Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Sentences For Drug Crimes Harsher In Certain Locations
In Florida, there are certain physical locations that the legislature has designated ‘drug-free zones.’ While the state regulates possession of illegal drugs severely everywhere, possessing or selling them in drug-free zones is seen as a greater crime against society, and because of this, courts tend to impose much harsher sentences on those who are… Read More »
WBA Boxing Champ Arrested In Parkland After Domestic Dispute
A 28-year old man who previously held titles in the World Boxing Association (WBA) and International Boxing Federation (IBF) was arrested on December 26, 2022, being charged with domestic violence causing bodily harm. 911 calls from his alleged victim were made from the home, saying she was trying to flee but being prevented from… Read More »
How Does Florida’s Marchman Act Apply To Drug Offenders?
Florida is the U.S. state with some of the harshest drug-related sentences in the nation, mostly due to its past history with both illegal drugs smuggled in, and prescription “pill mills” operating with the pretense of legality. As such, if a person is arrested and charged with a drug offense, their status as a… Read More »
Domestic Violence And False Imprisonment
The average person who hears the term “false imprisonment” may think of a fairly dire picture – a person locked in a dark room, tied up and blindfolded. In reality, the definition of false imprisonment in Florida is to “forcibly or by threat” imprison a person without lawful authority and without their consent. This… Read More »
New Data Shows Decrease In Opioid Deaths In Palm Beach County
In late 2022, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement Annual Medical Examiners Report was released, with interesting new data on drug deaths in the state. According to the report, opioid deaths in Palm Beach County decreased by approximately 15 percent, while the total numbers statewide were up around 5 percent. While more and more… Read More »
How Does Domestic Violence Affect Young Children?
An incident of domestic violence affects not only the people involved, but everyone else in the home and affected by the relationship as well. Young children are among those who experience the most upheaval and trauma, and Florida courts are vested in always trying to act in the best interests of the child. If… Read More »
Defining Florida Drug Trafficking
The average Floridian is generally able to define drug possession or drug dealing, but defining drug trafficking can be more difficult. Trafficking is seen as the behavior of cartel kingpins, when in reality, it is far too easy for the proverbial man on the street to be charged with drug trafficking. If you are… Read More »
Ex Parte Vs Final Domestic Violence Injunctions
When you have been charged with a crime of domestic violence in Florida, you may find yourself being served with a domestic violence injunction (DVI), which may require you to do things like stay a certain distance away from your alleged victim, or to temporarily lose access to your children. It is not uncommon… Read More »
Florida Drug Charges Are Serious
If one reads the news, they can see coverage of drug busts on most days of the week. However, what many are unaware of is that a ‘drug bust’ can encompass several different drug offenses. If someone is charged with a drug crime in Florida, they may not be aware of how varied Florida… Read More »
Can A Domestic Violence Case Progress Without Victim Testimony?
In quite a few domestic violence cases, the testimony of the alleged victim is the cornerstone of the prosecution’s case. Without it, a state’s attorney may choose not to prosecute. However, it is crucial to understand that this is not always the case. Whether or not a domestic violence case will progress is almost… Read More »