Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Steps To Take if a Warrant Has Been Issued Against You
Discovering or suspecting a warrant has been issued against you can be overwhelming. Usually, a warrant gives law enforcement officers the power to either arrest you or search your property. If you are facing a warrant in Florida, taking the proper steps to protect your rights and minimize the warrant’s impact on your life… Read More »
Can Field Sobriety Tests Be Challenged in a Florida Dui Case?
If you have been pulled over in Florida on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI), chances are the officer asked you to perform field sobriety tests (FSTs). You may have been asked to perform tests like walking in a straight line and turning or standing on one leg to assess if you were… Read More »
Can Surveillance Video Be Used Against Me in a Florida Criminal Case?
Surveillance video is increasingly used in criminal cases throughout the U.S., and Florida is no exception. From being used as key evidence by prosecutors proving the accused person’s presence at a crime scene to capturing the actual crime, surveillance videos can significantly affect the outcome of a case. But can they be used against… Read More »
How Consent Is Defined in Florida Sex Crime Cases
While many factors are considered in sex crime cases, perhaps the most important one is the concept of consent. In Florida, the parties involved must give consent freely and willingly. Understanding what legal consent constitutes is imperative for victims and defendants navigating the complexities of crime cases. In this article, we shall discuss consent… Read More »
Florida Drug Laws: When Does Possession Turn Into Trafficking?
When most people think of drug trafficking, they generally associate it with large-scale operations involving dealers and smugglers. However, in Florida, the line between drug possession and trafficking is very thin. For you to face a drug trafficking charge, you only need to be in possession of a certain quantity of a drug or… Read More »
Common Defenses Against Drug Trafficking Charges in Florida
Facing a drug trafficking charge in Florida can be a daunting experience. With the state’s strict laws on drug trafficking offenses, you may end up facing severe penalties and life-altering consequences. If you are accused of drug trafficking, it’s vital to recognize that all is not lost. Multiple legal defenses are available to you,… Read More »
Simply Being Around Drugs May Not Make You Liable for Possession
Have you been arrested for drug possession under circumstances that seem unfair? Perhaps the drugs we discovered in a home you don’t own, a friend’s car, or an area shared by others. If so, you might not be liable. Florida law on drug possession is strict, with severe consequences like heavy fines, probation, or… Read More »
Being an Accomplice in Drug Trafficking Can Lead To Severe Penalties
When you hear about someone being charged with a crime, it’s often the primary offender who comes to mind. But what happens when you play a supporting role in helping someone commit that crime? In the case of drug trafficking, the consequences can be just as severe. Drug trafficking charges can have life-altering consequences,… Read More »
Can You Be Charged With Burglary Without Stealing Anything?
When most people think of burglary, they imagine a thief breaking into a home or business to steal valuables. However, under Florida law, burglary is not limited to theft. You can be charged with burglary even if nothing is stolen, provided certain legal elements are met. The key factor in burglary charges is the… Read More »
Shoplifting Laws in Florida
Shoplifting, also referred to as retail theft under Florida law, is a common yet serious offense with potentially far-reaching consequences. Florida law takes a firm stance against retail theft, with penalties ranging from fines and community service to imprisonment, depending on the value of the stolen items and the circumstances of the offense. Consult… Read More »