Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Sex Crimes and Conditions of Probation
When a person is convicted of a criminal offense in Indiana and part of their sentence includes probation, there will be specific conditions of probation imposed by the court, as well as certain statutory conditions of probation under the Indiana Code, depending on the type of offense and other factors specific to the person… Read More »
What is a Sexually Violent Predator Classification?
Anyone in Indiana who is currently facing charges for a sex offense, including for any sex crime with a juvenile victim, should be working with a lawyer to understand the possible implications of a conviction and the best options for a defense. Individuals who are convicted of sex offenses, especially those involving juvenile victims,… Read More »
What is a Factual Basis for a Guilty Plea?
Were you recently arrested for a criminal offense in Indiana? If you are facing serious charges, especially felony charges, or if you have a prior history of a criminal conviction, you could be facing significant penalties under Indiana law if you are convicted. Accordingly, you may be wondering if it would make sense for… Read More »
Understanding the Offense of Child Solicitation
Sex offenses in Indiana involving juvenile victims are taken extremely seriously, and if you are facing charges, it is critical to develop the strongest possible defense in your case. In order to build a defense to the offense of child solicitation, it is important to understand how Indiana law specifically defines this offense and… Read More »
Understanding the Offense of Child Molesting
The Indiana Code includes a wide range of sex offenses that involve juvenile victims. These offenses fall under Chapter 4 of the Indiana Code, which focuses on sex crimes. The offenses involving juveniles within this chapter range from child molesting to inappropriate communication with a child, with various offenses in between. The specific offense… Read More »
Exclusionary Rule Exceptions and the Fourth Amendment
Under the Fourth Amendment of the US Constitution, law enforcement officers cannot conduct an unreasonable search or seizure of property. Through various Supreme Court cases, what that language has come to mean is that the Fourth Amendment protects you against a warrantless search and seizure unless the police have probable cause to conduct the… Read More »
What You Should Expect to Happen During a Traffic Stop
In order to protect yourself and your rights during a traffic stop in Indianapolis, it is essential to know what to expect when a law enforcement officer stops you. The following information can help you to understand what you should expect to happen during a traffic stop in Indiana. Emergency Lights Signaling for You… Read More »
What Are OWI/DUI Checkpoints?
Approaching a sobriety checkpoint, also known as an OWI checkpoint or DUI checkpoint, can be a stressful experience. If you are coming from dinner and have had a drink or two but feel sober and safe to drive, or from a required work social event in which alcohol was served, you may be concerned… Read More »
Am I Eligible to Apply for Clemency?
If you were previously convicted of a criminal offense and have served an extended period of time, you could be eligible to seek a form of relief that would reduce or commute your sentence. There are various circumstances in which a person convicted of an offense and serving a term of imprisonment may be… Read More »
What Are the Highest Drug Possession Felonies in Indiana?
While drug possession charges in Indiana do not result in the highest felony charges possible in the state, it is important to know and to understand that possession charges can nonetheless result in substantial felony charges. Upon conviction, certain types of possession offenses can result in sentencing for a Level 3 Felony, which can… Read More »