Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Recording Police Interactions In Tampa
Any type of interaction with law enforcement has the potential to be tense. Over the past several years, we have all seen headlines regarding allegations of police abuse and harassment. Recording these interactions may be the best way to protect yourself and others involved. Tampa criminal defense lawyer Bryant Scriven explains what you need… Read More »
Charged With Disturbing The Peace In Florida?
In a bizarre turn of events, a Florida man was shot by a police officer after breaking a beer bottle over his own head. The officer mistakenly thought he heard gunshots. The man was already under police investigation for armed robbery when this occurred. Now the defendant faces additional charges. Police shot at the… Read More »
Criminal Charges Are Just One Type Of Legal Problems That Domestic Violence Can Bring
People say that the ones you love the most are the ones you hurt. A disproportionate number of calls to police are about physical fights and other heated confrontations between romantic partners or family members. Sometimes these disputes lead to arrests and criminal convictions for domestic violence. Equally often, though, the parties, having a… Read More »
Brandon, Florida Woman Arrested For Giving Car Keys To Drunk Friend Who Got Into DUI
In what is considered the first case of its kind in Polk County, Florida, a Brandon, Florida resident is now in police custody for providing car keys to an inebriated friend who then got into a DUI. English has been charged with culpable negligent manslaughter. She gave the car keys to her friend, the… Read More »
Another COVID-19 Related Conviction For A Tampa Resident
A St. Petersburg man was sentenced to 3 years in federal prison for COVID-19 relief fraud, from which he collected over $800,000. Not only is he facing time in prison without the eligibility of parole, but the convicted defendant must also pay back what he collected in restitution to the federal government. The defendant… Read More »
Four Factors That Increase The Risk Of Federal Drug Charges In Tampa
Facing criminal charges for any type of drug crime in Tampa is a serious matter. Law enforcement officials are vigilant in making arrests and once charged while prosecutors are dedicated to obtaining convictions. In addition to facing serious penalties under state laws, you could end up being charged with a federal crime. Experienced Tampa… Read More »
Juvenile Crime – No Minor Matter In Tampa
No matter how adult your teenager may try to act, their brains are still developing. This combined with a general lack of life experience and maturity can lead them to make some poor decisions. Hanging with the wrong crowd, acting on dares, or otherwise getting caught up in illegal activity can have serious consequences…. Read More »
Understanding Federal Cyberstalking Laws
Federal prosecutors charged a Hillsborough County man with cyberstalking recently after a criminal investigation into his online behavior over the past year and a half. The defendant is accused of sending threatening messages to three victims via Instagram, including threats against the victims’ lives. If convicted, the defendant could face up to five years… Read More »
Can An Accomplice To Armed Robbery Face Prison Time In Florida?
Florida law enforcement authorities just arrested a serial bank robber known as the I-4 bandit in Clearwater, Florida. The defendant has multiple felonies on his record and a history of robbery, and is also linked to a prior bank robbery earlier in November of 2021. The defendant fled the scene and authorities were able… Read More »
Can A Person Be Arrested For Making Online Threats In Florida?
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement recently arrested a defendant travelling from South Carolina in Hillsborough County. The defendant, a civilian Air Force officer stationed in South Carolina, is accused of making online terroristic threats. The defendant allegedly made threats that he would die by suicide by cop or engage police in a stand-off…. Read More »