statement that” either “is not made by the declarant while testifying at the trial or hearing” or “is… Read More »
Traffic Stops: Were My Rights Violated?
Law enforcement officers in Indiana must adhere to a number of laws when they conduct a traffic stop. To be clear, if a police car pulls up behind you with its lights or sirens on, signaling that you should pull over, you do not instantly give up your rights. In fact, you have a… Read More »
What to Expect After a Parole Violation
If you are preparing for a hearing in connection with a parole violation in Indianapolis, what should you expect? It will be extremely important to understand what will happen when you go before the Indiana Parole Board and the possible consequences you could be facing depending on the Board’s decision. A parole violation can… Read More »
What Are the Differences Between Parole and Probation?
If you have been convicted of a criminal offense in Indiana, you will be sentenced based on the offense and the specific details of the case. Whether your sentence includes probation, or a prison sentence with the possibility of parole, it may not always be clear how parole and probation differ from one another…. Read More »
What is a Petition for Clemency in Indiana?
Whether you are currently serving a criminal sentence yourself in Indiana, or a loved one is serving a sentence, it is important to understand what is involved in a Petition for Clemency and whether it may be possible to file one. If a Petition for Clemency is granted, the person serving the criminal sentence… Read More »
Facing Charges for Sexual Misconduct with a Minor
Anyone who has been accused of a sex crime in Indiana or is facing charges for any sex crime needs to take their case extremely seriously. Unlike other types of criminal offenses in Indiana, a conviction for a sex crime or sex offense can result in required sex offender registration in addition to other… Read More »