Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Does Domestic Violence Have To Be Physical?
The stereotypical case of domestic violence in Florida is one that involves one spouse allegedly physically harming the other, but in reality, there are several different types of offenses that may qualify as domestic violence, and countless different ways that those offenses can play out. If you have been arrested and charged with domestic… Read More »
Alternative Forms Of Marijuana Are Still Illegal In Florida
As of this writing, it is legal in 19 states (plus Washington D.C.) to smoke marijuana recreationally, and in 38 states to use marijuana for a medical purpose. Florida has only recently made medical marijuana legal, while still prohibiting its recreational usage. This goes not only for possession of the cannabis plant, but also… Read More »
Can A Domestic Violence Conviction Affect My Gun Rights?
The right to bear arms is enshrined in the U.S. Constitution – but, contrary to popular belief, that right can be (and is) justifiably restricted in situations where a person is deemed to be a danger to themselves or other people. In Florida, a person’s right to own a firearm can be lost if… Read More »
Opioid Abuse In Florida
The United States has been in the grip of an opioid epidemic for many years, with the blame being laid on many different potential actors. In May 2022, Walgreens agreed to a large settlement with the State of Florida, paying $680 million after being sued over dispensing “millions of highly addictive pills.” It is… Read More »
Domestic Violence And Florida Divorce
Historically, domestic violence was once grounds for divorce, but that has become all but impossible now that every U.S. state recognizes some kind of no-fault divorce. If your spouse wants a divorce due to alleged domestic violence, all they need to do is file a petition with the district court, stating that ‘irreconcilable differences’… Read More »
Facing Drug Trafficking Charges In Florida?
Florida has some of the harshest drug laws in the nation, with some of the most stringent penalties if they are violated. One of the areas where this is most visible is in discussing drug trafficking charges – unlike in some other jurisdictions, one does not require intent to commit the offense of drug… Read More »
Stalking And Florida Domestic Violence
The average person will usually see domestic violence as a crime involving a physical altercation of some kind. This is very often the case, but a handful of offenses are specified in the relevant statute that qualify as domestic violence without physical contact. One of the most common is the offense of stalking. If… Read More »
Misconceptions About Florida Drug Possession
Simple drug possession is by far the most common drug offense in Florida, but there are many misconceptions about the nature of the charge. Florida’s drug laws are very harsh, and too often, people do not take possession charges seriously when a conviction can irrevocably change their prospects. If you have been charged with… Read More »
Can I Expunge A Florida Domestic Violence Conviction?
The American Bar Association defines ‘expungement’ as the process by which a criminal record is either destroyed entirely, or sealed from both the court record and public view. Basically, an expunged record is treated as though it was never created, which can give someone a new lease on life. That said, not everyone is… Read More »
“Cultivation” Charges In Florida
Slowly but surely, marijuana is becoming legal in more and more U.S. states, both for medicinal and recreational use. It is still illegal in Florida for non-medical use, but despite this, many Floridians try to grow cannabis in their homes, either for personal use or for sale. Despite it being legal for medical users… Read More »