Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Defenses In Florida Domestic Violence Cases
Domestic violence is an offense that is taken very seriously in Florida, because it is seen as a crime against society, not just against an individual victim. If a person is charged with a crime of domestic violence, they can face serious consequences depending on the nature of their situation. However, it is possible… Read More »
Possession Of Drug Paraphernalia Under Florida Law
There are many different types of drugs, and just as many different ways for humans to pack, sell, and ingest them. Because of this, items like syringes, water pipes, scales, rolling papers, scales and containers of all shapes and sizes may be classified as drug paraphernalia, and possession of these items may get a… Read More »
How Not To Violate A Florida Domestic Violence Injunction
Many incidents of domestic violence in Florida eventually involve one party (or in rare instances, both) seeking to obtain a domestic violence injunction (DVI) against the other person. While some people unwisely choose to violate the DVI against them, others are conscientious and actively seek to respect the court and its rulings. If you… Read More »
Explaining Florida Drug Trafficking
Florida law treats drug crimes very seriously, given its history with drug offenses and its habitually high use rate (statistics from the Florida Department of Health estimate that there were 316.8 drug arrests per 100,000 people, which is in the top quarter in the United States). Drug trafficking is seen as one of the… Read More »
Self-Defense In Florida Domestic Violence Cases
Normally, one does not contemplate the idea of self-defense against domestic violence. However, there are many instances where two people may get into a physical altercation, but one or both of them may feel that they are acting in self-defense. If you have been charged with a domestic violence offense in Florida, but you… Read More »
Arrested In Florida, Live Out Of State – What Do I Do?
Tourism is arguably the most important part of Florida’s economy, with approximately 104 million travelers visiting the state in the first three quarters of 2022 (about a 15 percent increase over 2021). Travelers love Florida for its weather and on-the-go lifestyle, but sometimes, it is all too easy to make bad decisions or get… Read More »
How Is Bail Handled In Florida Domestic Violence Cases?
Domestic violence is seen as a serious offense under Florida law, with really extreme cases being cause for long prison sentences. In situations where the offense is less severe, the average domestic violence defendant may try to obtain release on bail, as one can do with most other crimes. While some domestic violence-related crimes… Read More »
Can First-Time Florida Drug Offenders Go To Jail?
If you have been charged with a Florida drug offense for the first time, emotions are likely running high. Dealing with law enforcement can be frightening for someone who has never been in trouble with the law before – but it is crucial to understand how high the stakes may be in your case,… Read More »
Children Witnessing Domestic Violence
Crimes of domestic violence are taken very seriously in Florida, but an extra layer of significance is taken on when minor children are involved. Statistics show that over 25 percent of U.S. minor children have been exposed to family violence during their lifetimes, and the effects of this exposure can be profound. Because of… Read More »
Two Charged With Distributing Cocaine Through Postal Service
In October 2022, a Lakewood Ranch mail carrier and her boyfriend were indicted by a grand jury in Tampa, accused of possession with intent to distribute and conspiracy to distribute over 5 kilograms of cocaine. The mail carrier would allegedly receive parcels from Puerto Rico for delivery in Florida, but a multi-agency investigation showed… Read More »