Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Florida’s New Law in Texting While Driving: What You Need to Know
Starting July 1, 2019, Florida joined several other US states in enacting a ban on texting while driving. A July 1, 2019 article in the Sun-Sentinel described important provisions of the new Wireless Communications While Driving Law, which imposes penalties on drivers who engage in dangerous cell phone use behind the wheel of a… Read More »
Collateral Consequences of a Conviction in a Florida Criminal Case
While it may be easy to do a quick internet search for the penalties and punishments of a Florida criminal conviction, finding information on the collateral consequences is more of a challenge. Unfortunately, you may not discover the implications until they directly affect you. It may come as a shock to find out that… Read More »
Implications of a Permanent Domestic Violence Injunction in Florida
If someone has accused you of domestic violence, you may be shocked to find out that some legal proceedings have already taken place without your knowledge. This is because Florida’s statute on domestic violence allows a person to obtain an injunction against you, even when you weren’t provided with official notice. However, this initial… Read More »
What Happens to My Driver’s License After Florida Drunk Driving Arrest?
They say “to err is human,” but there are high stakes when a mistake leads to an arrest for violating Florida’s statute on Driving Under the Influence (DUI). If convicted, you face potential imprisonment and fines, but there are also implications for your driver’s license. When you’re unable to legally driver, there are considerable… Read More »
70-Year-Old Florida Man Faces Charges for Impregnating Minor
When a 13-year-old girl arrived at North Broward Medical Center in Pompano Beach, FL complaining of stomach pains, physicians conducted an exam to determine the cause of her distress. They were shocked – and immediately called police – when they discovered the girl was 14 weeks pregnant. According to a May 28, 2019 report… Read More »
Solid Criminal Defense is Essential for Florida Professionals
If you’re arrested and convicted for a crime in Florida, you know that the potential criminal penalties include jail time, fines, and other sanctions. However, the stakes are higher if you hold a professional license issued by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). A criminal conviction could affect your career and… Read More »
Palm Bay, FL Official, Businessman Indicted for White Collar Crimes
A four-year investigation gave law enforcement officials plenty of time to gather evidence against a former city official and a local businessman in Palm Bay on Florida’s Space Coast. According to a May 10, 2019 story published by Orlando’s NBC affiliate, WESH News Channel 2, the pair are accused of placing cameras in the… Read More »
Orange County Sheriff’s Office Arrests Teens for Written Threats
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office demonstrated that it won’t take any chances when it comes to protecting schools in the wake of last year’s deadly shootings in Parkland, FL. According to a May 23, 2019 report published by NBC affiliate WESH Channel 2 News, police arrested two teen students who texted a threat to… Read More »
Is STD Transmission a Criminal Offense in Florida?
When you think of offenses involving bodily harm to another person, assault, battery, and aggravated crimes come to mind. You might be surprised to learn that, under certain circumstances, simply engaging in consensual sexual intercourse may be a criminal offense. If you’ve contracted certain types of sexually transmitted diseases, you could face charges under… Read More »
When Can a Bar Fight Lead to Battery Charges?
People may make mistakes or use poor judgment after drinking, which is why bars and taverns are common locations for fights to break out. Unfortunately, when management calls police and officers arrive, it won’t matter who started it or whether your actions were justified. You could be arrested for battery, and possibly even aggravated… Read More »