Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Where Is The Line Between Self-Defense And Excessive Force In Florida?
Andrew and Brad are celebrating a recent work promotion out on the town. They are enjoying themselves in a local sports bar when suddenly, another guy bumps into Brad. Brad quickly apologizes for a simple mistake, but this other guy is looking for a fight. Even after the bartender tells him to calm down,… Read More »
What’s The Difference Between An Accomplice And An Accessory In Florida?
Lawrence, Ryan and Sydney are goofing around on a school night. They joke about holding up the local football game athletic booster, which often brings in thousands of dollars in concessions and donations. Lawrence talks about how easy it would be since there is no police presence or campus security, and no one would… Read More »
Florida Authorities Cracking Down On Gang Violence
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office recently arrested nine defendants tied to gang activity, in an investigation that spanned over a year. The defendants are charged with racketeering. The police uncovered illegally purchased weapons, drugs and a large sum of money. Some of the defendants are also tied to ongoing homicide investigations. Police are… Read More »
How Can A DUI Conviction Impact Child Custody In South Florida?
No one leaves the house expecting to drink or drive or get arrested for a DUI in West Palm Beach, but it can happen. In Florida, DUI arrests are fully prosecuted under the law, but can an ongoing criminal case affect a current divorce and child custody case as well? Does a prior DUI… Read More »
Understanding Child Emancipation In Florida
Dylan is a 17-year-old teenager with good grades and a promising future. Unfortunately, he comes from a broken home and has been taking care of himself for as long as he can remember. His father is deceased and his mother is a recovering addict. Dylan must stay with friends or people willing to put… Read More »
Florida House Bill 47: Proposing Felony Charges For Fraudulent COVID-19 Vaccination
As COVID-19 cases continue to climb to historic levels in Florida, one state lawmaker is proposing enhanced criminal charges for residents and visitors who attempt to present a fraudulent COVID-19 vaccination card. Florida House Bill 47 would make carrying or manufacturing a fake COVID-19 vaccination record card a felony. If it passes, the bill… Read More »
Florida Prison Staff Shortage Illuminates Parole And Overcrowding Issues
Several North Florida prisons are closing, effective immediately, due to severe staffing shortages. Although one of the locations is considered state-of-the art, it too is closing due to an issue securing guards and support staff. Governor DeSantis met with prison officials and union representatives to discuss the possibility of increased funding to detention. But… Read More »
Navigating School Mask Mandates With A Co-Parent
Across the country, COVID-19 mask mandates and restrictions continue to polarize adults and children. In the South, especially in Florida, Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana, COVID-19 cases are higher than any other time during the pandemic thus far. However, governors of these states refuse to enact a state-wide mask mandate or school mask mandate. Some… Read More »
Obtaining Emergency Temporary Guardianship In Florida
West Palm Beach police are investigating a murder/suicide in Palm Beach this past Monday. Authorities believe a child dialed 911, and when they arrived, they heard gunshots and found the victim dead in a domestic violence escalation. The perpetrator later succumbed to his injuries, and five children are tragically without parents and staying with… Read More »
Broward County Toxicologist Accused Of Tampering With Evidence
Broward County toxicologist Gary Kunsman is accused of tampering with evidence and alleged theft of a controlled substance. While an investigation is ongoing, defense attorneys throughout Broward County are on notice for cases Kunsman previously lent his expertise to or testified on, because of potential bias. If an investigation confirms Kunsman’s actions, all previous… Read More »
