Author Archives: Jay Butchko
What Happens When A Witness Is Not Available To Testify In A Criminal Trial?
In the United States of America, for a defendant to be convicted of a crime, the prosecutor is required to prove that they (the defendant) are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Often, in criminal cases, the strongest evidence of guilt that the prosecution can use is the direct testimony of a witness. Usually, the… Read More »
Some Basics On Probable Cause
In the U.S., law enforcement officers are required to uphold certain standards when doing their job. For example, a police officer cannot just walk up to you and arrest you without a valid reason. An officer also cannot conduct a search without a valid reason. In other words, in the United States of America,… Read More »
What Is Voir Dire And What Is Its Purpose?
In a criminal case, voir dire constitutes a crucial part of a jury trial for the defense and prosecution. Generally, voir dire is essential to the selection of a fair and impartial jury. Indeed, the desired outcome in a jury trial is different for the defense and prosecution. However, both the prosecution and defense… Read More »
Hate Crimes In NYC Are Up 76% Between January And April 2022 Compared To The First Quarter Of Last Year
According to CNN, the report from the Hate Crimes Task Force of the New York Police Department shows an increase in hate crimes in New York City by 76% in the first quarter of 2022, compared to the first quarter of last year. The report shows that in the first quarter of 2021, there… Read More »
Can A Victim Drop Your Criminal Charges In New York?
Several things can happen after you are charged with a criminal offense in New York. For example, if you do not hire a skilled criminal defense attorney, you might end up convicted even if you are innocent of the crime in question. On the other hand, if you hire a qualified attorney, you may… Read More »
Tips For Teenage Drivers When It Comes To Dealing With The Police During A Stop
Regardless of your age, it is scary to get pulled over by the police. No driver wants to see the red and blue lights in their rearview mirror. But the reality is that, as a driver, you cannot escape having an interaction with the police. If you are a teenage driver who just started… Read More »
New York Man Charged With Felony And Misdemeanor Hate Crimes For Attacking 7 Asian Women
On March 2, 2022, the NYPD arrested a man for allegedly attacking seven Asian women on the same day in late February. And on April 4, 2022, it was announced that the man had been indicted on misdemeanor hate crime and felony charges. Steven Zajonc, 28, is being charged with a misdemeanor hate crime,… Read More »
What Rights Do You Have If The Police Come Knocking At Your Door?
In the United States of America, the privacy of a person’s home is highly respected even in the Constitution. According to the Fourth Amendment to the Constitution, you have the right to be secure in your home and against unreasonable searches and seizures. In the U.S., the police cannot just enter your home anyhow…. Read More »
Should I Admit Guilt To My Criminal Defense Attorney?
After being arrested and charged with a crime, you need to retain a skilled criminal defense attorney as soon as you can. Whether you are facing misdemeanor or felony charges, hiring a criminal defense attorney can be very advantageous. An experienced criminal defense attorney can create a strong defense to help you fight your… Read More »
Some Basics On Appealing A Conviction
Being charged with a crime can be scary. But what is even scarier is being convicted. Fortunately, a guilty verdict does not necessarily mean the case is over. A defendant who believes they have been wrongfully convicted has options. For example, a defendant can file an appeal, which is a request to a higher… Read More »
