Author Archives: Jay Butchko
How Do Plea Deals Work in Indiana?
Most people have heard the term ‘plea deals’ or ‘plea bargains,’ at some point in their life. In many cases, people are familiar with these terms because they have seen them in movies and on television shows. In Indiana, plea deals are formally known as plea agreements, and when a person is charged with… Read More »
How Long Does an OWI Stay on Your Record in Indianapolis?
Operating while intoxicated (OWI), also commonly referred to as driving under the influence (DUI) charges are taken very seriously in Indiana. A conviction for this crime will have many negative impacts on your life, including your criminal and driving records. For this reason, many people wonder how long an OWI will stay on their… Read More »
What are Specialized Driving Privileges in Indiana?
Losing your driver’s license can feel like you have lost your independence. Going to work, getting to medical appointments, and taking your children to school are all daily tasks that can suddenly become immensely challenging. Although not all drivers are aware of it, you may be eligible for specialized driving privileges that can make… Read More »
How to Prepare for a Parole Board Hearing in Indiana
Parole Board hearings in Indiana are official proceedings that determine whether an offender should be released, placed on supervision, or be reincarcerated. If you have a hearing with the Parole Board approaching, it is important to know how to prepare. This often involves creating a comprehensive parole plan, showing that you are rehabilitated, accepting… Read More »
Pros and Cons of Plea Agreements
If you have been charged with a criminal offense, the prosecution will likely offer you a plea deal. A plea deal, also known as plea bargains or plea agreements, are essentially a negotiation between yourself, through your lawyer, and the prosecutor. In most cases, they involve pleading guilty to a charge and agreeing to… Read More »
Is it Entrapment When Law Enforcement Goes Undercover?
Entrapment is an affirmative defense that can be used in certain criminal cases. However, this defense is shrouded in myths and misconceptions, largely due to people basing their understanding on what they have seen in movies and television shows. When investigators and law enforcement officers go undercover, it does not necessarily constitute entrapment. The… Read More »
Things to Know About Probation and Drug Testing in Indianapolis
Drug testing is a very important part of probation. If you have been ordered to undergo drug testing as part of your probationary terms, it is critical that you do not fail these tests. Failing a drug test or violating any other terms of your probation can have serious consequences, including being sent back… Read More »
What are Defenses to Assault in Indiana?
In Indiana, there is not a statute that recognizes assault as a standalone offense. Instead, the Indiana Code lists the crime of intimidation as the closest legal definition of the offense commonly known as assault in other states. Intimidation in Indiana is the offense of threatening someone or behaving in a way that causes… Read More »
Understanding Your Rights During a Parole Revocation Hearing
If you have been accused of violating your parole conditions, you will likely have to attend a parole revocation hearing. This hearing is a legal proceeding heard before the Indiana Parole Board to determine if you have violated the conditions of your release. If it is proven that you have violated parole, the board… Read More »
What Happens if You Refuse a Field Sobriety Test in Indiana?
If police suspect you of operating while intoxicated (OWI) in Indiana, they will pull you over and try to determine if you are impaired. They will ask you a series of questions and may even ask you to submit to several tests. Some of these are known as field sobriety tests and require you… Read More »