Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Why Do Domestic Violence Victims Need Attorneys?
In a criminal case in the United States, the victim or alleged victim is represented in court by the prosecuting attorney (at least in theory), while the defendant is represented by their own attorney. However, many victims of domestic violence choose to retain their own attorney as well, even though they are not being… Read More »
Man Leaves Illegal Drugs Behind After Being Trespassed
A simple trespass call in Holmes County led to drug charges for the person being trespassed. In February 2025, the homeowner called police to have a man removed from their home. However, once the man was gone, he texted the homeowner asking after a baggie of cocaine he had allegedly left behind. Unfortunately, police… Read More »
Are Domestic Violence Case Records Public?
Being charged with a crime of domestic violence is a serious life event that must be taken seriously. Even if you are not ultimately convicted of this type of offense, it is important to realize that unlike in many other states, any state proceeding in Florida – including most lawsuits and criminal cases –… Read More »
Minors Facing Drug Charges In Florida
It is, unfortunately, not uncommon for minors to experiment with drugs, either on their own or with friends. Many do not see it as particularly serious, despite the inherent dangers – but being charged with a criminal offense can be a very rude awakening. If your child has been charged with a drug crime,… Read More »
Lawyer Smuggles “Drug-Laced” Papers Into County Jail
In January 2025, a Jacksonville attorney went to visit a client at Duval County Jail, bringing legal documents and other items. When the documents were inspected, it turned out that the papers were soaked in a substance known as ‘K2’ or synthetic cannabis. The attorney had allegedly reached an agreement with some inmates and… Read More »
The Use Of Social Media In Domestic Violence Cases
In this day and age, many people in the United States feel strongly about their social media, seeing it as a place to express unfiltered thoughts they cannot articulate elsewhere. While this can be catharsis, it does bring significant trouble in many situations. If you have been charged with a crime of domestic violence… Read More »
Should I Be Afraid Of False Domestic Violence Allegations?
Being maliciously falsely accused of domestic violence is a common bogeyman in today’s news, even though it happens relatively infrequently. What is more common is a domestic dispute in which the stories of all involved are garbled, and allegations of abuse are levied back and forth. If you have been charged with a crime… Read More »
Woman With Bag “Definitely Not … Full Of Drugs” Arrested On Drug Charges
In mid-January 2025, a woman was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia after the car she was riding in was pulled over. Brevard County law enforcement found methamphetamine in the woman’s bag, which bore the legend “Definitely Not A Bag Full Of Drugs.” This was the woman’s second alleged offense… Read More »
Is Stalking A Crime Of Domestic Violence?
Stalking is a criminal offense that only truly became known a few decades ago, with the first anti-stalking law being passed in 1990 in California. Florida’s law was passed in 1992, and sets out in detail the factors that must be present in a case for the law to apply. Because of its often… Read More »
First-Time Drug Offenders In Florida
For people who have never been in trouble with the law before, being arrested for drug possession can be a terrifying experience. Drug crimes are taken seriously in Florida, and because of this, sentences are harsh. Still, as a first-time offender, there are options available to you that may help you to avoid a… Read More »