Author Archives: Jay Butchko
What Are The Consequences Of Joining A Gang In Florida?
Street gangs began in the early 1900s. Then as now, many people joined what they believed were social organizations. These individuals often don’t know, until it is too late, the entire extent of that organization’s activities. Until recently, gangs mostly committed petty crimes and property crimes. Recently, violent gang activity has increased, in areas… Read More »
Resolving White Collar Criminal Cases In Hillsborough County
One of the first recorded plea bargains in American history involved a white collar criminal case. In February 1881, since prosecutors dropped felony embezzlement charges, Californian Albert McKenzie pleaded guilty to misdemeanor embezzlement. Prosecutors charged that McKenzie, who worked for a sewing machine company, embezzled $52.50 from his employer. The McKenzie plea signaled a… Read More »
Effective Defenses In DUI Cases
Just as the decades-long DUI crackdown was showing some signs of effectiveness, coronavirus lockdowns undid that progress. Now, some officers who are desperate to reverse the rising tide of drunk driving incidents take illegal shortcuts during the arrest process. Others make arrests in borderline cases, making it almost impossible for prosecutors to establish guilt… Read More »
Staying Off The Sex Offender List In Florida
Many observers, including some early advocates, now believe that sex offender registration laws have gone too far. In response, many states have eased their requirements in this area. However, Florida still has one of the strictest sex offender registration laws in the country. As a result, many people want to know how to get… Read More »
Hundreds Of People Caught In Federal Dragnet
In only one part of the Sunshine State, federal authorities have arrested and prosecuted 325 people for alleged violations of federal firearms laws. Project Safe Neighborhoods is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN focuses on prevention and intervention efforts through community engagement and problem-solving partnerships, strategic enforcement of… Read More »
Beating Drug Trafficking Charges In A Hillsborough County Court
The War on Drugs, which began in the late 1960s, probably hit its peak in 1986, after college basketball phenom Len Bias did a single line of cocaine at a party and immediately died. Many people thought Bias was a better player than Michael Jordan, and judging from Bias’ highlight reel on YouTube, they… Read More »
Defenses To Aggravated Assault Charges In Hillsborough County
Typically, prosecutors use conduct or status to elevate ordinary assault charges to Section 784.021 aggravated assault charges. The conduct is using a deadly weapon. For purposes of this law, pretty much anything can be a deadly weapon, even something like a coffee cup, depending on its use. The status is an assault with the… Read More »
Sexual Assault At University Of Florida
The University Police Department has stepped up patrols after a UF student claims a Hispanic man raped her in a dormitory. UF spokesperson Cynthia Roldan reiterated that patrols were increased to enhance students’ sense of safety and the timely warning’s call for people with knowledge to come forward. “We also encourage anyone who is… Read More »
ALS After A DUI: What You Should Know
In Florida, a chemical test refusal or a chemical test result above the legal limit usually triggers the administrative license suspension process. The Sunshine State has very strict laws in this area. Defendants only have ten days to request ALS hearings. If they don’t request hearings, the full suspension period automatically takes effect. This… Read More »
Getting A Second Chance In Florida
Despite “ban the box” laws and other such changes, persons with criminal records are about five times more likely to be unemployed than people without criminal records. Discrimination against people with criminal records abounds in many other areas as well, particularly against women. Florida lawmakers recently revised the state’s expungement and sealing laws, giving… Read More »