Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Search and Seizure Law In Florida
The Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution grants the right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures, and because of this, law enforcement or government agencies must obtain warrants before searching the private home or property of an individual. If evidence of criminal activity is discovered, but the searcher has no warrant, that… Read More »
Rapper Kodak Black’s Bond Revoked Over Weapons Charges
The rapper Kodak Black, a native of Pompano Beach, was arrested on weapons charges on May 11 after falsifying information on federal forms while trying to buy three guns – two handguns and one automatic weapon. He was granted bail, but on May 29, federal prosecutors successfully appealed to revoke it. While most weapons… Read More »
Vehicular Manslaughter In Florida
Far too many fatalities happen on Florida roads every day, with many of them being caused by drivers’ own negligence. However, some are caused by the negligence of another person, and these cases can be difficult to classify. Depending on the intent of the driver, an incident where a person dies after a vehicle… Read More »
Here is a cbs12.com article that you might like
Jury finds Christopher Vasata guilty of killing 3 people in Jupiter on Super Bowl Sunday in 2017. Read More »
What is the Matrix? A Revolution in Pretrial Release. Whoa!
There is a presumption, built into our Constitution, that a person charged with a crime is entitled to be released before trial; he or she is, after all, still presumed innocent. Historically, at a hearing called First Appearance, the court would determine an amount of money that the defendant must post as bail in… Read More »
License Plate Readers: Is Big Brother Watching?
License plate readers automatically take time-stamped photos of vehicles entering and leaving an area. These photos can be great evidence when someone commits a crime. They can help police officers nab criminals before they leave the city for good, and they can help prosecutors prove a case at trial. Because they are such a… Read More »
The Alleged Victim Just Got New Rights. Did the Accused Just Lose Some?
On November 6, 2018, voters approved Amendment 6, which amended the Florida Constitution to vastly expand the rights of victims of alleged crimes. Amendment 6 took effect on January 8, 2019. While the goal of enhancing victims’ rights certainly sounds noble, it appears that Amendment 6 has altered the criminal justice system in a… Read More »
“Don’t Drink and Drive” Applies to Boats, Too
Most people understand that driving under the influence is not only against the law, but dangerous as well. When it comes to boating under the influence, however, the laws and risks are not as well-known. Alcohol is often present on boats, especially on Florida lakes and waterways on holiday weekends. Boats are different from… Read More »
First Appearances: Lasting Decisions
A person arrested on a crime is entitled to a hearing within 24 hours to determine whether, and under what conditions, he or she can be released from jail while waiting for trial. This hearing is called First Appearance. In Palm Beach County, First Appearances are held in the morning at the Palm Beach… Read More »
Motocross Champ Arrested for Domestic Violence
Hitting someone is never a good idea. However, many men—and women—get frustrated or angry with their partner and resort to domestic violence. A motocross champ from Brazil was recently arrested for giving his girlfriend a black eye in Florida. Erick Bretz has been accused of assaulting his girlfriend, who is also from Brazil but… Read More »