Author Archives: Jay Butchko
What Is – And Is Not – Domestic Violence In Florida
The definition of domestic violence in Florida is necessarily wide-ranging, as several types of criminal offenses may fall under that proverbial umbrella. The legislature intended to extend that umbrella as far as possible, so that more victims could seek justice – but sometimes, domestic violence may not actually be the right charge for someone… Read More »
Suppressing Evidence In Drug Possession Cases
If you have been charged with drug possession in Florida, the strength of the state’s evidence against you will determine your ultimate fate. There are specific criteria that must be established by the state in order to establish a person’s guilt, and those criteria must have evidence to back them up. However, it is… Read More »
The “Reasonable Person” Standard in Florida Domestic Violence Cases
Domestic violence is seen as a serious crime in Florida, but not every allegation will lead to a protection order and charges. The average person may think that the victim’s testimony is enough to obtain a domestic violence injunction against their alleged abuser, but Florida (and most other jurisdictions) observe what is known as… Read More »
Understanding Constructive Possession In Florida Drug Cases
Florida, with its past history of drug use and abuse, takes drug offenses very seriously. Even relatively minor crimes like simple possession can lead to jail time if the facts of your situation are seen to merit it. What many are unaware of is that under Florida law, a person can conceivably be charged… Read More »
What Is Conspiracy To Commit A Drug Offense?
Normally, in order to try a person for a crime, they must have allegedly committed the offense in question. There are only a handful of exceptions to this dictum, and one of them is the offense of conspiracy. Conspiracy is one of the crimes known as “inchoate offenses,” which means that they are incomplete… Read More »
Riverview Domestic Violence Dispute Ends Peacefully
In May 2023, police were able to free a woman being held against her will in a ‘domestic dispute’ happening in a Riverview apartment. Hostage negotiators were called in, and were successful in getting the suspect to release the woman unharmed. He later surrendered to police, and while there is no word as of… Read More »
Possession With Intent To “Sell, Manufacture, Or Deliver”
Florida has a long history of drug crime, with its history as a hotbed of smuggling from the Prohibition era onwards. Because of this, any drug-related crime is taken very seriously by law enforcement. Those charged with simple possession (that is, possession of drugs for one’s own use) will generally face less serious charges… Read More »
Restraining Order Violations Do More Harm Than Good
If you are facing charges of domestic violence, you may be served with a Florida domestic violence injunction (DVI). Designed to protect your alleged victim, a DVI imposes certain restrictions on you, depending on the specifics of your case. It may seem like a good idea to ignore this document, especially if you believe… Read More »
Consequences Of A Florida Domestic Violence Conviction
If a person has been convicted of domestic violence in Florida, their life going forward will be fundamentally different, at least for the next handful of years, if not forever. Even if a person is somehow able to avoid jail time, they will face consequences in many different areas of life, including at work… Read More »
What Are The Penalties For Growing Marijuana In Florida?
As of this writing, the use of marijuana is legal in Florida for those who possess a valid medical card granting them that right. It is not legal to possess, sell, or use recreationally – but in many other states, it is legal for a marijuana user to cultivate a small amount from seeds… Read More »