Author Archives: Jay Butchko
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 »
Self-Defense Arguments Under Florida Law
One important defense to a criminal charge in Florida can be self-defense. Self-defense is an affirmative defense that can be used to explain or negate the legal effect of some violent act toward another. By claiming self-defense, a person acknowledges that they committed some type of violent act toward the other person, but that… Read More »
What To Know About Probation And Violations Of Probation In Florida
A probation term involves specific responsibilities for those sentenced, including guidelines that must be followed in order to complete a sentence and avoid additional punishment. Probation violations in Florida can lead to serious penalties and lasting consequences for those that don’t follow the rules they’ve been given. Some consequences of probation violations can include… Read More »
