Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Cultural Repercussions Of The Depp-Heard Case On Domestic Violence
After weeks of the voyeuristic drama of the defamation case involving Johnny Depp and Amber Heard, we are all left with an unpleasant feeling that we can’t seem to wash away. Some of the images and stories depicted can’t be unseen and unheard. But that is the least of the problems of the trial. … Read More »
The Escalation Of Violence: Know When To Leave A Dangerous Relationship
“She loved him, but he didn’t love her.” That’s what a grief-stricken mother said of her daughter’s boyfriend after he viciously stabbed the young woman to death. The abuse began long before the actual murder, with verbal cruelty and manipulation turning into physical assaults, and, ultimately the untimely death of the 30-year old mother… Read More »
Facts Worth Knowing When It Comes To Bankruptcy
If you are in over your head financially, you have likely considered a number of options moving forward, including filing for bankruptcy. While in many ways bankruptcy lifts enormous pressure from people, you should go into it with your eyes wide open. Filing for bankruptcy is a big step, and there is a lot… Read More »
Does The 21-Foot Rule In Policing Endanger Individual Rights?
Police walk a thin line between protecting the public from danger, giving suspects a fair shake and the benefit of the doubt in a questionable situation, and getting themselves home in one piece after every shift. They undergo rigorous training in tactical awareness and defensive tactics that is aimed at achieving safe outcomes in… Read More »
The Financial Implications Of Domestic Violence
There is no question that domestic violence—often referred to as intimate partner violence—has daunting impacts on victims. !0 million individuals experience domestic violence every single year in this country, and battle with the physical, mental, and emotional damage long after any specific incident occurs. The impacts don’t stop there, though. The Institute for Women’s… Read More »
Means Testing In Florida Bankruptcy
If you are contemplating filing for bankruptcy, you should be aware of the fact that not everyone qualifies. That’s right: federal law has created a means test that limits who can take advantage of such filings. For a Chapter 7 application, must have a lower income level than the median income of a similarly… Read More »
Florida Hate Crime Law
After Ahmaud Arbery was gunned down by Travis McMichael, McMichael and his cohorts in crime faced homicide charges. In this high-profile case, the guilty verdict in state court led to federal hate crime charges, where the three men were found guilty of engaging in the crime on the basis of Arbery’s race. What exactly… Read More »
Do Protective Orders Protect Women?
If you are a victim of stalking or domestic violence, what options do you have when it comes to living in safety? Do you have to go into hiding, or are there legal procedures that can provide the protection you need? Protective orders are available to individuals who have experienced violence. Just how effective… Read More »
Is The Death Penalty Appropriate In Florida?
If you are facing capital charges in the Sunshine state, you know that your life is literally on the line. The debate over whether a life sentence without parole is a better outcome than a state-sponsored execution for such convictions continues into 2022. A look at the arguments in favor of and against capital… Read More »
Bankruptcy Q & A
If debt collectors have been banging on your door and calling relentlessly, you may be in serious trouble with creditors. You’ve heard of bankruptcy, but don’t know much about it, and certainly never envisioned it as a step you’d be contemplating! But here you are. Maybe a short Q & A session will provide… Read More »