Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Does Domestic Violence Have To Be Physical?
When one thinks of domestic violence, physical abuse is what comes to mind for the majority. However, abuse can manifest in multiple forms, any of which can cause serious harm to victims. Since every state’s definition is different, it can be confusing as to which types of abuse are legally actionable – actions that… Read More »
Pompano Beach Restaurateur Faces Multiple Trafficking Charges
A South Florida man faces multiple drug trafficking charges after being stopped by detectives in the parking lot of his Pompano Beach restaurant. When sheriff’s deputies stopped the man, they searched his bag and found almost $20,000 in cash, as well as small quantities of several drugs, including cocaine, fentanyl, and marijuana. Significantly larger… Read More »
Charged With Domestic Violence – But I’m Innocent!
If someone says they have been the victim of the crime, the general reaction is to believe them. This is especially true of a crime like domestic violence, particularly when the alleged victim is smaller than the aggressor. That said, a small percentage of allegations of domestic violence are false, and if you are… Read More »
What Is Constructive Possession Of Drugs?
When a person is arrested and charged with drug possession in Florida, normally law enforcement can make the arrest if they discover drugs on them. However, you may also be charged with drug possession if illicit substances are found in your car, or in another location that is under your control. This is referred… Read More »
Domestic Violence & Self-Defense
Being arrested and charged with domestic violence can leave a person shell-shocked, especially if they have never been in trouble with the law before. However, that shell shock can put you in even more serious trouble, because you may neglect to divulge any potential mitigating factors if you are too frightened or too stunned… Read More »
Bill In Florida Senate Aims To Overturn Minor Marijuana Convictions
On December 8, Senator Randolph Bracee introduced a new bill aiming to expunge convictions for possessing less than 20 grams of marijuana in Florida. As of this writing, no debate has occurred on the bill yet, but changing attitudes in the state would seem to be leading in a positive direction for Senator Bracee’s… Read More »
What Happens After A Domestic Violence Arrest?
Not all domestic violence cases are created equal, though Florida treats them very similarly. The procedures after you are arrested do not, as a rule, vary much, whether you have been involved in a minor incident or you have committed a serious violent crime. However, there are certain points where you have choices to… Read More »
State vs. Federal Drug Crimes
If someone in Florida is arrested and charged with drug possession, they are technically violating both federal and state law at the same time. However, the decision of whether to charge an offender under federal or state law will depend on several different factors. As a general rule, federal sentences for drug possession and… Read More »
Will I Lose Custody Of My Kids After A Domestic Violence Charge?
If you are arrested and charged with domestic violence, you may have to face potential consequences in your life even if you are not convicted of anything, though the consequences upon conviction will understandably be more severe. One of the worst is that domestic abusers can and do lose custody of their children if… Read More »
Are You Guilty Of Drug Trafficking?
In early December, a West Palm Beach man was arrested and charged with one count of trafficking hydromorphone in Martin County. The man was found with 120 pills, weighing approximately 0.7 grams, which is enough to merit a trafficking charge under Florida law. However, what some do not realize – and the arrested man… Read More »