Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Opa-locka Christmas Light Arrest Puts Miami Holiday Enthusiasts on Edge about Decking Out Cars with Lights
There is no doubt that decorating one’s home with colorful Christmas lights, garlands and wreaths, and, of course, the Christmas tree, is a significant Christmas pastime and tradition for many Miami families. This year, however, some Miami Christmas enthusiasts are taking things one step further, and decking out their cars and trucks with bright… Read More »
Miami Police Lieutenant’s Domestic Violence Arrest Shows Even Cops Can be Charged with Serious, Violent Crimes – What You Can Do if You are Arrest for DV in Miami
With the 2024 Christmas holiday just around the corner, some Miami residents were shocked to hear the news that one of the men in blue that they depend on for safety and protection was arrested for harming a member of his own family. According to local news reports, Miami Police lieutenant Thomas Carroll, a… Read More »
Miami Criminal Procedure 101: What is an “Arraignment” and Do I Need a Lawyer for My Arraignment Hearing in Miami?
Although many Miami residents and individuals likely have some familiarity with the criminal law process – perhaps by watching television shows like Law & Order, Cops, or by watching the process play out first-hand when a friend or family member is charged – there is no doubt that criminal procedure under Florida laws in… Read More »
Arson Charges Dropped Against Miami Man Suspected of Igniting “Historic” Apartment Fire
One thing that those who have been charged with serious crimes in Miami should know is that in some cases, often with the help of a good Miami criminal lawyer, these serious charges may be dropped. Indeed, while it may be incredibly shocking, heartbreaking, frightening, and confusing to be hit with criminal charges in… Read More »
Miami Mother Charged with Child Neglect after Child Falls, Tests Reveal Cocaine in Child’s System
Just days after ringing in the New Year, some Miami residents may have heard the news about a Miami mother who faces criminal charges after her young son was found to have cocaine in his system after undergoing medical examinations. According to local news reports, on January 4, the 5-month-old baby son of Miami… Read More »
Criminal Procedure 101: Learn about 8 Basic Steps Miami Criminal Defendants May Face, from Arrest to Appeal
When a person is charged with a crime in Miami, it can be a shocking, confusing, and extremely challenging experience. Indeed, for most Miami residents and criminal defendants, being charged with a crime under Florida laws in Miami is not a regular occurrence, and the process can be shrouded in mystery, causing much anxiety… Read More »
What Is the “Williams Rule”–and How Could It Affect My Florida Criminal Case?
In Florida criminal cases, you will often hear lawyers and judges discuss something called the “Williams Rule.” This rule comes from a 1959 decision from the Supreme Court of Florida, Williams v. State, which addressed when prosecutors may introduce evidence of other or “collateral” crimes against a defendant at trial. Basically, the Court held… Read More »
How Do You Get a “Stand Your Ground” Hearing in Florida?
Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” law grants immunity from criminal prosecution in cases where the defendant can show they were “justified” in using force. Immunity from prosecution means that, assuming the defendant can establish they were justified in their actions, the criminal case need not proceed to trial. Instead, the court must hold a pretrial… Read More »
5 Grounds to File a Motion to Suppress in a Florida Criminal Case
Before a criminal trial begins in Florida, the defendant has the right to file a motion to suppress any evidence the prosecution seeks to introduce. A motion to suppress asks the judge to exclude the evidence on constitutional or other legal grounds. Under Florida criminal trial rules, there are five common grounds to file… Read More »
Can a Jury Reach an “Inconsistent” Verdict in a Florida Sex Crimes Case?
The right to trial by jury is the cornerstone of Florida’s criminal justice system. Of course, juries are not perfect. There are many cases where a jury reaches a verdict that might seem inconsistent or illogical to the outside observer. But are such inconsistent verdicts actually legal? In most cases, they are. The Florida… Read More »
