Author Archives: Jay Butchko
What Is Not Domestic Violence?
The Me Too movement and the increase in domestic violence cases during the COVID-19 pandemic have led to many more alleged abusers winding up behind bars. However, not every altercation between two people should be considered domestic violence, and too often, the term is used erroneously. If you are facing charges for domestic violence,… Read More »
My Child Has Been Charged With A Drug Crime!
Florida’s drug laws are harsh, given the state’s past history, and adult defendants are often given strict sentences, some being mandatory minimums that may put them in prison for decades. However, when a person under the age of 18 is charged with a drug crime, there are many different options as to how such… Read More »
Will Domestic Violence Charges Affect Child Custody?
If a person is convicted of domestic violence under Florida law, any prison term or assessed fines will only be part of the consequences – those who have these types of convictions on their criminal record will also face social issues going forward. One of the most potentially devastating is the harm it will… Read More »
St. Petersburg Man Sentenced To 17 Years For Distributing Drugs
In late October 2021, a federal district court judge in Tampa sentenced a St. Petersburg man to 17 years and 6 months after the man was convicted of conspiracy to distribute drugs – at least 500 grams of cocaine, as well as 100 grams of a drug mixture of heroin and fentanyl. The defendant… Read More »
Is Stalking A Crime Of Domestic Violence?
When the average person thinks of domestic violence, they think of physical altercations that end in assault, battery, or even homicide charges. However, there are several other crimes that Florida law specifically characterizes as potential crimes of domestic violence. Among them is the offense of stalking, which can be a feature in a continued… Read More »
Arrested With Drugs During A Florida Traffic Stop
Many of the convictions gotten in Florida courts begin with a traffic stop. If you are stopped while driving and caught with drugs, you will be charged with the same drug crimes as anyone whose home or office was searched pursuant to a valid warrant. However, the legality of vehicle searches is different than… Read More »
Am I Eligible For A Domestic Violence Misdemeanor Diversion Program?
In Florida, each county operates different diversion programs, designed to redirect certain criminal cases into an alternative form of legal resolution instead of further adding to an already-large court backlog. Broward County is one of the first in the state to create what is known as the Domestic Violence Misdemeanor Diversion Program (DV-MDP), which… Read More »
Marijuana Law In Florida
Since 2016, when Florida voters legalized medical marijuana, there has been a grassroots push for the legalization of recreational marijuana as well. However, as of this writing, Floridians are only able to possess certain amounts of marijuana for legitimate medical purposes. Recreational use is still illegal under Florida law, as well as under federal… Read More »
Explaining No-Contact Orders In Florida Domestic Violence Cases
Charges of domestic violence are very serious, and if a victim believes they are in danger, Florida law gives them the right to petition for a temporary injunction that limits the alleged abuser’s right to contact them. Because of the perceived severity of the situation, domestic violence injunctions usually require no contact between the… Read More »
How Can I Be Charged With Drug Trafficking When I Never Trafficked Anything?
In mid-August 2012, a Citrus County middle school teacher was charged with trafficking in fentanyl, among other offenses, after law enforcement executed a warrant on his property and found quantities of several drugs, as well as paraphernalia assumed to be used in preparing the drugs for distribution. He faces a serious prison sentence –… Read More »