Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Should You Testify In Your Own Defense?
With two high profile homicide cases in the news of late, the public has had the opportunity to watch the testimony of two defendants in homicide cases. Kyle Rittenhouse testified that he believed his life was in danger and so he shot three BLM protesters in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Likewise, Travis McMichael took the stand… Read More »
Liability After Fisticuffs
It happened in Aruba: what started out as a Christmas Eve party devolved into a pushing, shoving, sucker punching melee among party guests. Unfortunately, it happens far more frequently than we’d like to believe throughout the year, and even during the holidays. High emotions combine with liquor to bring out the very worst in… Read More »
Charges Involving Criminal Gang Activity
If you have been charged with gang activity, you are looking at some serious penalties. Besides the crime itself, you will be held accountable and face additional penalties due to your involvement in a criminal gang. The Florida legislature takes a dim view of groups that intimidate or harm others, and views gang activity… Read More »
The Tragedy Of Hit And Run Accidents
It was a horrendous accident—one that literally split a ’96 Chevy Impala in two. According to Miami officials, an Infinity was barreling down 7th Avenue when it smashed through the Impala, slamming it into a third vehicle and ejecting the driver, who was pronounced dead at the scene. A passenger in the Impala was… Read More »
Fraud Charges In Florida
Fraud charges are nothing to fiddle around with. If you’ve been charged with fraud, chances are an investigation involving multiple state and/or federal agencies has been underway for quite some time, and there is likely a paper trail linking you to fraudulent and illegal acts. Now more than ever you need an experienced criminal… Read More »
Tractor Trailer Accidents In Florida
Any accident is frightening, but perhaps nothing is more hair-raising than seeing a tractor-trailer barreling toward you. Here in Florida, these accidents are far too common, resulting in property damage, injuries, and loss of life. A Few Statistics Just 4 percent of registered vehicles on the road are large trucks, yet they are involved… Read More »
Battery Charges Against Police? Defending The Defenders
After fleeing police, a man was trapped in an elevator by a gun-wielding police officer. The man exited the elevator, laid on the ground, put his hands behind his back, and was cuffed. Within seconds another dozen or so officers surrounded the cuffed man. What happened from there allegedly included some aggressive actions against… Read More »
Fiery Crashes
The only thing more tragic than a fatal collision is a fiery fatal collision. And that is exactly the horrendous outcome that occurred for a man and his young daughter on Kissimmee Bay Blvd late one Thursday in September 2021. After swaying off of the road for unknown reasons, the vehicle smashed into a… Read More »
Unleashed Dogs Are More Than A Nuisance
For many Americans, dogs are a part of the family. We love them and enjoy them every bit as much as our kids (or, in some cases, more!) But when dogs become aggressive, it can be devastating. A dog-loving Bradenton woman discovered just how vicious an off leash Great Dane could be when it… Read More »
Fighting Homicide Charges Based On Shaken Baby Syndrome
Your child is dead. It is a horrific situation, defying explanation. It was a simple slip in the bathtub– something that occurred in just seconds–and now your child is gone. As miserable as you feel, things are about to get much, much worse. The ER doctor didn’t buy your account of an accident and… Read More »
