Author Archives: Jay Butchko
How To Beat Felony Drug Charges in Florida
Being charged with a felony drug offense in Florida can be life-changing. Florida enforces some of the strictest drug laws in the country, and a conviction could mean lengthy prison time, hefty fines, and a criminal record that follows you for life. However, facing a felony drug charge doesn’t automatically mean you’ll be convicted… Read More »
Being Nervous During a Traffic Stop Doesn’t Give Police a Reason To Detain You
If you are driving with a broken tag or brake light, you may be stopped by police officers for this. Getting pulled over by the police can be nerve-wracking, even if it’s just for something minor. The officer may approach you, ask why you were stopped, and ask for your license registration and insurance… Read More »
Can a Confidential Informant Impact the Outcome of Your Florida Drug Trafficking Case?
As criminal defense attorneys, we have seen several drug trafficking cases involving confidential informants (CIs). The stakes in such cases are usually higher in comparison to cases that don’t involve CIs. The presence of a CI in your Florida drug trafficking case can dramatically alter the course of your case. Informants can provide critical… Read More »
Understanding Cocaine Trafficking Laws and Penalties in Florida
Florida has some of the strictest drug laws in the country, with cocaine trafficking being among the most serious drug crimes in the state. If convicted of drug trafficking, you could face significant fines and a lengthy prison sentence. A conviction can also adversely affect your future in several ways. If you or someone… Read More »
Consequences of Mail Order Drug Trafficking
Over the past few years, online pharmacies and mail-order services have grown in popularity in the United States of America. This rise has created an avenue for illegal drug trafficking. In Florida, authorities are always trying to combat this issue. If you are found guilty of mailing drugs to people in Florida, you could… Read More »
The Harsh Reality of Conspiracy to Traffic Cocaine in Florida
In its essential terms, a conspiracy is when two or more people agree to commit an unlawful act. When it comes to drug crimes, individuals agree to perform acts that violate state or federal drug laws. Conspiring to traffic cocaine is a serious crime in Florida, which can lead to severe penalties. The exact… Read More »
Penalties for Methamphetamine Trafficking in Florida
The Florida Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act classifies methamphetamine, also known simply as meth, as a Schedule II controlled substance. This means that meth has a high potential for abuse and a low potential for medical use or treatment. Law enforcement agencies in Florida take methamphetamine trafficking very seriously, and the state… Read More »
Elements Needed To Build a RICO Case
RICO, also known as the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, is a powerful tool enacted to fight organized crime networks. Prosecutors frequently use RICO laws to pursue a wide range of criminal enterprises, from drug trafficking to white-collar crime and street gangs. However, prosecutors must prove several key legal elements to successfully bring… Read More »
The Harsh Reality of When Fentanyl Trafficking Overlaps With Human Trafficking
In Florida criminal law, few offenses carry as much gravity as those related to drug trafficking and human trafficking. Now, when a person is charged with both drug trafficking and human trafficking, the consequences can be extremely severe. Often, these two charges involve mandatory minimum sentences and federal prosecution. When these two crimes overlap,… Read More »
Common Mistakes Defendants Make in Cocaine Trafficking Cases
The offense of cocaine trafficking in Florida, which arises when someone purchases, produces, delivers, or brings into the state 28 grams or more of cocaine or its derivatives, is among the most serious offenses in the state. Being convicted of this crime can result in harsh consequences. Florida law imposes mandatory minimum sentences for… Read More »