Author Archives: Jay Butchko
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 »
Places Where Carrying a Gun May Be Restricted in Indiana
The 2nd Amendment to the Constitution gives Americans the right to keep and bear firearms. Indiana supports the Second Amendment rights of its citizens. However, while Indiana allows its citizens to own and carry guns, the carrying of firearms may be restricted in some places to ensure public safety and maintain order. Despite being… Read More »
4 Ways To Challenge Breathalyzer Test Results
In Indiana, if you are suspected to be operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, a law enforcement officer may request you to take a breathalyzer test. You may also be asked to take a breathalyzer test if you are involved in an accident in which alcohol use is suspected. Indiana has implied… Read More »
Common Mistakes That Can Lead to Gun Charges in Indiana
Gun charges are among the most serious criminal charges you can face in Indiana. A conviction for a gun crime can come with serious consequences. For example, you could be sent to jail for years and asked to pay thousands of dollars in fines. Additionally, being convicted of a gun crime means that you… Read More »
If a Witness Is Not Available, Can The Prosecution Use Their Statement at Trial?
In a criminal case, witness testimonies are crucial in establishing the facts of the case. Witness testimonies can be the most persuasive evidence the prosecution uses in court. But what happens when a witness is not available to testify in person at trial? Can the state use a witness statement at trial if the… Read More »