Author Archives: Jay Butchko
DUI Charges After A Reaction Between Alcohol And Medication – What Floridians Should Know
We normally think of DUI – Driving Under the Influence – as something that happens when someone drinks more than they should and gets behind the wheel. Under Florida’s Statutes for Driving Under the Influence, however, a DUI charge can be filed even if the driver’s blood-alcohol content (BAC) was under .08. If the… Read More »
What To Know About Florida’s Dog Laws
Dogs are lovable companions to millions of Floridians, but sometimes they aren’t always so friendly to strangers. Dogs will occasionally bite for any number of reasons – they may feel provoked, spooked, or protective over a person or property. When they do attack, serious injuries can occur to innocent people. In these situations, the… Read More »
False Imprisonment Charges And Defenses In Florida
When we think of the term “false imprisonment”, we tend to think of a victim being locked away and trapped – not of the many other ways a false imprisonment charge can come about. False imprisonment under Florida law involves any situation where a person is restrained or confined against their will. Under Florida… Read More »
Defending Against Embezzlement Charges In Florida
Embezzlement is a serious crime in Florida, with serious consequences for those charged and convicted. Typically, embezzlement happens when a person with access to money or property due to their employment – or other relationship of trust – takes ownership of that money or property for their personal use. Embezzlement is considered a “white… Read More »
Entrapment In Criminal Cases: What It Is And How It Can Affect Your Case
Entrapment is a common lament among those that have been charged with a crime and feel they were “set up”. More than just a complaint, however, entrapment is a valid affirmative defense to a criminal charge when the defendant committed the crime due to the coercion of a law enforcement official. If the defendant… Read More »
When Can A Threat Be A Crime In Florida?
Sometimes a person’s bark is louder than their bite, and they will say things they don’t mean – including comments that get viewed as a threat. However, written and verbal statements that are threatening in nature can lead to criminal charges in Florida. This can be true whether or not the person making the… Read More »
Signs That You Might Be Under Criminal Investigation In Florida, And What You Can Do In Response
Law enforcement officers use a variety of methods to obtain information on a suspect before presenting criminal charges to a prosecutor’s office. These methods can include what is known as a “pre-file investigation”. Through this investigation, officers collect evidence, including physical evidence and witness statements, to build a potential case that can be referred… Read More »
Asset Seizure In Florida: When Law Enforcement Can Seize Your Property, And What You Can Do To Get It Back
Civil asset forfeiture in criminal cases occurs when law enforcement seizes property that was allegedly used to conduct criminal activity. The most common example would be a vehicle that was confiscated after a drug arrest. While the defendant’s criminal case is pending, law enforcement could hold on to the vehicle and file a claim… Read More »
Vehicle Searches In Florida: What Can Police Search After I Am Pulled Over
During a traffic stop, there are situations where an officer may or may not search parts of your vehicle. The Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects you from unlawful searches by law enforcement officers. In many cases, officers must have a valid warrant before searching and seizing any type of potential evidence. This… Read More »
Defending Against Shoplifting Charges In The Orlando, Florida Area: What You Need To Know
The Orlando area’s reputation as a vast commercial retail hub also makes it a popular target for shoplifters and organized shoplifting syndicates. Overall, an estimated $68 billion in merchandise was stolen from U.S. stores in 2019 via shoplifting and “smash and grab” tactics, and this trend has been particularly pronounced in Florida. To protect… Read More »
