Author Archives: Jay Butchko
What are the Penalties for Boating Under the Influence in Fort Lauderdale?
In Fort Lauderdale and throughout Florida, boating is a very popular pastime. With so many rivers, lakes, and coastlines, it is no surprise that Florida has more registered boats than any other state in the country. However, like when someone drives a car while impaired, operating a boat under the influence of alcohol or… Read More »
Defenses to Solicitation of Prostitution in Fort Lauderdale
Prostitution is one of the oldest professions in America. But, for Floridians, soliciting another person for sexual acts is illegal. Anyone convicted of this crime will face serious consequences that can impact both their professional and personal lives. In addition to this, a conviction can result in high fines, jail time, or both. If… Read More »
Is Borrowing a Defense to Theft Charges in Florida?
Since the beginning of time, people have borrowed things from one another. In fact, some of the earliest legal disputes involved farmers who leased livestock to each other. The practice of borrowing continues today and it is not uncommon for one person to loan items to someone else for a certain period of time…. Read More »
What to Do if Charged with a Sex Offense
Being charged with a sex offense is stressful and potentially life-changing. The consequences of criminal charges, even without a conviction, are serious and can affect both your personal and professional life. After you are charged, it is natural to feel unsure of what to do and the next steps to take. Below, our Fort… Read More »
Misdemeanor vs. Felony Domestic Violence Offenses
In Florida, the term ‘domestic violence’ is a category of crimes and not an actual offense. These cases often involve very high emotions and can spin out of control quickly if not handled properly from the beginning. In order for any criminal case to be classified as domestic violence, the victim must be a… Read More »
What are the Types of Embezzlement?
Embezzlement refers to when a person in a position of trust fraudulently uses that trust to unlawfully obtain access to another person’s funds or property for their own gain. Embezzlement can occur in a number of ways. A cashier may take money from a register, a financial manager may reroute funds to their own… Read More »
The Advantages and Drawbacks of a Plea Bargain
Not all criminal cases go to trial or are resolved with a jury’s verdict. In many instances, the accused may accept a plea bargain. Plea bargaining occurs when the prosecution and the defense negotiate a resolution that removes the need for a trial. The prosecution may offer to reduce the charges in exchange for… Read More »
Four Common Myths About Criminal Trials
Many common misconceptions surrounding criminal trials come from movies and television shows. However, the version of a criminal trial in the entertainment world is much different from reality. There are rarely last-minute confessions or surprise witnesses, and are almost never any “aha!” moments in trial. If you have been charged with a criminal offense,… Read More »
Tips for Working with a Fort Lauderdale Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you have been accused of a criminal offense, having experienced legal counsel can make all the difference in your case. All too often, people do not understand the criminal justice system in Florida and so, they make critical errors because they do not understand their rights, or know how to fight back against… Read More »
Common Defenses in Criminal Cases
Criminal trials portrayed in the entertainment industry are often quite dramatic. Witnesses may surprisingly show up, or the defense attorney may reveal the actual guilty party. In reality, criminal defense is not typically so exciting. Many of the most common criminal defense strategies occur even before a criminal trial starts. Of course, every case… Read More »