Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Can a Victim Choose To Drop Domestic Violence Charges in Florida?
A common question we get in Domestic Violence cases is whether the victim can drop the charges once they have been filed. Many people assume that the victim should have control of the case and can, therefore, drop the charges if they see fit. However, the reality is once the domestic violence charges are… Read More »
“To speak, or not to speak? That is the question!” What You Need To Know Before Taking the Stand in Your Criminal Case
If you are facing criminal charges in Florida, and your case is headed to trial, you may consider testifying in your defense. The thought of wanting to clear your name and tell your side of the story can be tempting. But before you decide to take the witness stand, you must understand the potential… Read More »
6 Reasons Why You Need Legal Counsel When Facing a Criminal Investigation in Florida
Being under criminal investigation can be overwhelming, especially if you believe you’ve done nothing wrong. Many people assume that hiring a lawyer at this stage is unnecessary, but that is far from the truth. You need to hire a criminal defense lawyer immediately after you learn that you are under a criminal investigation to… Read More »
Did You Know That the Law Protects You From Having Past Wrongdoings Used Against You in a Criminal Case?
Facing criminal charges in Florida can be stressful, given the state’s strict laws against crimes. And if this is not your first arrest, you may be worried that the state might attempt to bring up evidence of your past crimes or similar acts to prove your guilt. Florida law has strict rules that limit… Read More »
What Is the Statute of Limitations in Florida Sexual Battery Prosecutions?
In Florida, there are specific time limits within which crimes, including some sex crimes, can be prosecuted. This is known as the statute of limitations. In most cases, the statute of limitations for sex crimes ranges from between one to eight years, depending on the severity of the offense. If the state does not… Read More »
FACDL President and Founding Partner Jason Blank Comments on DeSantis Possibly Blocking Florida’s TRUMP Act Immigration Death Penalty
FACDL President and Founding Partner Jason Blank Comments on DeSantis Possibly Blocking Florida’s TRUMP Act Immigration Death Penalty to CBS 12 in West Palm Beach. You can read the story and watch the full video by clicking here and view Jason’s segment below.
Can a Mental Health Disorder Lead to a Reduced Criminal Sentence in Florida?
In Florida, judges have broad discretion when sentencing a defendant convicted of a crime. While criminal offenses have a “lowest permissible sentence,” a judge can decide to make a downward departure from that minimum if two conditions are met. First, there must be a valid legal ground, as well as adequate factual support for… Read More »
5 Things You Need to Know About Florida DUI Laws
For many Fort Lauderdale area residents, a drunk driving arrest will be their first–and hopefully only–interaction with Florida’s criminal justice system. There is often a good deal of confusion surrounding Florida’s DUI laws and how they work. So here are five things you should know about the law when it comes to drunk driving… Read More »
Partner Jason Blank Comments on the Broward Sheriff’s Office Actions in Rapper YNW Melly’s Retrial
Partner Jason Blank comments on the Broward Sheriff’s Office Actions in a recent Sun Sentinel article entitled Can Defense Lawyers Go Too Far? Prosecutors Face Dilemma When Targeting Courtroom Opponents. Threatening to charge opposing counsel with a crime could be seen as an intimidation tactic that could backfire and create issues the defense can… Read More »
Can a Witness Testify Against You Via Zoom in a Florida Criminal Trial?
One of the most important rights that a defendant has in a Florida criminal prosecution is to “confront” the witnesses and other evidence against them. The Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution explicitly protects this right of confrontation. As one Florida appellate judge recently observed, the Sixth Amendment was a direct response to… Read More »