Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Your Guide to Field Sobriety Tests (Field Sobriety Exercises) and DUI Charges in Florida
Were you stopped for a possible DUI in Orlando or elsewhere in the region? If so, you may be asked to perform a field sobriety test. In Florida, field sobriety tests are also often referred to as field sobriety exercises. It is imperative that you understand your rights and responsibilities. Here, our Orlando DUI… Read More »
How Do You Exercise Your Right to a Criminal Defense Attorney in Florida?
Facing a criminal charge is incredibly stressful. The right professional legal counsel can make all of the difference. You are probably already broadly aware of the fact that you have the right to be represented by a lawyer. You may be wondering: How do you actually get an attorney after an arrest? In this… Read More »
Should You Plead Insanity?
With the help of Hollywood, pleading insanity is something that most people know about. It is seen as a means for people suffering from mental health crises to avoid or minimize criminal punishments to instead get the help and treatment they need for their medical condition. Or as a means for sane people to… Read More »
Could You Face Criminal Charges for Lying About Yourself on a Dating Site?
In the old days, people would join social clubs and activities, get set up by friends, and even pay for in-person dating services to meet new people and see if any potential romantic connections result. Finding one’s significant other is big business, as people tend to be social and not interested in living a… Read More »
Who Qualifies For Pretrial Diversion Programs In Florida?
No one is a perfect angel all of the time, and sometimes, bad decisions and irresponsible actions are done that are criminal in nature. And even though a person may take a step back after a crime is committed and regret what they did while feeling incredibly sorry for doing it, that does not… Read More »
The Sixth Amendment and False Criminal Accusations
The United States criminal justice system is said to be blind so that a verdict of guilty or not guilty can be determined only with the facts and beyond a reasonable doubt. This idea helps keep the public’s faith in the system and in the outcome of a criminal case. Though the criminal justice… Read More »
What Is Probable Cause And How Important Is It In A Criminal Case?
In both the civil and criminal legal systems, probable cause is an important facet that must be present for legal action against someone to be taken. In civil courts, probable cause is used to file a suit with the best chances of being successful, and in the criminal court system, probable cause is required… Read More »
5 Different Classifications Of Felony Offenses In Florida
When considering crimes, there are classifications for how each offense is evaluated. The reason for this is that some crimes may be a violation of the law, but the implications of criminal activity are much less severe than the aftermath of another type of illegal activity. For instance, let’s take petit theft versus homicide…. Read More »
Does DNA Always Result In A Guilty Verdict In A Criminal Case?
In a criminal case, the prosecution has the duty to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant is guilty of the alleged crimes they were charged with. As a result, it is essential that the prosecution not only can make persuasive arguments about the defendant’s guilt but also back those claims up with… Read More »
What Are Aggravating Factors And How Do They Impact A Criminal Case?
If you have been charged with a crime in Florida, certain details can impact how you are charged and, if convicted, how severe the penalties you will face will be. Aggravating factors is a term used to describe characteristics of a person’s life and their crime that can enhance their charges or penalties. For… Read More »