Author Archives: Jay Butchko
What Are Indiana’s Confidential Informant Laws in Drug Cases?
Were you recently arrested for a drug offense in the Indianapolis area based on information that came from a confidential informant (or “CI,” for short)? Law enforcement officials frequently use confidential informants when they are investigating alleged drug crimes and seeking to make arrests. Yet it is important for you to know that there… Read More »
Should I Allow the Police to Search My Home or Car?
In general, the police or other law enforcement officers must have a valid warrant in order to conduct a search of your home, your property, or your person under the Fourth Amendment. There are exceptions, which means that some circumstances do arise in which law enforcement can legally conduct a warrantless search. Yet often,… Read More »
How Can I Erase My Drunk Driving Record?
Were you arrested for or convicted of operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OWI) in Indiana, and are you hoping to have this arrest or conviction removed from your record? There are many people who are in this position, especially when years have passed since an arrest or conviction and their criminal record is still… Read More »
Can I Change the Terms of My Sentence?
Were you recently convicted of a criminal offense that has come with a sentence of incarceration or probation, and you believe that there are reasons that your sentence should be modified or reduced? If so, it is important to know that it may be possible to modify your sentence, and that you do not… Read More »
What Are Collateral Actions in Expungements?
Do you have a criminal record that you want to have wiped clean, at least when it comes to public availability to view your record? If you have a criminal arrest or conviction on your record, it is important to talk with an expungement lawyer in Indianapolis so that you know when you may… Read More »
Expunging Misdemeanor Sex Offenses: Is It Possible?
Sex offenses of any type — even when it was only an arrest — can have serious consequences in a person’s life. Indeed, long after a sex offense arrest or conviction, the consequences often follow the person as they seek a new place to live or a new job, or even child custody of… Read More »
OWI Chemical Tests for Drugs
When a driver is stopped on suspicion of operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OWI) under IC 9-30-5, the law enforcement officer may ask the driver to agree to submit to a chemical test, which is required by Indiana’s implied consent law if the officer has probable cause that you were operating a vehicle while… Read More »
Can a Minor Be Charged with Sex Crimes Involving a Juvenile Victim?
Sex crimes with juvenile victims are charged under IC 35-42-4, and charges are frequently brought against adults who have been accused of engaging in some form of sexual activity or other sexual engagement with a minor. Indeed, many people assume that sex crimes involving juvenile victims almost always involve adults. However, a minor —… Read More »
What is the Age of Consent in Indiana?
In order for two people to engage in lawful sexual activity with one another, both parties must consent to engage in that sexual activity. Yet in many circumstances when a minor is involved, the minor is not of the “age of consent” under Indiana law. Each state has its own age of consent for… Read More »
Can Hearsay Be Used Against Me?
Are you currently facing criminal charges and concerned about how certain types of information might be used against you by the prosecution? Many people who are charged with a criminal offense in the Indianapolis area are particularly concerned about hearsay, and whether a statement made by a person at some point can be entered… Read More »