Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Domestic Violence Charges Are (Often) Public Record
Domestic violence is seen as a serious crime, with far-reaching effects that may reach others far beyond the initial alleged abuser and victim. If someone is convicted of a Florida domestic violence crime, the consequences can be quite harsh, from jail time to required counseling and restitution. In addition, most domestic violence-related convictions are,… Read More »
What To Do If You Find Drugs On The Beach
According to figures from the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), there are roughly 10,000 shipwrecks scattered around the United States, with as many as 5,000 in waters off or near Florida. It is not uncommon for storms to uncover wrecks, or even for people walking on the beach to stumble across artifacts or… Read More »
The Use Of A Police Report In Domestic Violence Cases
When you have been charged with domestic violence in Florida, it is crucial to take the proceedings very seriously, as being convicted of a domestic violence offense can lead to prison time and significant fines, among other restrictions that can stay with you even after you serve any sentence. One of the pieces of… Read More »
Should I Plea Bargain For A Florida Drug Offense?
A plea bargain is an agreement in a criminal case where a defendant and a state’s attorney work out an accord to save both the state and the defendant the stress and expense of a trial. If you have been charged with a drug offense, you may wonder if a plea bargain is a… Read More »
Dispelling Myths About Domestic Violence & Divorce
By far, the most domestic violence claims arise out of incidents that occur between spouses – the American Association for Marriage & Family Therapy estimates that as many as 20 percent of marriages will experience some form of intimate partner violence (IPV). That said, there are still several myths surrounding domestic violence cases that… Read More »
Defending Against Florida Drug Possession Charges
Florida is a state that takes drug crimes extremely seriously, due to its past as a cartel mecca – which means that if you are charged with drug possession, it is crucial you take it seriously. Even being caught with a relatively small amount of drugs can lead to time behind bars, and a… Read More »
How Does Florida Prosecute Domestic Violence?
Unlike some other U.S. states, Florida does not have a single criminal offense called ‘domestic violence’ on its books. Rather, domestic violence is seen as an umbrella under which individual offenses can acquire a ‘domestic’ character. If you have been charged with a criminal offense that may rise to the level of domestic violence,… Read More »
Explaining Florida Drug Free Zones
Drug free zones were created in Florida with the intention of curbing illegal activity in potentially important locations, such as schools, government buildings, assisted living facilities, and places of worship (among others). If someone is caught selling or otherwise distributing illegal drugs, they will face a more serious punishment (if convicted) than they would… Read More »
When You Truly Acted In Self-Defense
It is fairly common for domestic violence defendants in Florida to argue that they acted in self-defense even if this is not truly the case. If you are charged with domestic violence, but you truly did act in self-defense, you may be under the impression that you will not be believed in court. If… Read More »
Federal vs State Drug Charges
As most Floridians are aware, their state has some of the toughest drug laws in the United States. However, what may escape notice is that U.S. federal drug charges can be as tough or even tougher, with stiff mandatory minimum sentences still being upheld for most drug-related crimes. If you have been charged with… Read More »