Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Lewd and Lascivious Molestation in Florida: What a Recent Appeals Case Reveals About Sentencing
Criminal charges involving minors are some of the most serious cases prosecutors take on in Florida. Lewd and lascivious molestation, in particular, can carry lengthy prison time and lifelong consequences if someone gets convicted. But even with serious accusations on the table, Florida courts still have to follow strict sentencing rules. A recent appeals… Read More »
Understanding Naturalization Fraud and Its Federal Consequences
Naturalization fraud is a federal crime that can completely upend someone’s life. A recent case in Orlando shows how aggressively the government investigates and prosecutes these cases. Authorities handle these cases like they would any sophisticated fraud case. About the Case In this case, federal prosecutors charged a 46-year-old woman with naturalization fraud. The… Read More »
Crafting a Defense Against Capital Sexual Battery Charges in Florida
Getting charged with capital sexual battery in Florida is one of the worst legal situations you can find yourself in. Capital sexual battery usually means someone 18 or older is accused of committing sexual battery against a child under 12. If you’re convicted, you are looking at life in prison with no chance of… Read More »
What To Do Immediately if You’re Accused of Possessing Child Sexual Abuse Material in Florida
Being accused of possessing child sexual abuse material is life-altering. In Florida, these allegations can lead to severe felony penalties and lasting personal consequences. Even before formal charges are filed, an investigation alone can damage your reputation, strain family relationships, and jeopardize employment. If you are in this situation, what you do in the… Read More »
When Child Pornography Charges Lead to Maximum Sentences
Facing child pornography charges can be life-altering. These cases are treated among the most serious offenses in both state and federal courts. They typically involve mandatory prison time, steep fines, and long-term consequences like sex offender registration. Not all cases are sentenced the same. Some result in penalties far beyond the average, including decades… Read More »
Is Intent Required for a Traveling To Meet a Minor Charge in Florida?
Traveling to meet a minor is a serious offense in Florida that can have serious consequences, including possible prison time and long-term sex offender registration. When facing charges of traveling to meet a minor in Florida, one question people ask is whether prosecutors need to show intent to secure a conviction. So, is intent… Read More »
Obscenity in Federal Child Pornography Cases: Why Constitutional Challenges Failed in United States v. Wilkerson
Defendants facing child pornography charges often try to challenge the law itself, especially when the underlying facts of the case are difficult to dispute. One common strategy that defendants use in federal cases is arguing that the law is unconstitutional. For example, a defendant may try to argue that the law is too broad,… Read More »
Can You Be Convicted of Multiple Sex Crime Charges for the Same Conduct in Florida?
When someone gets arrested in a Florida sex crime sting operation, it’s common for prosecutors to file multiple charges arising from the same actions. One investigation can lead to charges like online solicitation, unlawful electronic communication, and traveling to meet a minor. It might feel overwhelming and stressful, but Florida law actually limits how… Read More »
Can a First-Time Offender Go to Prison for Traveling To Meet a Minor in Florida?
When someone is accused of traveling to meet a minor in Florida, one of the first things they may wonder is if having a clean record makes any difference. Many people think that being a first-time offender means they will just get probation or a reduced charge. That assumption can be dangerous if you… Read More »
Why Failing To Appeal in State Court Can End Your Child Pornography Case Forever
When someone is convicted of possession of child pornography in Florida, a legal point to note is that the legal batter does not always stop after a conviction. You have the right to contest a conviction. However, the appeal process involves a series of strict steps that you must follow in the correct order…. Read More »
