Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Means Testing for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
Do you qualify to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy? Many people don’t realize that the filing process includes means testing in order to have debt discharged with no repayment plan. While it’s a federal process, state law in Florida governs the rules around exemptions—meaning you can’t claim exemptions provided under federal law. The means… Read More »
Defending Child Sexual Abuse Charges
In a criminal case alleging child sexual contact, the public sentiment is pretty much guaranteed to be against the defendant. These kinds of cases are intrinsically difficult to deal with. For the defendant, the utter terror associated with the trial is understandable. Life will never be the same—irrespective of the verdict. Being accused of… Read More »
Domestic Violence: Finding Safety for You and Your Pet
If you are experiencing domestic violence (DV) and are reluctant to get out of the dangerous situation you’re in because you fear for the safety of your pet, you’re definitely not alone. Nearly all respondents to a survey on the matter report that the ability to keep their pets with them is a central… Read More »
Bad News for Medical Debt and Your Credit Report
For years consumer advocates have been pushing to leave medical debt and bills off of credit score reports, because getting sick shouldn’t be a factor in whether someone is worthy of getting credit. Americans celebrated when, in January of 2025, a rule was finalized by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) ending the inclusion… Read More »
Coercive Control and Gaslighting can be Abusive
Gaslighting is a term we hear a lot these days, but what does it really mean, and how damaging is it in an intimate relationship? The truth is that gaslighting is a form of coercive control that can be extremely hurtful and destructive. What Gaslighting Looks Like Are you in a relationship where an… Read More »
Bankruptcy and Racial Bias
Bankruptcy is often touted as a last resort for individuals who have unmanageable debt. And to be clear, many who file for bankruptcy find that the court wipes out a nice chunk of outstanding debt, improving the lifetime earnings of both the filer and of their children. That’s great news for Americans who find… Read More »
What You Need to Know When You Get a DUI
If you’ve been arrested and charged with driving under the influence, you could be headed for a world of hurt, particularly if it’s not the first time you’ve faced such charges. Having a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney by your side is more important now than ever. DUI Penalties in Florida In Florida, driving with… Read More »
What to Expect When You Call Police Due to Domestic Violence
Domestic violence (DV) is a horrendous problem many couples and families deal with every day. Often emotional abuse can escalate to verbal clashes, and, ultimately, physical abuse. Defining Legal Domestic Violence Domestic violence appears in many forms, each of which can be devastating. According to Florida law, domestic violence is defined as actions including:… Read More »
Violence Survivors Who are Imprisoned
It may come as no surprise to learn that many women in prison have a history of being victimized by intimate partner violence. In time, these women eventually were convicted of murder or manslaughter. One woman stabbed a former boyfriend after being stalked for years. Another woman killed her partner, after he repeatedly raped… Read More »
Domestic Violence in Rural Communities
Domestic violence (DV) is a serious problem no matter where it occurs. In rural communities, the physical isolation itself is one of the key characteristics of DV. With roughly 30 percent of people in this country living in rural areas, there are unique challenges facing many residents. Women, for example, often earn less, and… Read More »