Author Archives: Jay Butchko
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 »
Defending Against Tourist-Related Offenses In The Orlando, Florida Area
Orlando, with its year-round sunshine and world-renowned tourist attractions, attracts millions of visitors every year. It also remains a popular Spring Break destination for families and college students alike. Unfortunately, a visit to Central Florida sometimes includes an arrest for an alleged criminal violation. Most commonly, these may include DUI, drug possession, assault, or… Read More »
Vehicular Manslaughter Charges In Florida: When A Tragic Accident Becomes A Legal Nightmare
Vehicular manslaughter, known as vehicular homicide under Florida law, is Florida’s most serious criminal driving offense. Vehicular homicide in Florida is a felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Under certain circumstances, if you left the scene of the accident and failed to give aid to the victim,… Read More »
Defending Against Criminal Trespass Allegations In Florida
Criminal trespass in Florida is a crime in which an innocent mistake or misunderstanding can lead to criminal charges and legal headaches. Under Section 810.08 of the Florida Statutes, trespass occurs when someone who is not “authorized, licensed or invited” willfully enters or remains upon a “structure or conveyance”, or does not leave when… Read More »
Defending Against Child Abuse Allegations In Florida
Child abuse is rightfully considered one of the most reprehensible crimes one can commit. It is also one of the worst crimes one can be accused of – especially when they are innocent. These types of allegations can come about from a variety of situations. Sometimes they are raised by an upset ex or… Read More »
Defending Against A Robbery Charge In Florida
A robbery charge in Florida is one of the more serious criminal charges one can face. Robbery is classified as a violent crime that carries felony charges and up to 15 years in prison in some cases. As such, a defendant accused of robbery must take every possible measure to assert their rights in… Read More »
Resisting Arrest In Florida: What To Know And How To Defend Against Charges
A run-in with the law can lead to any number of potential criminal charges in Florida. One charge that can sometimes accompany others is the crime of Resisting Arrest. When charged, Resisting Arrest is usually added on to some other charges, due to some type of act by the defendant during the course of… Read More »
What To Know About Murder Charges In Florida
Murder is the most serious criminal charge a person can face, in Florida or anywhere. In a murder case, the state charges the defendant with the intentional taking of another person’s life. Not only are there serious personal and moral consequences of this crime, but there are drastic legal consequences. Criminal penalties for murder… Read More »
Sexual Battery Charges In Florida – What To Do If You Have Been Charged
Sex crimes are taken very seriously by law enforcement in Florida, and a sexual battery charge can carry severe consequences if one is convicted. In addition to being a felony that can carry a prison sentence, sexual battery charges can have other ramifications, such as: Loss of employment and/or inability to be hired for… Read More »