Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Understanding Burglary and How it Differs from Robbery
Many people become confused when hearing about the crimes of burglary, robbery, and theft. Without understanding Florida’s specific statutes, they may think burglary, robbery, and theft are different names for the same crime. However, these are specific and unique charges under Florida law. Without help from an experienced Kissimmee criminal defense attorney, it can… Read More »
Kissimmee Resident Arrested for Selling Fake Tickets to Kennedy Space Center
Anyone who has ever been tempted to sell a less-than-legitimate ticket to an event, museum, or game should take note: Selling forged tickets can lead to serious criminal charges. A resident of Kissimmee, Florida, was arrested in mid-February for creating and selling fake tickets to Kennedy Space Visitor’s Center through Craigslist for $35. He… Read More »
Potential Florida DUI Defenses
Florida takes driving under the influence (DUI) incredibly seriously. Even a first-time offense can lead to harsh punishments, like losing your license, spending days in jail, and paying a fine. If you are charged with a second or subsequent offense, the statutory penalties are even worse. That is why you should work with an… Read More »
Florida Legislature Considers Changes to Gun Laws
Every year the Florida legislature debates proposed bills that might expand or limit lawful gun owners’ rights within the state. This year, many of the proposed bills have to do with expanding where an individual can openly or concealed carry a firearm. If you are currently or potentially a gun owner in Florida, it… Read More »
Understanding Florida’s Knife Laws
You know there are gun laws that control which firearms you can own, how you can carry them, and where you can take them with open and concealed carry. However, did you know Florida’s law against concealed weapons can apply to your knives? There are some circumstances in which you could be charged with… Read More »
False Bomb Threat in Kissimmee May Lead to Felony Charges
Local authorities evacuated a number of houses in Osceola County after someone made a bomb threat. The threat originated around 8 p.m. and was directed at a home on Binnacle Street in the Neptune Pointe subdivision near U.S. Highway 192. The police investigated the area with dogs, determined the bomb threat was a hoax,… Read More »
Florida’s Medical Marijuana Industry Gains a Boost With Amendment 2
State legalization or at least decriminalization of some form of marijuana is sweeping the nation. Twenty-eight states and D.C. have some type of legalized medical marijuana and a few states have made it lawful or a meager fine to possess or imbibe marijuana recreationally. Florida joined the medical marijuana movement in 2014, but now… Read More »
Understanding Florida’s Kidnapping Laws
Many individuals believe they know what kidnapping means until they face charges for the crime. They picture it as an adult taking a child they have no right to and running away to a remote place. However, kidnapping does not have to include children or going far away. Both the victim and perpetrator may… Read More »
Two Individuals Arrested for a Murder That Took Place in Kissimmee
The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office obtained and executed search warrants that led to the arrest of two individuals suspected of killing a man in late December during a drug sale. Each suspect is currently facing multiple charges, including murder, arson, and grand theft auto. One of the defendants has also been charged with multiple… Read More »
Fight Inaccurate Drug Tests With the Help of a Kissimmee Criminal Lawyer
A number of individuals throughout Florida have been arrested for possessing illegal drugs only to have the state crime lab determine there were no drugs after all, the Tampa Bay Times and ProPublica co-reported. In Hillsborough County during the first months of 2014, 15 individuals were arrested on drug charges when they never had… Read More »