Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Reasons NOT To Represent Yourself in Your Indianapolis Criminal Case (Part 1)
If you are facing criminal charges in Indianapolis, you have the right to represent yourself. This is called going “pro se.” Representing yourself in your criminal case may seem like a cost-effective option, but before you decide to take this route, you should know that there are significant risks involved. If you are facing… Read More »
Social Media Can Impact Your Indiana Criminal Case
Social media is an integral part of our lives. Research shows that seven in ten Americans use social media for various reasons. People use social media to connect, share information, learn about what is happening around the world, and entertain themselves. However, it is vital to note that when social media plays an integral… Read More »
What To Do if You Are Falsely Accused of Committing a Crime in Indianapolis?
One of the worst things that could happen in life would be being falsely accused of committing a crime. Unfortunately, testimony evidence, alone, can be enough for the State to bring criminal charges. In Indiana, testimony evidence alone, if believed by the Judge or Jury, can result in a criminal conviction. False accusations could… Read More »
5 Tips for Those on Probation or Parole
Probation and parole are opportunities for people charged and convicted of a crime. Probation is when an offender is released into the community instead of being sent to jail or prison and is subjected to supervision. On the other hand, parole is when a convict is released from prison before they complete their sentence…. Read More »
Crucial Steps To Take if You Are Facing Probation Violation Accusations in Indianapolis
After a person is charged and found guilty of a crime in Indianapolis, one possible sentence the court may impose is probation. Probation allows an offender to serve all or part of their sentence in the community under the supervision of a probation officer instead of in jail. When you are sentenced to probation,… Read More »
Sex Crimes in Indiana: Defending Against Allegations and Protecting Your Rights
The state of Indiana takes prosecuting sex crimes very seriously. The penalties for sex crimes in Indiana can be harsh. Penalties for sex crimes in Indiana include, lengthy imprisonment, hefty fines, and having to register with the Indiana Sex Offender Registry. On top of criminal penalties, a person convicted of a sex crime in… Read More »
Misdemeanor vs. Felony Charges in Indiana: Understanding the Differences
Like most states, Indiana has different categories of criminal charges. In Indianapolis, and the whole of Indiana, crimes are categorized into felonies and misdemeanors. When a person is arrested and charged with a crime in Indiana, they are either charged with a misdemeanor or felony. It is vital that you understand the difference between… Read More »
Theft Charges in Indiana: Definitions, Penalties, and Legal Defenses
Theft is one of the most commonly charged offenses in Indiana. If you have been arrested and charged with theft in Indiana, it is crucial that you understand the legal definitions of this offense. You also need to understand the potential penalties of theft in Indiana and the possible defenses to theft charges. Our… Read More »
Understanding Miranda Rights
As criminal defense attorneys, people call us after they have been approached by law enforcement officers, expressing their concerns about their Miranda rights not being read to them. If the police have recently approached you, you may be wondering about your Miranda rights. Often, people assume that the police must read Miranda warnings at… Read More »
Understanding the Difference Between a Charge and a Conviction
Have you been arrested and charged? If so, you may wonder if being charged with a crime is the same as being convicted. You are probably wondering this because you hear these two words being used a lot around you. It is crucial to note that being charged is different from being convicted. Sometimes,… Read More »