Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Open-Source Satellite Imagery: Valuable Evidence in Your Fort Myers Criminal Case?
If a defendant needs to establish an alibi or anything else of importance during a Fort Myers criminal case, satellite imagery can be surprisingly useful. In the modern era, there is always something watching, and it is easier than ever to access satellite imagery without excessive barriers from government or law enforcement agencies. What… Read More »
Overlooked Evidence When Defending Against DUIs in Fort Myers
Overlooked evidence in a Fort Myers DUI case may include unauthorized repair logs of Breathalyzer devices, medical records, and the physical distance between a key fob and the ignition. If standard defense strategies do not seem applicable to your case, you might want to explore some of these more obscure forms of evidence with… Read More »
Stealing High-Value Collectibles in Florida: What Are My Penalties?
Someone with an extremely high-value collection may be a prime target for theft in Florida. After all, a piece of fine art or a collectible trading card can be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars to the right buyer. What happens if you were caught trying to steal one of these items? What kinds… Read More »
I Almost Got Into a Fight, But My Friends Held Me Back: Does This Count as Assault?
Suppose your friends held you back and prevented you from engaging in a physical altercation. Could you still face criminal charges for assault in Fort Myers? The answer to this question may depend on the unique circumstances of your situation. You may want to discuss your next steps alongside an experienced criminal defense lawyer…. Read More »
Florida Creates Felony Penalties for Second Restraining Order Violations
On July 1st, 2026, upgraded sentences will apply to those who violate domestic violence restraining orders (DVROs) for a second time. The standard penalty for a second-time DVRO violation will become a third-degree felony, and this is a major step up from the previous first-degree misdemeanor penalty. If you face felony consequences for violating… Read More »
How Do You Prove Your Co-Defendant Is Framing You in Fort Myers?
If your co-defendant took a plea deal in exchange for testifying against you, you may be intent on proving that they are trying to frame you in order to save their own skin. But how exactly do you accomplish this goal? How do you show the court that this witness is unreliable, and that… Read More »
My Child Injured Other Teens While Driving: What Are My Legal Options in Fort Myers?
Driving may be a particularly difficult skill for some children to learn, and teens are statistically more likely to crash compared to other drivers. If your teen faces charges like reckless driving in Fort Myers, you may be concerned about how this will affect their future. An experienced juvenile defense lawyer can guide you… Read More »
Can I Face Federal Hate Crime Charges for Offenses Against My Own Race?
Most people know that if you commit offenses that are clearly motivated by prejudice or hatred toward a particular race, you may face consequences for “hate crimes.” But what if you and the alleged “target” are part of the same race? Is it possible to be “racist” against someone who shares your ethnicity and… Read More »
Wearing Fake Uniforms to Carry Out a Robbery in Florida: What Are My Penalties?
Over the years, Florida has seen many robberies and burglaries carried out by individuals wearing fake uniforms. Some impersonate police officers with elaborate outfits that are impossible to distinguish from the real thing. Some simply throw on reflective vests, causing average people to assume they are carrying out some kind of “official business.” Whatever… Read More »
Ponzi Schemes in Fort Myers: What Are the Potential Penalties?
The term “Ponzi scheme” stems from Charles Ponzi, a 1920s scam artist who created an investment scheme that paid earlier investors with capital provided by new investors. Despite its name, the Ponzi Scheme predates Charles Ponzi, with scammers using similar techniques as early as the 1800s. What penalties might apply if you face allegations… Read More »