Author Archives: Jay Butchko
How Can I Become Eligible for Jail Release?
When you are facing criminal charges or serving a criminal sentence that includes time in a jail, you might hear about the possibility of something known as “jail release.” There are different periods during the criminal justice process where jail release is possible, and options for jail release will depend on the specific facts… Read More »
Fourth Amendment Violations in Indiana Drug Cases
Being charged with a drug crime in Indiana is a serious thing. An Indiana drug crime conviction can have severe consequences. Possible consequences of a drug crime conviction in Indiana include imprisonment, fines, probation, and loss of professional licenses. Being convicted of a drug crime can also result in a criminal record that can… Read More »
What Happens if the Alleged Domestic Violence Victim Does Not Show Up at Trial?
Being charged with domestic violence in Indiana is a serious thing. Indiana takes the crime of domestic violence very seriously and imposes harsh consequences on anyone convicted of this offense. If you are convicted of domestic violence in Indiana, you could face several penalties, including incarceration, probation, and fines. One of the parties that… Read More »
6 Elements That Can Increase the Severity of a Drug Possession Charge in Indiana
Indiana takes the offense of drug possession very seriously. A drug possession conviction can have serious consequences that can impact a person’s life significantly. Being convicted of drug possession in Indiana can lead to, among other things, incarceration and fines. The exact consequences you face for a drug possession conviction in Indiana depend on… Read More »
The Consequences of Evading the Police in Indiana
When you learn that you are facing an arrest, it is normal to feel scared. There are only a handful of things that are scarier than getting arrested. If you are facing an arrest in Indiana, you may be tempted to evade the police by fleeing or resisting. However, fleeing and resisting the police… Read More »
What Is the Age of Consent in Indiana?
States in the U.S. have what is called the “age of consent.” The age of consent varies from one state to another, meaning that the age of consent in one state is not necessarily the age of consent in another state. Understanding the age of consent in your state is vital, as violating the… Read More »
Crucial Things To Understand About a Suspended or Revoked Driver’s License in Indiana
Often, people assume that driving is a legal right. In the United States, driving is not a constitutional right given to all residents. Instead, it is a privilege contingent upon responsible behavior. If a driver engages in irresponsible behavior, their driving privileges can be suspended or revoked. Facing a suspended or revoked license can… Read More »
Can I Be Convicted of Witness Testimony Alone?
When people think about the evidence needed to prove a criminal case, most think about DNA samples, surveillance footage, documents, fingerprints, and other physical evidence. When it comes to witness statements, people often assume that witness testimony alone cannot result in a conviction. People often assume that they cannot be convicted without some form… Read More »
Understanding the Castle Doctrine in Indiana
You wake up from sleep because you hear someone tiptoeing around the house. Frightened, you remember you own a gun, so you retrieve it. But are you justified in using deadly force against an intruder in your home? Aren’t you required to retreat if a safe retreat is possible? The answers to these questions… Read More »
Should I Make a Plea Agreement or Go to Trial?
Most criminal cases are resolved through an agreement of the parties, or trial. According to research, about 90 to 95 percent of criminal cases are resolved through an agreement. However, just because most criminal cases are resolved through plea bargaining does not mean you must accept a plea offer. Whether you should make a… Read More »