Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Cyber Stalking In Pinellas County A Serious Matter But Can Prove Difficult To Prosecute
Cyberstalking, which involves harassing and monitoring someone online and via phones, computers, or other electronics, is an increasingly common type of crime. While Florida and other states have updated laws to address the issue and provide for stricter penalties, prosecuting these cases can still prove challenging. If you are facing these types of criminal… Read More »
Defenses and Penalties For Murder In Seminole
Florida has one of the highest murder rates in the country and the penalties upon conviction are severe. When facing these types of criminal charges in Pinellas County, you need an experienced Seminole criminal defense attorney on your side. The following details different classifications for murder, the penalties involved, and possible defenses that can… Read More »
Lack of Good Judgment In Using Cell Phones Can Result In Criminal Charges For Minors
Most adults could not imagine doing without a cellphone. It allows us to easily keep track of our schedules, keep in touch with others, and go online whenever we want to get directions or other important information we need. Children can easily become enamored with these devices as well and many parents provide them… Read More »
What To Do If Stopped By Law Enforcement In Seminole
Few situations are as unnerving as confronted by the police. Actions that you take over the course of your interaction with them are vitally important. Not only could they result in criminal charges in Seminole, but they could also provide evidence that will later be used against you. To protect yourself and your rights,… Read More »
Pretrial Intervention and Sentencing Alternatives In Seminole
Even relatively minor criminal charges in Seminole can result in serious penalties. Heavy fines, mandatory probation, and a potentially lengthy jail sentence are all common. To protect yourself, it is important to get an experienced Seminole criminal defense attorney on your side. In addition to taking the actions needed pre-trial to prevent a criminal… Read More »
Appealing A Criminal Conviction In Seminole
Being convicted on any type of criminal charges in Seminole is a serious matter. Even relatively minor crimes can carry serious penalties, including heavy fines, court costs, and a potential jail sentence. A conviction will also result in a permanent criminal record that will follow you for the rest of your life, potentially preventing… Read More »
Expunging a Domestic Violence-Related Criminal Record
In Florida, criminal records can often be expunged, typically in cases where a person was a juvenile at the time of an offense, or was acting in self-defense at the time of arrest. There are, however, certain criminal records, including records related to domestic violence charges, that cannot always be sealed or expunged. To… Read More »
Field Sobriety Testing For DUI In Seminole
Even one or two drinks could result in DUI charges in Seminole. If you are pulled over under suspicion of driving under the influence, police will likely request that you perform one of three standard field sobriety tests. The following details what to expect from each. What Are The Three Standard Field Sobriety Tests?… Read More »
Financial Abuse Of Older Adults A Common Type of Theft Crime In Florida
Older adult abuse and neglect is an unfortunately common problem. It is particularly relevant in Seminole, Clearwater, and other parts of Pinellas County due to our large older adult population. Aside from physical acts of violence, it also includes financial abuse. This means depriving older adults of money, property, or other assets. Financial abuse… Read More »
Seminole Prosecutors Pressing For Murder Charges In Overdose Deaths
The opioid epidemic has hit hard in Seminole and the surrounding areas. As a result, heroin use is on the rise and there has been an alarming increase in the number of overdose deaths, both locally and throughout the state. Seminole prosecutors have made headlines for pressing criminal charges in these cases, not only… Read More »