Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Charged With Cocaine Possession In Florida: What’s Next?
While fentanyl and the opioid epidemic continue to plague much of the country, many criminal charges are still brought in the State of Florida for possession of cocaine. In Florida, prosecutors can charge defendants in possession of small quantities of cocaine with a third-degree felony. If you were charged with possession or distribution of… Read More »
Bryant Scriven Was Voted By His Peers As One Of The Florida Legal Elite In 2021
Florida Legal Elite presents the top licensed and practicing attorneys selected by their peers. Less than 2% of active Florida Bar members practicing in Florida appear received this prestigious honor. Florida Trend invited all in-state members of the Florida Bar to name attorneys whom they highly regard to would recommend to others. Voters were… Read More »
Unexpected Consequences From A DUI Conviction
Everyone knows that driving while under the influence is illegal. And most people know if arrested for a DUI, the defendant can expect to pay hefty fines, the cost of bail after detainment, costs to retain a defense attorney, and possibly serve time in jail. The defendant might also have to bear costs for… Read More »
What Is Money Laundering And Wire Fraud?
Last week in California, a federal jury found a former Netflix Vice President guilty of money laundering and fraud. Defendant Michael Kail allegedly secured lucrative contracts for stock options, kickbacks and additional monies from tech start-up companies in exchange for deals with Neftlix. Kail accepted bribes in excess of $500,000 for over two years,… Read More »
Florida Windshield Obstruction Laws: Know Your Rights In A Traffic Stop
In a tragic turn of events, police in Minnesota fatally shot Daunte Wright only weeks ago, during the George Floyd trial. Officers state a traffic stop was made because of air fresheners hanging in his rearview mirror and because of expired license tags. After reviewing his name, police learned of his misdemeanor warrant and… Read More »
Consequences For Unlawful Possession Of Firearms In Florida
A previously convicted felon is released on parole after serving ten years hard labor in prison. Upon release, he is invited to go sport hunting with friends. On the way home from their excursion, police make a traffic stop for speeding. He is asked to show identification, and police determine he is a convicted… Read More »
Mother Charged With Cyber Crimes After Altering Homecoming Results
Yesterday in Escambia County, police arrested a mother and her teenage daughter for hacking into a student and school accounts with authorization to do so, in an attempt to alter homecoming results in her daughter’s favor. After initial research, police who remanded the suspect to county jail determined she is a school employee at… Read More »
Don’t Risk Driving Without A License Or Insurance In The Sunshine State
Car insurance is expensive. Every time a driver receives a parking ticket, speeding citation or is involved in a collision, it’s possible that rates increase substantially. Florida drivers are also notorious for aggressive driving. Some people are tempted to drive without insurance, because what’s the worst that can happen? Driving on a suspended license,… Read More »
Plea Agreement Or Trial: What’s Appropriate For Your Case?
Last year in Florida, over 200,000 criminal defendants were arrested. Of those arrests, many cases were pled out and never went to trial. What does it mean to plead out a case? The state’s attorney or district attorney in the jurisdiction where the defendant is arrested may approach the defendant or the defendant’s attorney… Read More »
What is Spousal Privilege & How Does it Apply to Criminal Cases?
Spousal privilege is a unique device that is exclusive to married couples. In Florida, a spouse cannot be asked to testify against her spouse in a criminal proceeding, but there are exceptions to the rule. If you are facing criminal charges at the federal or state level and your spouse was not an accomplice… Read More »