Author Archives: Jay Butchko
What Happens if You Slash Someone’s Tires in Fort Myers
People may be tempted to slash a car’s tires for various reasons. Often, this is an act of vengeance – perhaps after a road rage incident. It is also common behavior for those who have recently emerged from difficult relationships. Sometimes, slashing someone’s tires is simply a senseless act of vandalism. Whatever your consequences… Read More »
Fire Chief Caught Driving UTV While Intoxicated in Fort Myers
Many motorists mistakenly assume that DUI laws only apply to normal passenger vehicles. In reality, you can face this criminal charge while operating virtually any vehicle imaginable. These include UTVs, golf carts, scooters, bicycles, and even horses. A recent incident shows that individuals can face serious legal and reputational consequences for driving UTVs while… Read More »
Masks and Senior Victims: Factors that Make Violent Crimes Worse in Fort Myers
Defendants in Florida should know that there are several “aggravating factors” that can make penalties for violent crimes more severe. Two recent assault cases in Fort Myers highlight some of these factors, which involve masks and senior victims. If you have been accused of a violent crime, you should be aware that the presence… Read More »
Lee County Man Sentenced to Life in “Landmark” Fentanyl Case
For the first time in Lee County’s history, a defendant has been sentenced to life behind bars for fentanyl distribution resulting in death. The media is describing this as a landmark decision, and it shows how Florida might tackle similar cases involving drug overdoses. These relatively new laws are highly controversial, with critics questioning… Read More »
Scanning False Barcodes in Fort Myers: What Are the Consequences?
Shoplifting has evolved considerably throughout the years, and people are constantly developing new methods for this type of theft. Self-checkout aisles allow people to pay for their items without human interaction, and this presents certain opportunities for shoplifters. A recent case in Florida involved a woman using a false barcode to circumvent a self-checkout… Read More »
When Should I Choose a Bench Trial in Fort Myers?
One of the most important aspects of the United States Constitution is your right to be judged by a jury of your peers. You can find this right under the Sixth Amendment, and in many cases it can be incredibly helpful during a criminal trial in Fort Myers. But what if you prefer to… Read More »
Caught on Camera in Fort Myers: Can I Argue Mistaken Identity?
If you were caught on camera committing an alleged crime, prosecutors might rely heavily on the surveillance footage to convict you. But what if you believe that your charges stem from a case of mistaken identity? What if the surveillance camera is too grainy or pixelated to accurately place you at the scene of… Read More »
New Penalties for Threatening First Responders in Fort Myers
The passing of a new year often brings new laws into effect, and 2025 will be no exception in Florida. Fort Myers residents should prepare for various new laws in January of 2025, including regulations on senior financial abuse and social media restrictions for children. One of these new laws could lead to heightened… Read More »
Fort Myers Woman Gets Probation for Her Role in Fatal Teen Stabbing
Violent crimes lead to some of the most serious criminal charges imaginable, but it is possible to mitigate these consequences to a considerable degree. A recent case involving the fatal stabbing of a teenager illustrates this point, as a woman was able to plead guilty and receive probation for her role in the incident…. Read More »
How Do Federal Investigators Obtain Search Warrants for Drugs in Florida?
Even with access to limitless resources and the most advanced technology, federal investigators must still follow constitutional limitations when it comes to drug cases. Among these is the requirement to obtain a search warrant before breaking into someone’s home. How do federal investigators obtain these warrants? What if law enforcement searched your home for… Read More »