Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Common Florida Domestic Violence Defenses
If you have been accused of a crime of domestic violence, it is crucial to take the charges seriously. Florida does not have a specific singular crime of domestic violence; rather, a person is charged with the underlying offense. Regardless, it is crucial to have an attorney on your side to help defend you,… Read More »
Can Law Enforcement Take My Property After A Drug Arrest?
In late August 2025, a press conference in Polk County to discuss the aftermath of a drug bust included Sheriff Grady Judd donning a large gold chain and bracelet, ostensibly to make a point about the dangers of selling or trafficking drugs. The sheriff tried to draw a line between the “drip” and the… Read More »
Florida’s Domestic Violence Cases Set Precedents
The way that the average person defines domestic violence, also called intimate partner violence (IPV), differs significantly from most legal definitions of the term. Florida’s is broad, including any criminal offense “resulting in physical injury or death” to one or more of a specific class of victims. This definition has been built on the… Read More »
Key Defenses To Drug Possession Charges In Florida
Florida’s attitude toward drug-related offenses is harsh, arguably among the harshest in the country. Even a charge of simple possession, with no intent to traffic or sell a controlled substance, can still result in a felony charge in some cases. That said, there are several defenses available to someone in this position, and the… Read More »
Domestic Violence Pretrial Diversion Programs
Because Florida’s definition of domestic violence is a broad one, a crime of domestic violence may carry almost any sentence, from a misdemeanor to a capital felony. If you have been charged with this type of offense, it is important to take it seriously – but it is important to be aware that if… Read More »
New Cannabis Law May Cause Unexpected Harm To Disabled Defendants
One of the last bills signed during the 2025 legislative session was a measure known as SB 2514. Among other measures, this bill, which became law on July 1, 2025, adds a serious, long-term consequence to being convicted of a Florida drug crime. Under this bill, people who are convicted of certain drug offenses… Read More »
Questions About Florida Domestic Violence Injunctions
Domestic violence, also known as intimate partner violence (IPV), is a serious, long-term, systemic problem in the United States. In order to protect those who have been – or have a reasonable fear that they will be – victims of IPV, Florida and other U.S. states offer a victim the chance to obtain an… Read More »
Defining “Sale, Manufacture, and Delivery”
Florida prosecutes drug offenses aggressively, seeing them as crimes against society. The “sale, manufacture, and delivery” of drugs are among the most serious, next to drug trafficking, given that they are all crimes intended to distribute more illicit substances to the populace. If you have been charged with any of these offenses, it is… Read More »
How Is Florida’s Domestic Violence Definition Different?
Historically, domestic violence has been seen as solely the province of spouses, and as a matter solved – or dealt with – behind closed doors. Over time, however, society has evolved to see domestic violence (also called intimate partner violence or IPV) as a societal issue that everyone should have a stake in solving…. Read More »
Charged Federally For Drugs In Florida
If a person is charged with a drug crime in Florida, they will usually be tried in state courts, under state laws, and if convicted, may face incarceration in state prisons. However, it is important to understand that federal drug charges may also be a possibility if the offense is egregious enough. Understanding the… Read More »