Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Understanding Florida’s Laws On Weapons Possession
Florida is well known for being a Castle Doctrine state, and the right to bear arms is protected by both the Florida Constitution and the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Under Florida law, a person can stand their ground in most cases and meet force with force – including deadly force. This law… Read More »
Manslaughter Vs. Murder
When you think of the terms “manslaughter” and “murder,” you probably think they mean the same thing. While both involve the act of killing someone (known as homicide), there are differences, with the main one being intent. The difference could be harsher punishment and elevated criminal charges, so make sure you understand what’s at… Read More »
Using Consent As A Defensive Strategy To Sex Crime Allegations
When it comes to intimate sexual acts, consent is a significant factor. And when consent is missing, and unwanted sexual advances and acts are put upon another person, then legal action may be taken against the offending party. For sexual assault and sex crimes like rape, the matter of consent can be what defines… Read More »
How Does Florida Punish First Time Offenders Of Domestic Violence?
When loved ones have disputes, emotions can cause people to have a hard time thinking clearly, and as a result, things have the potential to get physical. And even if the party who put hands on another didn’t mean to let the situation become so toxic and explosive, when things get out of hand,… Read More »
Do All Arrests Result In Criminal Charges?
After an arrest, you may be nervous and wonder what is going to happen to you. This can be a jarring and scary experience, especially if you have never had a brush-up with the law and do not know how the system works. You may think that being arrested means that you have been… Read More »
What Is A Target Of Interest Letter?
If you have just been contacted by a federal prosecutor and are feeling a bit uneasy, this is understandable. Receiving communications from one of these legal professionals can cause significant distress and could mean that you may have some legal challenges ahead of you. If a federal prosecutor sends you a target of interest… Read More »
Why Forensics Are Not A Reliable Source Of Evidence In A Criminal Case
If you are being tried for an alleged crime, the prosecution is going to gather as much evidence as possible against you to improve their chances of securing a conviction. The standard in criminal cases is high for a guilty verdict to come about, guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, so the prosecution will use… Read More »
Proving Entrapment As A Criminal Defense Strategy In Florida
In some cases, you may have heard of using entrapment as a means of a criminal defense strategy. But you may not know exactly what entrapment details, how it is orchestrated, and how it works. Entrapment, when used under the right conditions, can be an effective way to combat criminal charges. Though entrapment is… Read More »
Can You Be Charged With A DUI In Florida Without Driving Your Car?
The state of Florida, like all other states in the nation, has laws that make drunk driving illegal. Being caught, charged, and convicted of drunk driving will have significant penalties and harsh repercussions. Multiple DUIs will increase the severity of these punishments. After an arrest for an alcohol-impaired driving incident, speaking with an attorney… Read More »
10 Examples Of Grounds To Appeal A Criminal Conviction In Florida
The most optimal outcome in a criminal case is to have one’s charges dropped or to secure a not-guilty verdict. Just like with civil litigation, where appeals can happen after an unsatisfactory verdict, in a criminal case where the outcome is disappointing, an appeal can also be a potential remedy for the convicted individual… Read More »
