Author Archives: Jay Butchko
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 »
Hurricane Ian Saw Spike In Florida Domestic Abuse Cases
Hurricane Ian made landfall in Florida on September 27, 2022, killing 114 people (as of this writing) and causing untold amounts of destruction. However, very little press has been given to other crimes, notably domestic violence, which tend to rise during disasters. The staff at Harbor House of Central Florida reported a spike in… Read More »
Floridians Divided Over President’s Pardon For Cases Of Simple Possession
In early October 2022, President Biden announced his intention to pardon those convicted of “simple possession” of marijuana under federal law. While the pardon only affects approximately 6,500 people nationwide (since most people who are convicted of marijuana-related crimes are found guilty under state laws), it is still a significant step that many see… Read More »
Gubernatorial Campaign Loses Manager After Spousal Abuse Charge
In late October 2022, the campaign manager for Florida gubernatorial hopeful Charlie Crist resigned. One day later, the news came out that he had been involved in a domestic dispute with the mother of his child at their home in Maryland. While both sides of the dispute have downplayed its seriousness, charges were filed,… Read More »
Juvenile Drug Defendants In Florida
Whether parents like it or not, it is slowly becoming more and more common for minors to experiment with drugs and other substances in this day and age. However, given their relative youth and inexperience, it is somewhat inevitable that many of them are caught, facing potentially serious consequences that can torpedo an upward… Read More »
State & Federal Law Restrict Domestic Abusers’ Firearm Rights
The Second Amendment to the United States Constitution establishes the “right of the people to keep and bear arms.” While U.S. courts have historically extended that right to be able to possess a variety of dangerous firearms, they have also carved out exceptions that take the right to bear arms away from individuals if… Read More »
Is Drug Court An Option For Me?
If you have been arrested and charged with a drug offense in Florida, you may face many potential sentencing options at trial. However, it is sometimes possible to avoid any kind of time in court, particularly if you have never been in trouble with the law before. Florida has been at the vanguard of… Read More »