Author Archives: Jay Butchko
How to Remove a No-Contact Order After a Domestic Dispute
If a domestic dispute has led to an arrest, the courts in Florida will often issue a no-contact order as a condition of your release. While the order is in place, you are prohibited from contacting the individual it is meant to protect. It is not uncommon for the protected person named in an… Read More »
What is Considered Drug Paraphernalia in Florida?
The drug laws in Florida are not only very strict, but they are also very broad. Even the most seemingly innocent items can result in charges of drug paraphernalia possession. These charges may not seem as serious as possession of a controlled substance, but the penalties are still very harsh if you are convicted…. Read More »
What are Weapon Enhancements in Florida?
In Florida, weapon enhancements have a significant impact on sentencing in criminal procedures. It typically means that you will face a harsher sentence than you would if there was not a weapons enhancement in your case. Still, you have the right to fight back against any charges against you, including a weapons enhancement. In… Read More »
How to Avoid Common Mistakes After Being Charged with an Offense
After being charged with a crime, every decision you make and any action you take matters a great deal. This is particularly true early on in your case. Still, people too often unknowingly take certain actions that are harmful to their case and leave them with limited options. Our Fort Lauderdale criminal defense lawyers… Read More »
Founding Partner and Past FACDL President Jason Blank Quoted in Article About the Section of the Florida Law Prohibiting Adults Under Age 21 from Carrying a Concealed Firearm Being Unconstitutional
By Rafael Olmeda South Florida Sun Sentinel 10/25/2025 Effectively dismissing a case against a Fort Lauderdale resident who turns 20 in December, Broward Circuit Judge Frank Ledee said the restriction is inconsistent with the Second Amendment of the Constitution, which guarantees the right of the people to keep and bear arms, and with other… Read More »
Important Things to Know About Ignition Interlock Devices After a DUI Conviction
A conviction for driving under the influence (DUI) carries many harsh penalties. These include high fines, possible jail time, probation, and more. Certain individuals are also required to install an interlock ignition device in their vehicle to ensure that they do not commit the offense in the future. While these devices may seem like… Read More »
What are the Teen Sexting Laws in Fort Lauderdale?
Most teenagers in Fort Lauderdale use electronic devices today, and many of them even have their own cell phones. While these devices are important and help parents stay in touch with their children and find their location, teens can also use them for unintended purposes, including sending or receiving inappropriate images. Parents learn that… Read More »
What is Carjacking in Florida?
In Florida, theft of a motor vehicle is a very serious criminal offense. However, taking another person’s vehicle by force is even more serious and carries much harsher penalties for those convicted. In fact, life in prison is even a possibility in some cases. If you have been charged, it is important to understand… Read More »
Is Provocation a Defense to Battery in Florida?
While assault is the act of threatening another person with physical harm, battery is the actual action that causes the harm. Of the two offenses, battery is generally considered the more serious and those convicted will face harsh penalties. People often face these charges after someone has provoked them into making physical contact with… Read More »
Charged with Grand Theft? Here is What to Do Next
Being charged with grand theft is a very serious matter in Florida. If you are convicted, you will face high fines, long prison sentences, and other harsh consequences. The actions you take early in the process are of the utmost importance. If you respond strategically from the time you are charged, you and your… Read More »