Author Archives: Jay Butchko
The Difference Between Having Your Record Expunged And Sealed In Florida
While everyone makes mistakes here and there, some missteps can have more significant repercussions than others. Specifically, making an error that leads to a criminal arrest can be incredibly detrimental to a person’s life. It is simply not ideal to have a criminal record. Still, sometimes things happen in life that have negative life… Read More »
2 Things Florida Prosecutors Must Show To Get A First-Degree Murder Guilty Verdict
If you are being put on trial for murder, the bar is high for the prosecution to make the case that you are guilty of your charges beyond a reasonable doubt. And if there is sufficient evidence to show this, then a conviction will likely follow. In this situation, you are going to be… Read More »
The Process For Appealing A Criminal Conviction In Florida
After your criminal case was tried in Florida, you may be unhappy with the outcome. Indeed, if the outcome was a guilty verdict, this was likely not the desired result and would not make you or anyone else, for that matter, happy. But, an objectionable verdict is not always something that can or will… Read More »
Understanding The Difference Between Child Abuse And Neglect In Florida
There are child abuse laws on the books for a very good reason. This is to keep children safe from toxic environments where they can sustain harm. A person that is accused of abusing their children will face harsh penalties if they are convicted of these crimes. This is because child abuse and neglect… Read More »
How Assault On A Victim In A Protected Class In Florida Elevates Criminal Penalties
Florida is not lenient on those that commit crimes, including assault. There are severe penalties that come when one person is found guilty of assaulting another. Though in some instances, the type of person that was victimized could impact the penalties, making them much harsher. When assault happens on a person deemed to be… Read More »
What Is The Process For Exchanging Evidence In A Florida Criminal Trial?
Any person accused of a crime in Florida is presumed innocent until proven guilty, and the prosecution bears the burden of proof to show why they should be convicted of a charged crime. Additionally, a criminal defendant is entitled to certain measures of fairness during all pretrial, trial, and post-trial phases of a case…. Read More »
Do You Have To Answer A Police Officer’s Questions When Stopped In Florida?
There is plenty of confusion about whether a person has to answer questions from an officer when stopped. When a person is out minding their business and trying to get through their day, and they find themselves in an encounter with police, it is easy to get frazzled and lose track of exactly what… Read More »
What Are The Penalties For Child Abuse In Florida?
Allegations of child abuse are some of the most serious and damaging charges a person can face. Child abuse can lead to criminal convictions, prison time, and reputational damage at home, work, and in the community. It can also lead to loss of custody for a parent. This is not to downplay, of course,… Read More »
When Is A Person “Accessory” To A Crime Under Florida Law?
Acting as an accessory to a crime – sometimes known as “aiding and abetting” – is a concept most people are familiar with. Unfortunately, many people can also find themselves acting as an accessory themselves – and facing serious criminal charges as a result. Florida Statute Sec. 777.03 defines what it means to be… Read More »
What Is Contempt Of Court Under Florida Law?
Contempt of court happens when a person refuses to obey any legal order or decree issued by any judge. For example, failure to appear at scheduled hearings, or failures to comply with terms of a court order can lead to a finding of contempt. Contempt, as defined under Florida law, is “a refusal to… Read More »
