Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Legislation Filed (Again) To Repeal (Some) Florida Mandatory Minimums
For the second time, State Rep. Anna Eskamani has filed legislation seeking to repeal certain mandatory minimum sentences for non-violent drug offenders. The original attempt at repeal died in subcommittee in March of last year, but there has been a groundswell of support for repeal for years now; several studies show that harsh punishment… Read More »
Domestic Violence Committed Against Non-Romantic Partners
Most of the time, when one discusses domestic violence, it is in the context of married couples, or at least between those in romantic relationships. However, Florida’s definition of domestic violence is expansive enough to include not only romantic partners, but ‘family or household members’ as well. If you have acted in a threatening… Read More »
What Is The Federal “Kingpin” Statute?
In the 1970s and 1980s, South Florida was beset by drug cartels, primarily based in Colombia, as they fought amongst themselves and with police while trying to take over the drug trade in the state. One of the laws used to help combat their influence was the Continuing Criminal Enterprise (CCE) statute, also referred… Read More »
Have You Been Falsely Accused of Domestic Violence?
While the strong majority of domestic violence charges filed in Florida are based on legitimate evidence, it is not unheard of that one actor might claim domestic abuse has happened when it has not. There are several different reasons why someone might make false allegations of domestic violence, but if you are the unfortunate… Read More »
Obtaining A Controlled Substance By Fraud in Florida
Florida has had a difficult history with prescription drug fraud, given its past as a mecca for “pill mills.” Nowadays, prescription drug fraud is less common, but it still occurs in all demographics, and it is still considered a serious crime. If you are charged with obtaining a controlled substance by fraud, deception, or… Read More »
Bill Introduced To Repeal “Stand Your Ground” Law In Florida … Again
As they have done in successive years since 2012, a Florida Democratic State Senator or Representative has put forth a bill intended to repeal the state’s “stand your ground” law, with this year’s main sponsor being State Senator Shevrin Jones. Sen. Jones filed a similar bill in 2019, which died without a single committee… Read More »
Arrested For Drug Possession In Florida?
Florida’s laws on drug possession and distribution are extremely harsh, but this does not stop people from trying to get their hands on drugs. Still, if you are caught with drugs on your person, or within your control, the penalties can be quite severe, even for a first offense in some cases. If you… Read More »
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 »