Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Tampa Bay Streaker Incident : Indecent Exposure is Criminal Behavior
Tampa Bay residents and sports-lovers know that the Buccaneers won their first Super Bowl since 2003 last Sunday. They expected a great game, and the players delivered. Unfortunately, an unrelenting and shameless fan also took in the celebration but forgot his clothes in the process. The Tampa Bay Streaker was arrested in a pink… Read More »
Property Crimes: Burglary & Aggravated Burglary
Recently in Tampa a defendant was apprehended for multiple counts of burglary. The Polk County Sheriff deemed his offenses especially heinous, because the defendant would target the homes of grieving loved ones attending a viewing or funeral. In total, the defendant is accused of burglarizing over ten homes, and his activity went unsuspected as… Read More »
Criminal Penalties for Narcotics Possession
In Florida, narcotics possession or possession with intent to distribute is treated very seriously. Penalties range from probation to mandatory minimum prison sentences. If you or a loved one were recently arrested for possession of a controlled substance or narcotic, contact an attorney for immediate help. Classifying Illegal & Prescription Narcotics The United States… Read More »
License Suspension after a DUI Arrest
After a DUI arrest in Florida, you have two serious issues to contend with, criminal charges and driver’s license suspension. After you are taken into custody, the arresting officer will destroy your license and issue a temporary one. The temporary license is only valid for ten days and can only be used for commuting… Read More »
Grand Theft Felonies
Florida classifies theft, larceny, robbery, and burglary distinctively. Grand theft is a specific intent crime, not a general intent crime. It means that a defendant allegedly stole property from another with the intent to permanently deprive the other person of their property. Grand theft is a felony, and the property illegally taken must be… Read More »
Hit & Run Offenses in Florida
Just last week, a woman was tragically struck and killed in a hit and run accident in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. In Florida, a hit and run charge, or leaving the scene of an accident, can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony. Leaving the scene of an accident is illegal. Leaving the scene… Read More »
Accessory or Accomplice: What is the Difference?
If you were recently charged with the offense of accessory after the fact of a crime, or as an accomplice to a crime, you may be confused about what this means, or how serious the penalties may be. A criminal accessory is not the same offense or definition as a criminal accomplice. The distinction… Read More »
Pre-Trial Intervention & Probation
If you or a loved one were recently arrested for a misdemeanor, or arrested for the first time, you may be eligible for probation or pre-trial intervention program. Your eligibility is based on the crime you were charged with, your prior criminal record, and several unique factors. If you were charged with a misdemeanor… Read More »
Marijuana Laws in Florida: What happens when you are charged with possession?
Medical Marijuana While numerous states have passed decriminalization or legalization of marijuana laws, Florida is not one of those states. Only medical marijuana is legal to possess in the State of Florida. This means a person must carry a card issued by the State to transport and utilize medical marijuana without facing penalties. A… Read More »
You Received a Target Letter in the Mail: Now What?
Target letters are written memos prepared by the United States Department of Justice in advance of a criminal grand jury or investigation. If you received a target letter, it means you are the subject of a criminal investigation, may be subpoenaed, or could be named as a defendant in a federal criminal indictment. You… Read More »