Author Archives: Jay Butchko
How are Florida Drug Laws Organized?
When you take one look at the dozens of provisions that fall under Florida’s Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act, you really do not wonder why there is so much confusion about state drug laws. It is difficult to make sense of them if you do not have a legal background, yet it is… Read More »
5 Quick Facts About CDL DUIs in Florida
If you hold a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), you are probably aware that drunk driving laws apply to you differently as compared to other motorists. In fact, Florida law includes a separate section for CDL holders arrested for DUI, and the implications are harsh. Not only do you face some of the same penalties… Read More »
Florida Law Enforcement Cracking Down After Spate of Hate Crimes
Like many other large urban districts throughout the US, crime rates in South Florida are generally higher as compared to rural areas. However, from time to time, there are spikes with certain types of criminal activity that cause concern for law enforcement; hate crimes definitely fall into this category. A recent spate of offenses… Read More »
New Gunshot Detection Technology Could Mean More Arrests in South Florida
For years, law enforcement officials have relied on either reports or the sound of gunfire in the vicinity to pinpoint and arrest potential gun crimes offenders. Just as technical advancements have supported many other aspects of our lives, innovation is also fueling a new way for police to combat gun offenses in Florida. New… Read More »
Surprising Facts About White Collar Crime in Florida
With the bulk of media attention focusing on violent crimes, drug offenses, and violations of gun laws, it is easy to overlook the prevalence of white collar crime in Florida. As such, you might be shocked to learn how the state performed when compared to others in the US. According to the South Florida… Read More »
Comparing Rape to Other Sex Crimes Under Florida Law
Rape is an extremely serious offense under Florida law, but people can often get confused about the relevant legal concepts because it often gets lumped into the larger classification of sex crimes. Florida law provides for numerous types of offenses under this umbrella, starting from lesser offenses like prostitution and solicitation. Because they involve… Read More »
4 Consequences of Missing Court in a Florida Criminal Case
An arrest is just the beginning of a Florida criminal case, so you will move through several stages and proceedings along the way until you reach your trial date. In many cases, the Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure allow you to remain free as long as you post bond and comply with reasonable conditions… Read More »
Florida Traffic Tickets Can Lead to a Driver’s License Suspension
Florida motorists typically think of a driver’s license suspension as punishment for drunk or reckless driving, as it is logical to assume that the punishment for these serious offenses would be severe. However, there are many other ways to lose your driving privileges. When ticketed for a violation of traffic regulations contained in the… Read More »
Grand and Petit Theft in Florida: Understanding the Differences
You probably understand the basic description of theft to be taking something that does not belong to you, but the definition of theft offenses under Florida law includes numerous details and subtleties. There are fundamental differences based upon the underlying circumstances, such as violence toward the victim, where the criminal activity took place, and… Read More »
4 Things Undocumented Individuals Need to Know After Being Arrested in Florida
There is a popular misconception that you have to be a citizen of the US in order to take advantage of the country’s civil rights protections in criminal cases, but this assumption is not entirely true. While some laws only apply to Americans, your status as an undocumented immigrant does not deprive you of… Read More »