Author Archives: Jay Butchko
“Standing Your Ground” And Domestic Violence
Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” (SYG) law came to the public consciousness in the context of homicides, but what many do not know is that it also applies to home invasion scenarios and, sometimes, to crimes of domestic violence. In general, SYG laws codify the amount of force that is proportional to use against an… Read More »
Florida Drug Possession Charges
Drug possession is one of the most common offenses in Florida, and it can appear deceptively simple, particularly for those who have never been in trouble with the law before. In some cases, however, a possession charge can be more complicated, with several little details to clarify and defend against. If you have been… Read More »
Domestic Violence Convictions Have Long-Term Consequences
Being convicted of a crime is shameful for many people, particularly when it is an intimate offense like a crime of domestic violence. In Florida, this type of conviction can feel even worse, because, like in many other states, a domestic violence conviction in Florida carries long-term social, legal, and potentially financial consequences even… Read More »
Florida Beaches Sometimes See Unexpected Surprises
The state of Florida has historically been a center of drug trafficking and sale, leaving scars on the state’s jurisprudence and its population. Its location at the nexus of multiple seas and oceans has made it unfortunately common for drugs to slip into the state via water – however, sometimes the loads do not… Read More »
Myth Busting Domestic Violence Injunctions
Domestic violence injunctions (DVIs) are sometimes seen as these mythical weapons that can stop an abuser in their tracks. Unfortunately, this is not the case – and while a DVI can be a useful tool for many abuse victims, there is also a fair amount of misinformation about them that gets passed around people… Read More »
Man Charged With Murder By Distribution Of Controlled Substance
In late March 2026, a Manatee County man was charged with murder after it was established that he sold drugs to an Ellenton man who later overdosed. The overdose occurred in 2025, but the Manatee County man was not charged until the evidence to link him with the death was fully established. While it… Read More »
Domestic Violence Reform Law Ready For Governor’s Signature
In early 2026, a law seeking to make major reforms to Florida’s domestic violence statute passed the House and the Senate. As of this writing, it now awaits the governor’s signature, with bipartisan support from both houses. If passed, this bill would ensure that more resources are available for survivors and more factors are… Read More »
Drug Offenses & Clemency
Florida prosecutes drug offenses very aggressively, being one of the few states to retain mandatory minimum sentences for drug-related crimes. If a person is convicted of a drug-related offense, it is likely that the sentence imposed will be quite severe. If nothing else, though, a convicted person may hold out hope for clemency from… Read More »
Hearsay Exceptions & Domestic Violence Cases
As most people know, any domestic violence case will hinge upon the quality of evidence offered. However, not every piece of testimony or object will be admissible in court as evidence. One of the major reasons why is because of a legal concept called hearsay – but sometimes, simple errors of procedure by law… Read More »
Fentanyl Trafficking In Florida
For years now, the bête noire of Florida law enforcement has been fentanyl. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid, reputed to have around 50 times the strength of heroin, and it has become more and more popular in recent years, playing a role in a higher number of overdoses each year since 2020. Possession of… Read More »