Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Is It Legal To Skateboard In Tampa?
Tampa is one of a handful of cities that have voted to make it a crime to use a skateboard on public sidewalks. Those caught skateboarding in Tampa can face misdemeanors for the conduct. As it stands, there’s no way to criminalize being a jerky youth, so the elderly masters of Florida saw fit… Read More »
Florida Man Facing Charges Related To Jan 6 Riot
Federal authorities recently unsealed an indictment against a Florida man who is charged with rioting and attacking police officers during the January 6th riots. The riots occurred amidst a Twitter storm initiated by deposed president Donald Trump who claimed the election had been unlawfully stolen from him. Trump attempted to leverage several governors to… Read More »
Drunk Driving Charges In Florida: Understanding ‘Actual Physical Control’
It is well known that drunk driving is against the law. A driver whose blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is above 0.08 may face serious criminal charges. What is much less well known is that you can be arrested and charged with a DUI even if no officer ever actually saw you operating a moving… Read More »
What Is The Difference Between Burglary And Theft?
Burglar and thief are synonyms, right? A lot of people seem to think so, but burglary and theft are actually two distinct legal concepts that carry very different consequences. Burglary is far more serious, and is automatically a felony offense, whereas theft can be either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the circumstances… Read More »
What Is Actual Vs. Constructive Possession?
If you are facing charges for possession of an illegal substance in Florida, you may be wondering how best to defend yourself. When it comes to possession, you may feel like you have been convicted the moment that you were charged. However, a lot can happen between the time you are charged and convicted,… Read More »
Understanding Reckless Driving Charges In Florida
Reckless driving is a traffic offense in Florida. It is a serious violation. Indeed, reckless driving is a misdemeanor criminal offense in the state. An arrest and conviction for reckless driving in Florida could even lead to prison time. You can defend yourself against a reckless driving charge. In this article, our Tampa traffic… Read More »
How To Prepare For Divorce Mediation In Florida
Divorce is far from rare. The United States Census Bureau reports that approximately one-third of U.S. adults who have ever been married have gotten divorced. That divorce is relatively common does not make it any less challenging for the person who is actually going through it. At the same time, a divorce does not… Read More »
Serial Burglary Suspect Arrested In Tampa
Tampa businesses have experienced a rash of burglaries lately, and the Tampa PD believes they have just found the person responsible. Four area businesses have been burglarized and the police quickly noted that these burglaries shared a lot of similarities. For starters, in each case the business’s front door or window was smashed to… Read More »
Do I Have To Take A Breathalyzer Test?
If you are pulled over on suspicion of DUI, you are probably panicking. A DUI conviction can have serious and life-altering consequences, so it’s important to treat this seriously. Simply by driving on Florida’s roads, you have given implied consent to taking breathalyzer tests and abiding by all of the state’s traffic laws. However,… Read More »
A Comprehensive Guide To Identity Theft Charges In Florida
Identity theft is a considerable issue in the United States. According to data from the National Council of Identity Theft Protection, there were 5.7 million reports of identity theft nationwide in 2021—a sharp increase from prior years. Police and prosecutors in Florida are cracking down on identity theft. It is a serious crime that… Read More »
