Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Florida Marijuana Laws
While medical marijuana has been legal here in the Sunshine State for several years, the applications are limited, and patients must have a valid Registry Identification Card in order to purchase and possess medical cannabis. For everyone else, it is still illegal to possess, sell, cultivate, or consume cannabis. Medical Conditions The list of… Read More »
Have You been The Victim Of Racial Profiling?
If you are a person of color, you’ve no doubt been paying close attention to recent discussions about the crime of driving while black; and if you feel like you’ve ever been targeted due to your appearance, you’re likely infuriated over unlawful stops and searches. It happens more often than some people may think…. Read More »
Bankruptcy And The 341 Meeting
If you have filed for bankruptcy, you likely have some anxiety about what to expect going forward. Surely, your experienced, local bankruptcy attorney will prepare you with the facts you need. In the meanwhile, it’s worth having a basic understanding of what’s known as the 341 meeting. Here’s What to Expect The 341 meeting… Read More »
Refusing To Tolerate Elder Abuse
Families across the globe sometimes have one family member who takes financial advantage of an elderly relative. Sometimes, our beloved elders suffer various forms of abuse at the hands of supposed caregivers, or perhaps at the hands of strangers. This could include physical abuse or neglect, sexual abuse, psychological abuse, forced isolation or imprisonment,… Read More »
Before, During, And After Incarceration
The challenges facing incarcerated populations are enormous. This is a serious problem, considering that a huge percentage of the Americans have been arrested at least once by the age of 23. Particularly concerning is the fact that roughly 80 percent of arrests are for non-violent crimes, ranging from property crimes to drug offenses. Further… Read More »
10 Tips For Filing Bankruptcy
No one aspires to file bankruptcy, although circumstances sometimes lead to this outcome despite best efforts. A study of the issue tells us that the primary cause for bankruptcy is the loss of income. In 2018 alone, nearly 700,000 people were pushed into bankruptcy, and that number held fairly steady through 2020. Clearly, many… Read More »
Scientific Errors Might Be Key To Your Criminal Defense
Within an hour, the most complicated criminal mystery can be solved with the brilliance of the heroic forensics team on any of the crime drama shows on television. In the real world, it’s never quite so easy. If you are facing criminal charges and the prosecution is relying heavily on forensic evidence, there are… Read More »
Another Reason to Leave Your Abuser: The Effect of Witnessing Domestic Violence On Your Children
Victims of domestic violence stick with their abusers for a plethora of reasons, ranging from the belief that things will get better, to the fear that their abuser will hunt them down if they try to leave. Many have financial motivations for staying or lack support networks to help them get out of abusive… Read More »
Your Ex is Filing Bankruptcy and you Co-Signed on Property: Are you Affected?
Property division is one of the many complications of divorce. Let’s say in your divorce, the home you co-signed on with your ex was awarded to her. Now you discover that she’s filed for bankruptcy. The house and its associated debt are her concern, right? Well…maybe. Co-signing Rules The mortgage company doesn’t much care… Read More »
Domestic Violence: Creating a Safety Plan
Are you a victim of domestic violence? Does abuse cause you fear, shame, and unspeakable pain? If you are like many victims of such violence, you have convinced yourself to stay for any number of reasons. But perhaps it’s time to consider the reasons you should leave, and to formulate a plan to do… Read More »