Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Florida May Consider “Hope Card” Program
When a victim of domestic violence obtains an injunction (a DVI) against their abuser, it is with the intent that the injunction be read and honored – however, there are situations in which a physical copy of an injunction can be too long and cumbersome to keep on hand, and the DVI must be… Read More »
Mailing Controlled Substances Is A Federal Crime
As of February 1, 2024, 25 U.S. states have legalized cannabis for both medical and recreational purposes, while 14 more have either medical cannabis programs, or have decriminalized certain small amounts used recreationally. Florida is one of the former, though its nearest neighbors either bar the use of cannabis completely, or restrict its legal… Read More »
25-Year Sentence For Head Of Drug Trafficking Ring
In late November 2023, a Leon County jury handed down a 25-year sentence to a man convicted of drug and firearms charges, most notably conspiracy to traffick cocaine weighing over 400 grams. Florida’s Department of Law Enforcement had been building a case against the man for several months, eventually learning that he made routine… Read More »
“Gabby Petito Act” Proposed In Florida Senate
It is a sad truism that many victims of intimate partner violence (IPV) pay the ultimate price, often because the system simply fails them. The 2021 murder of Gabby Petito caused awareness of this issue to rise, but very little changed in the legal system. In early December 2023, two Florida legislators used the… Read More »
Probable Cause & Drug-Sniffing Dogs
If you are ever stopped by law enforcement on suspicion of possessing illegal drugs, it can be a scary experience even if you have nothing to hide. Because of this, it is all too easy for many to remain unaware of their rights in such a situation, especially when all the stops are pulled… Read More »
Do You Have A Domestic Violence Injunction Against You?
Domestic violence is seen as a very serious offense in Florida, and if someone has been the victim of a domestic violence incident, the legal system is set up to protect them in the shape of an injunction – also known as a restraining order. Long-term injunctions are only granted after hearings, where both… Read More »
Domestic Violence Charges & Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” Law
Florida is one of the states that has what is known as a “Stand Your Ground” law, which is intended to clarify the situations in which a person can use force in self-defense. However, there are still questions surrounding its use in specific situations, particularly in cases where domestic violence is a factor. If… Read More »
44 Pounds Of Fentanyl & Cocaine Found In Boynton Beach Bust
In early December 2023, an 18-month long investigation by the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBCSO) and the Boynton Beach Police Department (BBPD) led to the arrests of 16 people, all allegedly complicit in the trafficking of fentanyl and cocaine into Florida. With the evidence gathered, 20 firearms and 8 vehicles were seized, along… Read More »
Is Character Evidence Admissible In Domestic Violence Cases?
Domestic violence is considered a serious crime in Florida, as it should be. While defendants accused of domestic violence offenses have the same rights as anyone else, there are some slight variations that can be an unpleasant surprise to someone who is unaware. One of the main ways domestic violence cases differ from other… Read More »
Uncharged Conduct In Federal Drug Cases
When a person is convicted of a federal drug offense in Florida, they must be sentenced, and Florida generally prosecutes drug offenses aggressively. As a result, any factor in sentencing that can be entertained lawfully usually is. The issue of uncharged conduct – that is, conduct that might be criminal, but was not charged… Read More »