Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Broward County Leads The Way In Reevaluating Drug Sentences
Florida is known as one of the U.S. states with the harshest drug penalties, due to its past history as a trafficking capital. These penalties include mandatory minimum sentences for the majority of drug offenses – but over time, light has been shed on the inherent inequity of mandatory minimums by groups like The… Read More »
Domestic Violence and Parenting Time in Florida
Most good parents put the welfare of their children before their own, and try to act in a way that puts their best interests first. However, if either parent is ever charged with domestic violence, it can have a major effect on their ability to remain in their children’s lives. During a divorce, Florida… Read More »
Palm Beach Doctor Charged In $681M Substance Abuse Fraud
In early August, a Palm Beach doctor was arrested and charged with multiple counts of fraud, as well as conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud, for his participation in a nearly $700 million fraud scheme almost a decade in the making. The doctor overbilled for tests and treatment for substance abuse patients in over 50… Read More »
Child Abuse and Florida Family Violence
While the effects of domestic violence on spouses are serious and long-term, it is even worse for minor children who are exposed to this kind of instability. Even if the children are not the victims of physical abuse themselves, they still experience profound psychological harm merely witnessing their parent or parents behaving in this… Read More »
Traffic Stops and Florida Drug Charges
Everyone has been pulled over at some point in their lives, but for many, it can be a frightening and intimidating experience. It is important to understand your rights during a traffic stop, as too often, police officers may either intentionally or unintentionally misquote the law or try to overstep their authority, especially if… Read More »
Personal Protection Injunctions 101
If you have been charged with a crime of domestic violence, your alleged victim may seek to obtain a personal protection injunction (formerly known as a restraining order) to help ensure their safety. However, Florida law provides for five different types of injunctions, so it is crucial to understand which one applies in your… Read More »
Tennessee Running Back Arrested For Weapon & Drug Possession
On June 6, Tennessee Volunteers running back Tim Jordan was arrested in Lakewood, FL on multiple charges, including carrying a concealed weapon, marijuana possession, and possession of drug paraphernalia. The concealed weapon charge is a third-degree felony, while the drug charges are both misdemeanors, but regardless of the degree of the offense, Jordan will… Read More »
Male Victims Of Domestic Violence
Historically, the majority of those arrested and charged in domestic violence incidents are male. However, this is not necessarily a clear picture of how the situation stands, because there are several different factors that can deter male victims of domestic violence from reporting the incident. If you are male and have been abused or… Read More »
Are There Defenses For Drug Charges?
Generally, an arrest with drugs on your person or in your possession in Florida will yield to you being charged with some kind of offense. The state has a history of drug trafficking, which means that prosecutors are less inclined to be lenient, especially if the amount of drugs involved is over a certain… Read More »
After A Domestic Violence Arrest
When you have been arrested for domestic violence, it can be overwhelming and frightening, especially if the charge is unfounded. There is a process that is followed with every arrest, however, and understanding how the process goes can sometimes be helpful in ensuring your rights are protected. If you have questions or concerns, calling… Read More »