Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Can Past Threats Justify a Domestic Violence Injunction in Fort Lauderdale?
Domestic violence injunctions are a legal tool to protect individuals who are in “imminent danger” of abuse. Put another way, injunctions are for current victims of domestic violence. A Florida court is not allowed to issue an injunction based on “stale” accusations that are considered too remote in time. Florida Appeals Court: No Evidence… Read More »
Does It Matter How Far “Over” the Limit You Are in a Florida DUI Case?
Recently, the Florida Highway Patrol arrested a 27-year-old Hillsborough County woman on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI). The circumstances were notable. According to press reports, the suspect was driving the wrong way when the FHP pulled her over. And a subsequent breath test suggested she was intoxicated well past the legal limit… Read More »
Could I Lose My Job Following a Domestic Violence Arrest in Fort Lauderdale?
An arrest for domestic violence carries a significant stigma. Even if Florida prosecutors ultimately drop the charges, or a jury acquits the defendant following a trial, the mere allegation can still follow a person for months or years. This can lead to additional consequences outside the scope of the criminal justice system, such as… Read More »
The Importance of Due Process in Florida Domestic Violence Injunction Hearings
Before issuing a final domestic violence injunction, a Florida judge must hold a hearing, at which both the petitioner and the respondent are allowed to present evidence. The petitioner is the person alleging they are a past or likely future victim of domestic violence. The respondent is the person accused. The final hearing proceeds… Read More »
Ex-Royal Caribbean Employee Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Producing Child Pornography
Medical professionals define voyeurism as an interest in observing unsuspecting people while they undress, are naked, or engage in sexual activities. Many people suffer from voyeuristic disorder, which means they regularly have intrusive thoughts of engaging in voyeurism, even if they never act upon them. Unfortunately, some people do act upon these thoughts and… Read More »
Famous Rapper Successfully Argues Self-Defense After Airport Brawl
Florida has some of the strongest self-defense laws in the nation, and this is good news for anyone facing accusations of violent crimes in Fort Lauderdale. If you harmed someone because you were trying to protect yourself or someone you love, you should not face any penalties. The strength of Florida’s self-defense laws recently… Read More »
What Is the Penalty for Being a “Money Mule” in Florida?
Most Florida residents are familiar with the term “drug mule,” but the term “money mule” appears less often. Acting as a money mule can lead to strict penalties in Florida – especially as numerous law enforcement agencies vow to crack down on this criminal behavior. If you have been accused of being a money… Read More »
It Is Easier to Produce Child Pornography Than You Might Think
When most Florida residents hear the term “child pornography,” they assume that the victims are always small children. However, it is important to remember that these laws protect all children in the Sunshine State – even those on the verge of adulthood. It may be easier to “produce” child pornography in Fort Lauderdale than… Read More »
Can You Argue Self-Defense When Trespassing in Fort Lauderdale?
You may have heard that Florida has some of the strongest self-defense laws in the nation. In the Sunshine State, people have the right to exercise deadly force when faced with deadly threats. However, it’s important to note that even in a stand-your-ground state like Florida, these rights have limits. There are some situations… Read More »
Modifications That Can Make Your Firearms Illegal in Fort Lauderdale
Many people in Florida enjoy modifying their firearms. Some might add sights, while others add different types of grips. Although many of these modifications are legal, some are not. It might be easier than you realize to unwittingly turn your legal firearm into an illegal variant. This issue is even more important in the… Read More »