Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Defending Against a Traffic Violation in Tampa
Most people need to drive to get to work or school, purchase groceries and other necessities, and run their children around. Driving is even more important if your job requires it. Under Florida law, you could lose your driver’s license if you commit certain traffic offenses. Despite what some people believe, traffic violations don’t… Read More »
What to Know if You’re Arrested for Theft in Tampa, Florida
To be convicted of theft, Florida law requires that you knowingly took the property of someone else with the intent to deprive them of their property or take the property for your own use. Because theft is a crime of dishonesty, you could be prevented from working in any position that involves money handling…. Read More »
How to Establish Paternity in Tampa, Florida
Florida law distinguishes between biological fathers and legal fathers. For many children, their biological father is their legal father, but it’s not always like that. Someone can genetically father a child, but it doesn’t mean they necessarily have the legal rights that people associate with parenthood. To establish someone as a child’s legal father,… Read More »
Who Gets the Family House in a Tampa Divorce?
When you are going through a divorce, one of the scariest things to consider is what will happen to your family home. Typically, the family home is the most valuable asset in your divorce. While the divorce is pending, it can be confusing in some cases to determine who should stay in the home…. Read More »
How to Appeal a Criminal Conviction in Tampa, Florida
If you were convicted of a crime, don’t assume that it’s necessarily the end of the road. You may have alternative avenues that are worth pursuing, including an appeal. Other types of post-conviction relief could include sealing and expunging your record or a sentence modification. If you are interested to know what your options… Read More »
Do You Need to Retain a Criminal Defense Attorney for a DUI Arrest in Tampa?
Being arrested for a DUI in Florida could result in a criminal record and your driver’s license being suspected. A conviction can also result in significant fines. If your DUI resulted in an accident and injuries to another person, you could be facing even more severe penalties. The best way to handle a DUI… Read More »
Different Types of Theft Charges in Tampa
If you have been arrested and charged with theft, don’t take it lightly. The crime of theft means you knowingly took property belonging to another, with the intention to appropriate the property for your own use or deprive the owner of their benefit. Theft could apply whether it was temporary or permanent. Even a… Read More »
What Counts as a Probation Violation in Tampa?
Probation is the court-mandated supervision program that you may be sentenced to either instead of incarceration or in addition to your jail sentence. Individuals on probation must check in with their assigned probation officer, and they must abide by specific rules. Failure to do so could result in a probation violation. Florida recognizes two… Read More »
What Crimes Require You to Register as a Sex Offender in Florida?
Being arrested for a sexual offense can have lifelong consequences, especially if you are required to register as a sex offender or sexual predator. A conviction can affect every aspect of your life, including employment, qualifying for a home purchase, getting a degree, and more. If you are charged with a sexual offense, it’s… Read More »
What is Tampa’s Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) Program?
If you are facing felony charges, but you have no prior criminal record, or only a minor one, there is a chance you may qualify for a pre-trial intervention (PTI) program. The purpose of this program is to divert cases from the courtroom, and it can help you avoid the consequences of a criminal… Read More »
