Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Comparing “Stand Your Ground” And The “Castle Doctrine” Under Florida Law
The notion of self-defense is one of the very few defenses to murder charges in Florida, and it is also one of the most misunderstood concepts for those who do not have a legal background. There are multiple laws on the books that cover justifiable use of force, which is an umbrella term for… Read More »
Statistics On Burglary Crimes In Florida
The basic definition of burglary is entering or remaining in a location with the intent to commit a criminal offense, such as theft, a violent crime, or other illegal act. Burglary is always a felony, so penalties for a conviction may range from five years’ incarceration to life in prison, along with a fine… Read More »
What Federal Crimes Can Lead To The Death Penalty?
Few criminal sanctions are more serious than the death penalty and, fortunately, it is rare that capital punishment is the sentence for someone convicted of a federal crime. According to the Death Penalty Information Center, just 45 individuals are currently on death row and only 13 people were executed by lethal injection during the… Read More »
Excessive BAC DUI Laws In Florida
Most drivers are generally aware of Florida’s drunk driving laws, and you may even be familiar with the punishment for a conviction. If convicted for driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI), you face up to six months’ imprisonment, a fine ranging from $500 to $1,000, and a driver’s license suspension. The penalties increase… Read More »
Ways To Avoid Mandatory Minimum Jail For Federal Drug Crimes
As a general rule, a defendant convicted of a federal drug crime will face mandatory minimum sentencing, which means that a judge does not have discretion to change the period of incarceration set by law. The length of the prison term varies according to the type of controlled substance, amount, and illegal activity associated… Read More »
4 Categories Of Defenses In Florida Criminal Cases
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) makes almost 680,000 arrests for criminal charges every year across the state, with more than 50,000 of them occurring in Broward County alone. These individuals face charges ranging from murder and DUI to sex crimes and theft, but there is one thing they have in common: They… Read More »
Is Prostitution And Solicitation The Same Under Florida Criminal Law?
The days of pimps, johns, and prostitutes conducting business on a seedy street corner are gone, with the online world offering a more private, less risky way to engage in the World’s Oldest Profession. Law enforcement officials have responded by developing new tactics and technology to apprehend those who violate Florida criminal laws on… Read More »
4 Things You Did Not Know About Arson Charges In Florida
To start, there is one thing that might surprise you: According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), police make just 250 arrests for arson every year – making these cases quite rare within the criminal justice system. The criminal code defines arson as the intentional use of fire or explosives to damage… Read More »
What To Do If Your Child Was Arrested For Shoplifting In Florida
There are numerous calls you do not want to receive as a parent, and picking up the phone to learn that your child was arrested for shoplifting is certainly one of them. Shoplifting is covered under Florida’s statute on retail theft, which focuses on the value of the stolen items as a determining factor…. Read More »
Important Evidence For Fighting Florida Manslaughter Charges
Any criminal case that involves the killing of another human being will lead to extremely serious charges, but Florida law provides for different classifications of homicide according to the circumstances. The statute on manslaughter covers three specific versions of the offense: Voluntary manslaughter by an intentional act; So-called “murder for hire,” in which the… Read More »