Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Defenses to Street Racing Charges in Lee County
According to the latest statistics, authorities across Florida issue thousands of citations each year for street racing. This popular pastime may attract plenty of high-octane thrill-seekers, but it is also highly illegal in the Sunshine State. If you face criminal charges related to an alleged street race event you participated in, you might want… Read More »
New Criminal Laws in Fort Myers Take Effect on July 1st
As we approach July 1st, 2025, many new criminal laws are set to take effect in Fort Myers. These range from animal cruelty laws to new penalties on swatting. Residents should take a moment to become familiar with these changes, as knowledge could save them from unintended legal consequences. If you face charges for… Read More »
Defendant Successfully Uses “Stand Your Ground” Defense in Florida
If you need to defend yourself in Florida, you may be legally allowed to use deadly force. However, this doesn’t mean you can simply shoot anyone who starts an argument with you. The “stand your ground” defense can be difficult to successfully implement, and a recent case in Florida gives us an example of… Read More »
Violating Your Probation in Fort Myers: How Bad Can It Get?
A probation violation in Fort Myers can be quite serious. But how severe will your consequences be? This is something you might want to discuss with a defense attorney, as the consequences depend almost entirely on your unique situation. You should also know that these consequences are not guaranteed, and a defense attorney may… Read More »
Man Accused of Firearm Possession and Bomb Threats in Fort Myers
In May of 2025, the Department of Justice announced that a man in Fort Myers was facing federal gun charges. At the same time, local authorities reported that this same individual was facing charges related to several bomb and firearm threats in the area. Sources reported that this defendant had been previously charged with… Read More »
Charlotte County Senior Accused of Shooting At Door-to-Door Salesmen
Florida has relatively strong gun laws, and homeowners may be allowed to fire upon trespassers in various situations. However, it is important to gain a complete understanding of these self-defense laws before taking the law into your own hands. As a recent case shows, homeowners can face serious consequences for shooting at individuals without… Read More »
Homeless Man Beaten by Lee County Cop Gets $400,000 Settlement
While many law enforcement officers carry out their duties lawfully, incidents involving excessive force continue to occur. A recent incident involving a homeless man shows that if officers violate your constitutional rights, you can have your charges dropped. In this particular case, the victim also received a considerable settlement from the Lee County Sheriff’s… Read More »
Understanding Florida’s New Drone Laws
Drones are playing an increasingly central role in our lives, and Florida’s legal system is struggling to catch up with the pace of this new technological innovation. While drones have proven useful on the battlefield and in many other industries, they are also quite popular among the civilian population. If you enjoy flying your… Read More »
How Much Prison Time Will I Get for COVID Relief Fraud in Fort Myers?
Federal and state authorities continue to prosecute cases of COVID relief fraud in Florida. The extent of this fraud is probably far greater than anyone could have imagined, and people face these allegations fairly regularly in Fort Myers. Whether you made an accounting mistake or you misinterpreted your eligibility for COVID relief, these allegations… Read More »
Acquittal vs. Charges Dropped in Fort Myers
An acquittal and a dismissal of charges both lead to the same general outcome for defendants in Fort Myers. In both situations, defendants can avoid criminal penalties and move on with their lives. That being said, these are two distinct concepts in the world of criminal law. What exactly is the difference between receiving… Read More »