Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Road Rage and Leaving the Scene in Tampa Bay: Charges Filed
While it was fortunate that no one was injured in a recent road rage accident, there are still serious consequences for one man who was arrested for leaving the scene. According to an article in the Tampa Bay Reporter, the Florida Highway Patrol apprehended the suspect at his home on May 14, 2017, two… Read More »
Manslaughter Charges for Daytona Man Who Fatally Punched Woman
A bar fight turned deadly near the International Speedway Boulevard in Daytona Beach, when a man punched a woman in the face after being kicked out of the establishment. According to a police statement published in the Orlando Sentinel on May 2, 2017, the incident occurred because the man made unwanted advances toward the… Read More »
Florida Senate Votes on Mandatory Minimum Sentencing for Synthetic Drugs
Florida’s mandatory minimum sentencing structure for certain crimes has been the subject of controversy for years, but lawmakers are currently considering a bill that’s bringing the debate to the forefront once again. According to the Palm Beach Post, the proposed legislation would make it a first-degree felony to traffic in synthetic opioids, such as… Read More »
Bill on Sealing Criminal Records Headed to Governor’s Office
A proposed bill that would automatically seal certain criminal records recently passed the Florida House and Senate, and will soon be placed on the Governor Rick Scott’s desk. The Orlando Sentinel reported that the legislation creates a process where documentation regarding past criminal history is hidden when the opportunity to appeal expires. If enacted,… Read More »
DUI Manslaughter Charges for Woman Who Killed Florida Police Officer
On May 3, 2017, a Key West Police Department spokeswoman released a statement announcing the arrest of a woman wanted for her involvement in a fatal car accident. According to a report from ABC WWSB 7 News, the 32-year-old woman was charged with multiple offenses, including DUI manslaughter. The incident occurred on April 8,… Read More »
Attempted Murder Charges Added in Palm Bay, FL Double Murder Case
Palm Bay police have arrested a male suspect in the shooting deaths of two men in the late afternoon hours of April 21, 2017, according to a report in Florida Today. The motivation behind the double homicide was not immediately clear, though officers described the accused as being enraged at the time he fired… Read More »
Felony Charges for Accused in Melbourne, FL Prostitution Sting
On April 21, 2017, a spokesperson representing the Melbourne Police Department announced the arrests of three women on charges involving prostitution, according to a Florida Today report. The trio was apprehended in connection with an ongoing sting operation targeting known prostitutes, which law enforcement officials vowed to continue. The arrests occurred on the northern… Read More »
Huge Bond Set in Abuse Case: Florida Woman Must Post Cash
Another bond hearing marks the most recent development in the saga of a Florida woman, who is facing hundreds of abuse and sex crimes charges she allegedly committed upon her foster, adopted, and biological children. A reported by The Sun Sentinel, the accused was arrested in July 2016 in Cape Coral, prompting officials to… Read More »
Florida Legislature Considering Two Bills for Teen Criminal Offenders
Most legislators and law enforcement officials would agree that Florida should dedicate more effort to assist juveniles who commit crimes. At times, it makes sense from a policy standpoint to help them avoid a permanent criminal record and move on to a brighter future. However, there is some difference of opinion over how the… Read More »
South Florida Thief Gets Nothing, But May Face Attempted Burglary Charges
A recent incident in Lee County demonstrates how a person can be charged with a theft crime, even when he or she walks away empty-handed. According to Southwest Florida’s News-Press.Com, a man was casing the building and surrounding property of a roofing company in Fort Myers, Florida. Video surveillance caught him attempting to break… Read More »