Author Archives: Jay Butchko
What Happens If My Lawyer Failed To Call A Key Witness At My Criminal Trial?
A common reason that criminal defendants apply for post-conviction relief following a guilty verdict is that their trial counsel was somehow “ineffective” in failing to take a certain action that could have changed the outcome. Not all decisions or mistakes made by a trial lawyer are grounds for relief, of course, but when there… Read More »
Do I Have To Report An Accident Involving Unattended Property?
If you are involved in a minor car crash and no other person is involved, your first instinct might be to count your blessings and get back in your car and drive away. However, if your accident resulted in damage to any “unattended property”–such as another vehicle with no occupants or even a fixture… Read More »
When Can I Seek An “Emergency” Modification Of Child Custody In Florida?
Once a Florida court has issued a final order regarding child custody, it is not a simple process to make changes. If either parent seeks a change, they must file a separate petition with the court. And that parent must then overcome what is commonly described as the “extraordinary burden” of proving that a… Read More »
How Does A Court Decide Who Gets The Family Dog In A Florida Divorce?
Child custody is often the most emotionally fraught source of conflict between parties in a divorce. But for many couples, deciding who will get custody of a pet is just as important. Indeed, many people treat their “fur babies” the same as they would their human children. Florida law, however, does not see it… Read More »
Will I Have To Serve Probation Or Take A Substance Abuse Course Following A DUI Conviction?
A DUI conviction in Florida carries more than possible jail time. Florida law also requires that all persons convicted of a drunk driving offense be placed on “monthly reporting probation” and complete a state-licensed DUI program that may lead to further substance abuse treatment. These probation and course requirements are mandatory and apply regardless… Read More »
Florida Man Admits To Having Gun In Car, Charged With Illegal Concealed Carry
The right to “keep and bear arms” is quite complicated in practice. There are many situations where a person commits a crime simply by having a concealed firearm in a certain place. And when we speak of a “concealed” firearm, that does not necessarily mean the person has the weapon on their immediate person…. Read More »
What Evidence Is Admissible In A Parole Revocation Hearing?
When a person is given probation–or “supervised release,” as it is known in the federal court system–they must follow a number of conditions in order to stay out of jail. As you might expect, one of those conditions is that the defendant cannot commit any additional crimes. If prosecutors have reason to believe the… Read More »
How “Commerce” Can Affect A Child Sex Crimes Prosecution
Sex crimes involving minors–notably child pornography–are often prosecuted at the federal rather than state level. The main reason for this is that Congress has the exclusive right to regulate interstate and foreign commerce. So if a criminal act involves commercial activity that somehow crosses state or international boundaries, that allows the federal government to… Read More »
Can A Judge Rewrite A Divorce Settlement After The Fact?
Divorce cases are often resolved with both parties negotiating and signing a marital settlement agreement. Once approved by the court, the agreement is a legally binding contract. As one Florida appeals court recently observed, the language used in such agreements “must be crafted with precision, and when they are not, the parties should neither… Read More »
When Can A Judge Order Pretrial Detention Of A Criminal Suspect?
In most Florida non-capital criminal cases, a defendant is entitled to reasonable bail. State law, however, does make a number of exceptions. Some may surprise you. For example, a person charged with DUI manslaughter–drunk driving that results in death–can be ordered held pending trial under certain circumstances. Specifically, Florida law states that pretrial detention… Read More »
