Author Archives: Jay Butchko
When Drunk Driving Can Lead to an Aggravated DUI in Florida
You’re probably well-aware that there can be severe implications for violating Florida’s statute on Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Jail time, a driver’s license suspension, fines, and many other collateral consequences can result from a drunk driving conviction. However, what you may not know is that there can be even more serious penalties if… Read More »
Do I Have Rights Under the Federal First Step Act?
December 21, 2018 marked a memorable day for current inmates serving time for federal crimes, as President Trump signed a sweeping criminal reform measure into law. The FIRST STEP Act, which stands for “Formerly Incarcerated Reenter Society Transformed Safely Transitioning Every Person” Act, was touted by proponents as a much-needed law that will enhance… Read More »
Double Jeopardy Considerations in the Epstein Case
You can barely turn on the TV or open a paper without learning something new in the federal criminal case against Jeffrey Epstein, who stands accused of sex trafficking under a recently unveiled indictment in New York. According to a July 23, 2019 article published by South Florida’s Sun-Sentinel, the case has ties to… Read More »
Epstein Sex Trafficking Case Offers Lesson in How Indictments Work
Rumors had swirled for months regarding an investigation into criminal acts by Jeffrey Epstein, finally culminating in his arrest on July 6, 2019. According to the Miami Herald, the wealthy financier was met by FBI agents at Teterboro Airport in New Jersey upon his return from Paris. Hours before, officials had broken down the… Read More »
Florida Crime Rate Down; Exception is Murder Crimes
When it seems like bad news abounds in the media headlines, it’s refreshing to read a report that announces some good news. According to a June 25, 2019 article published by Fox News Channel 13, Florida’s crime rate dipped in 2018 – for the 48th year in a row. In sum, the overall crime… Read More »
Crimes That Require Registration as a Sex Offender in Florida
If you’ve been arrested for certain sex crimes, you may already be aware that a conviction carries severe criminal penalties, including prison time, fines, and probation. However, for some of these offenses, Florida’s statute on sex offender registration also applies. You must strictly comply with the requirements, and there are serious sanctions for violating… Read More »
Don’t Believe the Myths About Drunk Driving in Florida
Despite the availability of information via the internet, misconceptions about drunk driving abound. Word-of-mouth can be the most damaging, even from sources you trust. It’s possible that some erroneous information contributed to the 4,043 arrests for DUI in Broward County in 2018, according to data collected by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and… Read More »
Get Evidence Thrown Out of a Florida Criminal Case
When you’ve been arrested on criminal charges, you probably assume that incriminating evidence will spell the end of your case and your chances of beating the charges are slim. However, you should always remember that you still have rights under the US Constitution and similar provisions of the Florida Constitution. Violations are serious matters… Read More »
Mail and Wire Fraud
There is a wide array of schemes people may develop to defraud others, but using the mail or telecommunications services makes the offense extremely serious. These crimes are almost always charged at the federal level under US statutes on mail fraud and other schemes, which means the criminal process is more complex and the… Read More »
How Sentencing Works in Federal Criminal Cases
After a conviction in a federal criminal case, the next phase is the sentencing process. To assist judges in handing down punishment and establish consistency, Congress passed the Sentencing Reform Act in 1984. This law created the United States Sentencing Commission (USSC) within the judicial branch and tasked the agency with developing Federal Sentencing… Read More »