Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Cyberstalking & Domestic Violence
In Florida, ‘domestic violence’ is a wide umbrella term, with many offenses falling under that purview if they meet certain criteria. Stalking and cyberstalking are two of the crimes that may qualify as domestic violence offenses, but this can be a shock to someone whose intent is not to cause any kind of emotional… Read More »
What Are Drug “Schedules”?
The average person does not tend to think about just how many substances they may use in their lifetime, even if they never choose to use drugs recreationally. Because science is continually inventing and refining drugs, both legal and illegal, the U.S. legal system has adopted what are known as ‘schedules’ to classify and… Read More »
Florida Law Protects Pets From Domestic Violence, Too
Data reported by Forbes estimates that roughly two-thirds of U.S. households have at least one pet as of 2024. Unfortunately, this can sometimes make these beloved animals targets for abusers in domestic violence situations. In recent years, Florida law has changed, giving a measure of protection to pets in domestic violence situations – which… Read More »
Florida ’Grow House’ Law
A grow house is loosely defined as any indoor property used to grow controlled substances (most often, cannabis plants). Florida has historically ranked highly in terms of the number of grow houses in action at any point, with the 2010s seeing significant numbers of raids each year. If you have been accused of operating… Read More »
Allegations Of Domestic Violence Must Be “Timely”
As with most other offenses, crimes of domestic violence must be brought before the legal system within a certain time period, usually codified in a statute of limitations. However, even within the statute of limitations, courts may sometimes rule that domestic violence allegations are “untimely.” If you have been charged with a domestic violence… Read More »
Driving On Drugs Is A Crime
Cannabis is a drug that has a dedicated base of users, with many claiming it is safer than drinking alcohol. While the proverbial jury may still be out on that score, it is important for drug users in general to understand that driving a car while under the influence of drugs, cannabis included, is… Read More »
The Process Of A Domestic Violence Charge
Being arrested, particularly for an offense you did not commit, can be a truly traumatizing experience. Florida law enforcement will often arrest one participant in a domestic dispute, and if it turns out to be you, it can be frightening to be unsure of what might lie ahead. This is particularly true if you… Read More »
What Are Florida Inchoate Offenses?
Because Florida takes drug offenses very seriously, you may have either been charged with, or have heard of someone else charged with, conspiracy to buy, sell, or traffic drugs. Conspiracy is one of three offenses recognized in Florida as what are called ‘inchoate’ offenses; that is, actions that are criminal even if they fail… Read More »
Common Florida Domestic Violence Defenses
If you have been accused of a crime of domestic violence, it is crucial to take the charges seriously. Florida does not have a specific singular crime of domestic violence; rather, a person is charged with the underlying offense. Regardless, it is crucial to have an attorney on your side to help defend you,… Read More »
Can Law Enforcement Take My Property After A Drug Arrest?
In late August 2025, a press conference in Polk County to discuss the aftermath of a drug bust included Sheriff Grady Judd donning a large gold chain and bracelet, ostensibly to make a point about the dangers of selling or trafficking drugs. The sheriff tried to draw a line between the “drip” and the… Read More »