Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Is Assault A Felony Criminal Offense In Florida?
In Florida, assault is broadly defined as the “intentional” and “unlawful” threat of violence against another person that creates a reasonable fear of imminent harm. The severity of an assault charge depends on the specific allegations. Simple assault is a misdemeanor offense in Florida. However, aggravated assault is a felony offense. Here, our Orlando… Read More »
An Overview Of Methamphetamine (Meth) Possession Charges In Florida
Methamphetamine (meth) is a powerful and addictive stimulant. It is considered to be a drug of abuse under federal law and state law. A person who is discovered in unlawful possession of meth in Florida could face a serious felony charge that is punishable by significant prison time. In this blog post, our Orlando… Read More »
Top Three Holiday Crimes And How To Avoid Them This Holiday Season
Unfortunately, the holidays are a prime time for crime, as there is an emphasis on buying and giving gifts that some people cannot afford; drinking and partying at family get togethers and on major holidays; and spending time with loved ones, which some people do not have. Each of these factors leads more people… Read More »
Orlando Man Sentenced To More Than Six Years In Prison For Money Laundering Conspiracy
On October 21st, 2022, the United States Attorneys’ Office for the Middle District of Florida announced that Jason Pagan-Reyes, a 40-year-old man from Orlando, has been sentenced to serve more than six years in prison for conspiracy to commit money laundering. The case involves alleged drug trafficking. It is a federal crime. Within this… Read More »
Orlando, FL Woman Arrested In Fatal Hit-And-Run Crash
According to a report from Florida Today, an Orlando woman has been arrested in relation to a fatal hit-and-run collision that occurred in June of 2022. The crash happened near the Hubert Humphrey Bridge in Merritt Island, Florida. Tragically, a 56-year-old bicyclist named Stephan Christian Morf was killed in the accident. 35-year-old Anabel Morales… Read More »
What Are The Possible Outcomes In A Criminal Appeal In Florida?
Few things in life are more frightening than facing a serious criminal charge. Every person has a right to have their day in court. You are innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Unfortunately, courts do make errors. A conviction may not be justified. You have the right to appeal. This raises an… Read More »
Four Reasons Why You Not Speak To A Police Officer After An Arrest Without A Lawyer Present
Were you arrested in Central Florida? It is imperative that you take proactive measures to protect your rights, your freedom, and your future. You should not agree to speak to law enforcement officers after an arrest unless you have an attorney by your side. No matter how “friendly” an officer might seem, the simple… Read More »
What Is A Straw Purchase?
A straw purchase is a broad term used to describe a situation in which someone buys something on behalf of another person whose identity is not disclosed. Most often, straw purchases are associated with firearms transactions. Typically, a straw purchase will happen when someone buys a firearm on behalf of someone else who is… Read More »
Central Florida Man Arrested After Driving 150 MPH, Causing Fatal Accident
According to a report from ClickOrlando, a 32-year-old Central Florida man has been arrested in connection with a deadly crash that happened on State Route 408 (SR-408) in November of 2021. Omaykan Guler was reportedly traveling at speeds as fast as 150 miles per hour (MPH) prior to the collision. Mr. Guler is now… Read More »
What Is Florida’s Red Flag Law?
Following the tragic and heartbreaking mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in 2018, Florida lawmakers passed one of the most comprehensive “red flag” laws in the entire country. As explained by The Washington Post, a red flag law is a special type of law that allows police to petition to (temporarily) take… Read More »
Can You Get A Felony Charge Downgraded To A Misdemeanor In Florida?
A felony is a very serious criminal offense. In Florida, all felonies carry the possibility of at least one year in jail. Many felony charges carry far more serious criminal penalties—with life imprisonment or even the death penalty being on the table. You may be wondering: Is it possible to get a felony charge… Read More »
DUI Charges In Florida: What To Know About Administrative License Suspension
Drunk driving is a serious criminal offense in Florida. Under state law (Florida Statutes § 316.193), a motorist can be arrested and charged with a DUI if their BAC is 0.08 or higher or if they are otherwise unlawfully impaired. Of course, an arrest for drunk driving is not the same thing as a… Read More »
Orlando Man Arrested For Serious Child Sex Crime
On September 12th, 2022, the United States Attorneys’ Office for the Middle District of Florida announced felony child sex crimes charges against Miguel Diaz Gonzalez, a 40-year-old man from Orlando. Mr. Diaz Gonzalez stands accused of filming his sexual assault of an 8-year-old child. The allegations in this case are especially heinous. Here, our… Read More »
Georgia Deputy Police Chief Arrested For Solicitation Of A Prostitute In Central Florida
According to a report from ClickOrlando, Jason DiPrima—a deputy police chief from Georgia—bas been arrested and charged with solicitation of a prostitute in Central Florida. The incident occurred in Polk County. Mr. DiPrima was in the Orlando area to attend the American Polygraph Association. Here, our Orlando sex crimes defense lawyer explains what we… Read More »
What Happens If Police Find Drugs In Your Vehicle In Florida?
