Blog - Burke Law

Can Plea Negotiations Be Entered Against Me As Evidence?

Jessica Burke May 4, 2020

Plea negotiations cannot be entered as evidence against an accused at a jury trial. Vermont criminal defendants often worry that if they entertain plea offers or counter the prosecutor’s plea…

Vermont Criminal Jury Instructions

Jessica Burke April 30, 2020

How does a Vermont criminal jury know what the law is? Vermont criminal jury instructions are read to jurors before they deliberate on whether to find a criminal defendant “not…

What is Processing pursuant to an arrest?

Jessica Burke April 28, 2020

Processing is the common term in Vermont that refers to the post arrest tasks of taking a mug shot, fingerprinting, and filling out necessary paperwork.

Exculpatory Evidence

Jessica Burke April 24, 2020

Exculpatory evidence is evidence favorable to the defendant in a criminal trial that exonerates or tends to exonerate the defendant of guilt. It is the opposite of inculpatory evidence, which tends…

What is an Ignition Interlock Device?

Jessica Burke April 22, 2020

An ignition interlock device or breath alcohol ignition interlock device (IID or BAIID) is a breathalyzer for an individual’s vehicle. Ignition interlock devices are required in Vermont to obtain a…

Marijuana Market in Vermont

Jessica Burke April 20, 2020

Will there be an open and regulated marijuana market in Vermont? Back in February 2020, the Vermont House backed a bill that would allow retail marijuana dispensaries to open as…