Author Archives: Jay Butchko
How Is A Domestic Violence Case Affected When A Victim Won’t Testify?
In a standard domestic violence case, the role of the alleged victim is important, because it is often only their testimony that can establish that domestic violence actually occurred. However, it is not at all uncommon for the alleged victim in a domestic violence case to suddenly refuse to testify against their alleged abuser,… Read More »
Explaining Constructive Possession In Florida Drug Cases
When a person is stopped on suspicion of possessing drugs, the concept of “possession” may seem fairly straightforward. However, the legal definition of that word is more complex than the average person might think. The concept of constructive possession may apply in your case, and it refers to a situation when a person exercises… Read More »
Domestic Violence Has Become More Deadly
Statistics from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement estimate that approximately 106,000 instances of domestic violence crimes were reported in 2020. While this was only a slight rise from the previous year’s 105,300, experts who work with domestic violence survivors have documented a significant change in pattern – during 2020, more victims sustained more… Read More »
Recreational Marijuana May Be On Ballot In 2024 … But Still Illegal For Now
In August 2022, a proposed constitutional amendment was filed in Tallahassee with the intention of legalizing certain small amounts of marijuana for recreational use in Florida. The Adult Personal Use of Marijuana Act (APUMA) would enable adults to purchase and use small amounts of cannabis for “non-medical personal consumption.” The amendment is likely to… Read More »
Expunging A Domestic Violence Arrest Or Conviction
A person who has been arrested for a crime of domestic violence in Florida should be aware that they are facing serious charges. Florida law does not recognize just one crime called ‘domestic violence;’ rather, the state will charge a person with the underlying offense (such as assault, battery, or false imprisonment) and treat… Read More »
“Candy-Colored” Fentanyl Showing Up On Black Market
As summer turns into fall, officials on Florida’s Treasure Coast are starting to see a new variety of drugs turn up: fentanyl pills, in a “candy-colored” shell, intended to appeal to younger people. In recent weeks, the pills have been spotted in drug busts in St. Lucie County, and Attorney General Ashley Moody has… Read More »
Possible Prison Sentences After A Domestic Violence Conviction
As one might imagine, the best way to avoid a domestic violence conviction in Florida is to not commit domestic violence. If you have been arrested and charged with a domestic violence offense, know that you are facing jail time if convicted – however, the law can be somewhat misleading to someone who has… Read More »
Have You Been Charged With Federal Drug Offenses In Florida?
Drug offenses are taken very seriously in Florida, due to the state’s past history and its international borders that see a lot of trafficking. Both state and federal law enforcement routinely file charges against those who are stopped with illegal substances, but the average person tends to wrongly think that federal charges will be… Read More »
Orders Of Protection In Florida Domestic Violence Cases
When a person has been the victim of domestic violence, or they have a reasonable fear that they are about to become the victim of domestic violence, Florida allows them to seek what is known as an order of protection against their alleged abuser. This gives the victim a measure of safety, but allows… Read More »
Alleged Drug Dealer Takes Plea Deal In Overdose Death
In late August 2022, a South Tampa drug dealer known as “Yoda” struck a last-minute plea deal to avoid trial in the overdose death of a 17 year old girl. The man agreed to plead guilty to manslaughter, which will result in a guaranteed 10-year sentence and a lifetime designation as a “habitual offender”… Read More »