Author Archives: Jay Butchko

Going into Bankruptcy with your Eyes Wide Open
As you consider filing for bankruptcy, you are no doubt filled with conflicting emotions. While the thought of saying good-bye to creditors and their incessant interruptions into your life will be a weight off your shoulders, you are not looking forward to parting with assets, being held to strict repayment schedules, or the hefty… Read More »

Criminal Defense of White-Collar Crimes
Investigations of white-collar crimes can be lengthy and very much under the radar. Without warning, you may find yourself accused of criminal wrongdoing. Often, such allegations are based on bookkeeping mistakes, errors in accounting, or other simple misunderstandings. Nonetheless, your life is in the crosshairs, and you’re not sure where to turn. Now, more… Read More »

Is Super Bowl Sunday Correlated to Domestic Violence Incidents?
Domestic violence impacts 20 million Americans every single minute throughout this country. The root causes are based in emotional issues often lurking beneath the surface in abusers. When violence erupts, it is frightening and can leave physical, mental and emotional scarring. Research indicates that special events and holidays that involve alcohol consumption can escalate… Read More »

Defending Against Shoplifting
If you have been charged with theft, you are likely frightened when you consider the penalties associated with a conviction in Florida. And you should be concerned: you could wind up with fines, and even time behind bars. What you need now is an experienced and committed criminal defense lawyer right now. The Facts… Read More »

Florida’s Juvenile Justice System
If you’re the parent of a juvenile who’s had a run-in with the law, it could be a jarring crash with reality to see that your child is now head-to-head with the juvenile justice system. You’re not alone in your concern: over 13,000 youth aged 8-18+ were served in juvenile detention facilities throughout Florida… Read More »

Is Chapter 13 Bankruptcy the Right Choice for You?
If you’ve been swallowed up by debt due to something like a divorce, job loss, or illness, you may feel stressed every time the phone rings or there’s a knock on the door, fearful it’s yet another debt collector demanding payment. When you’ve been bled dry and there’s not much else you can pay,… Read More »

Is Bankruptcy the Right Move for You?
This year more than most, many people are finding it hard to make ends meet. January is often something of a nasty wake-up call from creditors due to holiday shopping that went a bit out of control. On top of it this particular January, many are dealing with COVID related job loss and/or medical… Read More »

Hurdles in Filing Chapter 7 Bankruptcy: Means Testing
If you are considering filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you should be prepared for a bit of a fight. That’s because the federal laws associated with such action became significantly stricter in 2005, when Congress became suspicious about fraudulent claims. Because of those misgivings, filers face a presumption of abuse at the onset. Understanding… Read More »

Domestic Violence Destroys Lives
The shock of violence is staggering. Relationships that may have started out blissfully sometimes take a dramatic turn to darkness, leaving victims unsure how to protect themselves emotionally, mentally, and physically. Victims often question their own responsibility for the violence, blaming themselves for not being “enough.” Whether violence is new to your relationship or… Read More »

Is Chapter 7 Bankruptcy the Right Move for You?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed with your financial situation, you are not alone. Nearly 30,000 bankruptcy filings have occurred in Florida so far this year, with about three-fourths of them Chapter 7 filings. The truth is, many people have been struggling to survive on reduced incomes this year, thanks to the pandemic and other factors… Read More »