Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Traffic Stops: Were My Rights Violated?
Law enforcement officers in Indiana must adhere to a number of laws when they conduct a traffic stop. To be clear, if a police car pulls up behind you with its lights or sirens on, signaling that you should pull over, you do not instantly give up your rights. In fact, you have a… Read More »
What to Expect After a Parole Violation
If you are preparing for a hearing in connection with a parole violation in Indianapolis, what should you expect? It will be extremely important to understand what will happen when you go before the Indiana Parole Board and the possible consequences you could be facing depending on the Board’s decision. A parole violation can… Read More »
What Are the Differences Between Parole and Probation?
If you have been convicted of a criminal offense in Indiana, you will be sentenced based on the offense and the specific details of the case. Whether your sentence includes probation, or a prison sentence with the possibility of parole, it may not always be clear how parole and probation differ from one another…. Read More »
What is a Petition for Clemency in Indiana?
Whether you are currently serving a criminal sentence yourself in Indiana, or a loved one is serving a sentence, it is important to understand what is involved in a Petition for Clemency and whether it may be possible to file one. If a Petition for Clemency is granted, the person serving the criminal sentence… Read More »
Facing Charges for Sexual Misconduct with a Minor
Anyone who has been accused of a sex crime in Indiana or is facing charges for any sex crime needs to take their case extremely seriously. Unlike other types of criminal offenses in Indiana, a conviction for a sex crime or sex offense can result in required sex offender registration in addition to other… Read More »
What to Expect: OWI/DUI Charges
If you are pulled over on suspicion of operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OWI) in or around Indianapolis, or if you are arrested for an OWI after going through a sobriety checkpoint, it is essential to know what you should expect and what steps you will need to take in order to fight the… Read More »
What is “Possession with Intent” in Indiana?
There are different levels of drug crimes in Indiana, and the type of criminal charges you can face for possession of a controlled substance can depend on the amount of the controlled substance that was in your possession. Regardless of whether you have ever faced drug charges previously or known someone who has, you… Read More »
How Can I Seek an Expungement?
As anyone with a criminal arrest or conviction in the Indianapolis area knows, having a criminal record can have consequences that extend far beyond the initial arrest or conviction. Depending on the type of criminal offense for which you were convicted, your conviction can affect your ability to apply for and be hired for… Read More »
What Are Specialized Driving Privileges in Indiana?
Under Indiana law, a suspension of driving privileges can occur for a wide range of reasons, including refusal to submit to a chemical test, a criminal conviction, or the accumulation of excess points. Yet in most cases, “specialized driving privileges” are an available option to get back on the road lawfully. What do you… Read More »
What to Know About Fighting Civil Forfeiture in Indiana
Did you know that if you are arrested or charged with certain criminal offenses in Indiana, a law enforcement officer could seize your property? This type of action, known as “civil forfeiture.” This is a serious issue in Indiana, and many residents have found themselves in the incredibly difficult position of having their property… Read More »