Author Archives: Jay Butchko
When Can Police Enter My Home Or Apartment Without A Warrant?
The freedom from unreasonable searches of our homes is one of the bedrock principles of the Bill of Rights, enshrined within the Fourth Amendment to the Constitution. Specifically, the Fourth Amendment states: “The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not… Read More »
What Is The “Williams Rule” In Florida Criminal Cases?
In a criminal trial, prosecutors are generally forbidden from introducing evidence about a defendant’s character, or acts they’ve done in the past that are not related to the crime in question. This keeps the trial focused on the evidence at hand and prevents the jury from building a biased and negative opinion of the… Read More »
What Is The Difference Between A No Contest Plea And A Guilty Plea In Florida?
You may have heard about different types of pleas a defendant can enter in a criminal case. Pleas of guilty, not guilty, or guilty by reason of insanity are mostly self-explanatory. Less clear for most people, though, is the “no contest”, or nolo contendere plea. A no contest plea means the defendant will not… Read More »
Looking Out For A Child’s Future In The Florida Juvenile Court Process
Juvenile court programs were originally created to oversee cases that would otherwise be handled in criminal court, and to protect children from the harsh (and lifelong) consequences of criminal convictions. The main goal of a juvenile case is to address the conduct involved, help reform the individual, and keep them from appearing on the… Read More »
The U.S. Supreme Court Ruling In Vega And Its Impact For Floridians
A person’s “right to remain silent” has been a crucial and well-known element of criminal arrests since the Miranda v. Arizona Supreme Court ruling in the 1960s. The Miranda ruling and its place among a defendant’s Constitutional rights was considered as part of a recent Supreme Court decision in Vega v. Tekoh. While the… Read More »
How Long Does A DUI Affect Your Record In Florida?
If you are currently facing a DUI charge in Florida, or already have a DUI conviction on your record, you’ll want to know how long a DUI conviction will remain on your record. You also want to know what your options are to limit the impact of a DUI conviction on your future. The… Read More »
Why You Need A Lawyer For A Florida DUI Case
For anybody facing a DUI charge in Florida, the situation can be extremely stressful and confusing. Florida has tough laws for Driving Under the Influence (DUI), with penalties including substantial fines, jail time, and probation. Convicted drivers can also face license restrictions that affect a person’s ability to get back to work and get… Read More »
Traffic Stops And Police Dogs: What Are Your Rights When A Dog Sniff Leads To An Arrest?
Getting pulled over and stopped by police is a stressful experience – whether it is a routine traffic stop or something more. In all traffic stops, a driver has important legal and Constitutional rights. Generally, you are required to identify yourself when asked and provide proof of identification, insurance coverage, and vehicle registration. However,… Read More »
DUI Charges After A Reaction Between Alcohol And Medication – What Floridians Should Know
We normally think of DUI – Driving Under the Influence – as something that happens when someone drinks more than they should and gets behind the wheel. Under Florida’s Statutes for Driving Under the Influence, however, a DUI charge can be filed even if the driver’s blood-alcohol content (BAC) was under .08. If the… Read More »
What To Know About Florida’s Dog Laws
Dogs are lovable companions to millions of Floridians, but sometimes they aren’t always so friendly to strangers. Dogs will occasionally bite for any number of reasons – they may feel provoked, spooked, or protective over a person or property. When they do attack, serious injuries can occur to innocent people. In these situations, the… Read More »
