Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Proposed Legislation Would Alter Mandatory Minimum Sentences
Florida has some of the harshest criminal sentencing laws in the United States. However, two bills currently before the Florida House of Representatives and Senate would both make significant reforms to those laws, allowing nonviolent and first-time offenders to “gain time” while bringing Florida law into line with other states’ norms. It is important… Read More »
Florida Has Highest Rate Of Trying Juveniles As Adults
For many years running, Florida has had the dubious distinction of having the highest rate of juvenile defendants tried as adults in the nation. While most people agree that those who commit certain crimes should always be tried as adults, Florida is somewhat unusual in having laws that not only allow, but encourage youthful… Read More »
Clearwater Man Sentenced To 20 Years In ‘Stand Your Ground’ Murder
On October 10, Michael Drejka was sentenced to 20 years in prison after being convicted of killing Markeis McGlockton over a parking space. While Drejka has stated his intent to appeal, the case is still being held up as a justifiable limitation on Florida’s “stand your ground” laws by those who fear the law… Read More »
Threats Phoned Into 5 West Palm Beach Schools
There were extra police on campus at 5 different West Palm Beach schools, including the Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts, on August 16, after multiple threats were called in on August 15, putting the schools on lockdown. While law enforcement immediately declared that all the threats were non-credible, calling them a wide-ranging… Read More »
White Collar Crime Gets Woman 4 Years In Prison
In late July, Sabrinea Brooks was sentenced to four years in federal prison for a spree of white collar crimes, notably wire fraud, forgery, and healthcare billing fraud. Using a combination of technical know-how, industry familiarity, and old-fashioned chutzpah, Brooks embezzled almost $875,000 from health care employers, and was ordered to pay roughly $1.1… Read More »
Shoplifting Crimes In Florida
Many people think that shoplifting is mere petty crime, not particularly deserving of serious consequences. However, Florida authorities take shoplifting quite seriously, and if you have been charged with this type of crime, you need to enlist a West Palm Beach theft crimes lawyer as soon as possible, to ensure that your rights are… Read More »
Teenagers Captured After Multi-County Pursuit
Two male teenagers, 15 and 16, were taken into custody in Palm City after a weekend crime spree, where they stole a vehicle with a gun inside and led law enforcement on a chase through three counties. They were taken into custody and as of this writing, are in jail in Martin County. However,… Read More »
Can My Florida Criminal Record Be Sealed Or Expunged?
If you have a Florida criminal record, it is important to be aware that you may not have to retain that record for the rest of your life, depending on the nature of your crimes. There is a legal procedure called expungement, and it is available to certain people to try and give them… Read More »
Federal Court vs. State Court
In the United States, there is a federal court system, and a state court system, as designed in the early years of the country’s existence. Those who may never have been in trouble with the law are often unaware of this, but if they are charged with a crime, this can cause real trouble,… Read More »
Can Drug Dealers Be Charged With Murder?
Florida has a reputation as a state with strict laws and tough sentences for anyone convicted of a crime. Drug dealers in particular face stiff penalties and long sentences. However, a debate has cropped up in recent months and years surrounding the responsibility of drug dealers when their buyers die. If you have been… Read More »