Drug crimes are among the most common criminal charges. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), approximately 1.5 million drug crimes arrests are made nationwide each year. Drug charges are filed in a wide range of different circumstances. Prosecutors can be aggressive. If you are pulled over and drugs are found in the… Read More »
Man Arrested For Arson In Orlando, Allegedly Set Fire To Historic Ice Cream Shop
According to a report from Click Orlando, an arrest has been made related to the tragic fire that happened at a historic ice cream shop in Orlando. Goff’s Drive-In—an ice cream shop that has been open for more than seven decades—was burned in May of 2022. A 58-year-old man named Alfred Jerome Kirkland has… Read More »
Criminal Charges Filed In Nearly Two Dozen COVID-19 Fraud Cases In Florida
On September 15th, 2022, the U.S. Attorneys’ Office for the Southern District of Florida published a press release confirming that the 23 separate COVID-19 related criminal fraud charges have been filed in the region in recent weeks. Altogether, the fraud schemes are valued at more than $150 million. Prosecutors are cracking down on COVID-19… Read More »
When Is A Business Or Property Owner Liable For Negligent Security In Florida?
Premises liability is an area of law that holds that a business or property owner can be held legally responsible for certain accidents that occur on its premises. For example, a Florida property owner may be liable for injuries caused by its failure to conduct proper maintenance. Premises liability law in Florida also requires… Read More »
A Comprehensive Guide To Hit And Run Accident Criminal Charges In Florida
In Florida, all motorists involved in a traffic collision are required to stop their vehicle, exchange information with other parties, and remain at the scene of a crash—except to get care for a medical emergency. The failure to do so could lead to an arrest and a serious criminal charge for a hit-and-run. In… Read More »
Is Domestic Violence A Felony In Florida?
Domestic violence is a serious criminal offense. Unfortunately, it is also one of the more common issues cited in criminal complaints in Florida. According to data from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, there were 104,914 arrests for domestic violence reported in the state in 2018 alone. You may be wondering: Is domestic violence… Read More »
How To Get Criminal Charges Dropped: An Overview Of Common Defense Strategies
Were you arrested and charged with a crime in Central Florida? It is normal to be stressed out and even frightened. Though, a charge is not a conviction. You have the right to aggressively defend yourself against criminal allegations. You may even be able to get the charges dismissed before a trial. Here, our… Read More »
Your Guide To Forensic Science In A Criminal Case
Anyone charged with a crime is presumed to be innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. It is the prosecution’s job to present evidence that proves every element of a criminal charge. That being said, a defendant does not simply have to sit back and play a passive role in a criminal case…. Read More »
Central Florida Woman Arrested For DUI In A Golf Cart
According to a report from the Orlando Sentinel, a woman in Central Florida has been arrested and charged with a DUI after being pulled over while driving a golf cart. Law enforcement officers from the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) stopped a 58-year-old woman while she was driving a golf cart on Interstate 95. Her… Read More »
An Overview Of The Most Common Tax Fraud Charges In Florida
Authorities are cracking down on tax fraud. Last year, NPR published a story on the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and its preparations to ramp up enforcement of tax evasion. Earlier this month, congress passed a bill that approved additional funding for tax enforcement—particularly focused on high income earners. Tax fraud can lead to very… Read More »
Report: Florida’s Police Misconduct Database Fails To Show Many Complaints
A significant amount of public attention has been put on the issues of police brutality and police misconduct in recent years. People from communities all across the country are demanding more accountability and greater transparency. As part of the state response to the public outcry, Florida officials created a new law enforcement misconduct database…. Read More »