Author Archives: Jay Butchko
What Is The Difference Between A “Concurrent” And “Consecutive” Criminal Sentence In Indiana?
In many criminal cases the defendant is not charged with a single offense. A single “criminal episode” can lead to multiple charges. For example, a person might be charged with both a drug and a weapons offense arising from the same traffic stop. Each offense subsequently carries its own potential criminal penalty in terms… Read More »
Can An Indiana Judge Reject A Plea Agreement?
Most criminal cases never make it to a jury trial. Instead, it is common for the prosecution and the defendant to enter into a plea bargain or plea agreement of some kind. For example, the prosecution might agree to reduce a felony charge to a misdemeanor in exchange for a guilty plea. Both sides… Read More »
How Drug Dealing Can Lead To 40 Years In Prison In Indiana
Thousands of people are charged with possessing and dealing controlled substances–i.e., illegal drugs–each year. Many of these cases are quickly elevated to felony charges based on special circumstances. For example, under Indiana law if a person distributes cocaine, methamphetamine, or a similar controlled substance that results in someone’s death, that dealer can be charged… Read More »
What Are The Charges For Marijuana Crimes In Indiana?
Right now, marijuana is legal in 37 states. Indiana is not one of those states. Growing, possessing, and selling marijuana in Indiana is still illegal and regularly prosecuted. The Legality Of Marijuana In Indiana Marijuana is illegal in Indiana and, as such, the basic Possession of Marijuana is a Class B misdemeanor. If “dealing”… Read More »
Charges For Theft, Burglary, And Robbery In Indiana
Within the State of Indiana, theft, burglary, and robbery are considered different crimes. Each one of these crimes is defined differently and comes with its own unique charges. What Is Theft? Theft is defined as “knowingly or intentionally exerting unauthorized control over property of another person, with intent to deprive the other person of… Read More »
When Is Expungement Possible?
Everyone makes mistakes. But, when these mistakes are illegal, the record of them occurring can end up on a criminal record and affect that individual’s life. Fortunately, though, many who live in Indiana and possess a criminal record are eligible for something called “expungement.” Expungements in Indian will either seal the record from public… Read More »
What Are Your Obligations & Rights During A Traffic Stop?
No matter the suspected offense, every driver has a specific set of rights that they can, and should, exercise during a traffic stop. Every police officer has a specific set of rules and regulations that they must follow. An improper traffic stop is unconstitutional and a violation of the driver’s rights. As a result… Read More »
What Do You Need To Know About A Lifetime License Suspension?
A lifetime license suspension makes life far more difficult than it needs to be. Going about day-to-day tasks, such as grocery shopping and getting to work, requires far more time and energy than it normally would. Luckily, in Indiana, they no longer issue lifetime license suspensions. But, if a lifetime suspension has already been… Read More »
Specialized Driving Privileges
A suspended license makes life far more difficult than it needs to be. A particularly long license suspension can change the trajectory of one’s life. Fortunately, though, there is a potential solution: specialized driving privileges. Even those with an especially long license suspension can be eligible for specialized driving privileges. What Are Specialized Driving… Read More »
Sex Crimes With A Juvenile Victim
In Indiana, sex crimes with a juvenile victim are punished harshly. Most convictions result in a prison sentence, fine, and sex offender registration. Different Types Of Sex Crimes Within the state of Indiana, there are a variety of felonious sex crimes that specifically involve juvenile victims. The most common types of felonious sex crimes,… Read More »