Author Archives: Jay Butchko
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 »
Illegal Possession Of Guns And Weapons In Florida – Potential Charges And Defenses
Illegal gun possession is a hot-button issue in the Orlando area and across Florida, particularly as memories of mass shootings in Florida linger. Police officers take illegal weapons possession seriously and are aggressive in arresting those believed to be carrying guns unlawfully. Furthermore, many law enforcement officers believe these cases are easy to prove… Read More »
Criminal Defense For College Students – What To Consider If You Or A Family Member Has Been Charged
College at any school in the Orlando area is a time for learning, personal growth, and socialization. With this phase also comes the risk of mistakes that can be charged as criminal offenses. This is an ongoing concern for students at the University of Central Florida, Florida Tech, and other area colleges. The most… Read More »
Theft Crimes And Defenses In The Orlando, Florida, Area
The Orlando area is a world-class vacation destination thanks to its theme parks, magnificent hotels, fine dining and wide array of shopping experiences for tourists. Orlando attracts millions of visitors to the area each year, to go along with over a million Orange County residents. With such a large population and tourism base, unfortunately,… Read More »
How To Expunge Or Seal Criminal Records In Florida
It seems unfair that a mistake or youthful indiscretion can follow someone through the rest of their adult lives as part of a criminal record. Unfortunately, regardless of what happened, certain arrests or criminal charges can linger on a person’s permanent record, causing issues in the future with: Job applications Housing/Rental applications Applications for… Read More »
Self-Defense Under Florida Law – What Is It And How Can It Help My Case?
If you have been charged with assault or any type of violent criminal offense, you may be able to prove your innocence with a self-defense argument. Florida law recognizes that people sometimes need to protect themselves, a family member, or others from immediate threats of harm. Depending on the circumstances, physical force or even… Read More »
Marijuana Possession Laws In Florida
Marijuana legalization is a growing trend across the United States, where total cannabis sales increased by 38% in 2021 over the previous year. Some estimate that legal cannabis sales will reach $30 billion in 2022, as more states move to decriminalize and legalize recreational cannabis possession. However, while recreational marijuana is currently legal to… Read More »
Driving With A Suspended License In Florida – Penalties And Defenses
Driving with a suspended license is not only a crime, but it can cause administrative headaches that last months or even years. This type of offense can start with a seemingly harmless mistake that cascades into a nightmare situation. Your license can be suspended or revoked for any number of reasons to begin with,… Read More »
Defending A Domestic Violence Charge In Florida
Domestic violence is one of the most common criminal charges in the State of Florida. Annually, over 100,000 domestic violence allegations are reported in Florida, resulting in approximately 60,000 arrests statewide. In Orange County, about 8,000 domestic violence arrests are made each year involving some aspect of alleged domestic violence. “Domestic violence” is a… Read More »
