Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Is Stalking A Crime Of Domestic Violence?
Stalking is a criminal offense that only truly became known a few decades ago, with the first anti-stalking law being passed in 1990 in California. Florida’s law was passed in 1992, and sets out in detail the factors that must be present in a case for the law to apply. Because of its often… Read More »
First-Time Drug Offenders In Florida
For people who have never been in trouble with the law before, being arrested for drug possession can be a terrifying experience. Drug crimes are taken seriously in Florida, and because of this, sentences are harsh. Still, as a first-time offender, there are options available to you that may help you to avoid a… Read More »
Domestic Violence Can Be A Warning Sign For Worse
Domestic violence, also called intimate partner violence (IPV), is a phenomenon with many different forms. Someone may commit one crime of this type and vow to never do it again, and others may commit crimes of domestic violence because they feel they can. In early December, a domestic violence incident in Seminole County ended… Read More »
Prosecutor Seeks To Overturn Certain Drug Convictions
In the late 1980s, one of the more pernicious ways in which the Broward County Sheriff’s Office saw fit to try and deal with Florida’s burgeoning crack cocaine epidemic was to try and manufacture it themselves. Many Floridians were convicted of drug crimes when today, most of these offenses could be characterized as entrapment…. Read More »
Statutes Of Limitations & Domestic Violence Crimes
Crimes of domestic violence are taken seriously in Florida, with the law allowing additional penalties for convictions if the underlying offense has an element of intimate partner violence. However, the defendant also has the right to present their side of the story, including any defenses that they feel explain their behavior. One defense that… Read More »
Facts & Myths About Fentanyl Possession
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid, designed primarily for use in palliative care and surgery, particularly for cancer patients. However, its potency has unfortunately made it a highly-sought street drug. If you are found to have fentanyl unlawfully in your possession, you will face serious penalties under both state and federal law. That said, there… Read More »
The Consequences Of A Guilty Verdict In Domestic Violence Cases
Domestic violence is a far-too-common phenomenon, affecting at least a double-digit percentage of marriages in the United States. In most cases, a person found guilty of a crime of domestic violence will have to serve at least some jail time, plus paying fines and assorted court costs. However, there are far more potential consequences… Read More »
Is “Drugged Driving” A Crime in Florida?
Driving under the influence of alcohol is a crime in every U.S. state, seen as a crime against society rather than solely against individuals. Florida’s law is particularly serious, with jail time being a possibility even for first-time offenders. However, it is important to keep in mind that driving under the influence (DUI) applies… Read More »
Violating A Florida Domestic Violence Injunction
Domestic violence injunctions (DVIs) exist to protect alleged victims from mistreatment by their abusers. A court can grant a temporary or long-term injunction if an alleged victim can show the appropriate grounds that make it necessary, and if one is granted against you, it is crucial that you not try to contact your alleged… Read More »
Vehicle Searches & Drug Crimes
Drug crimes are by far the most common offenses in the United States, with Florida experiencing many of them simply due to its geography. Because of this, vehicle searches during traffic stops are quite common, with many officers on high alert for drugs being transported or smuggled. If you are stopped on a major… Read More »