Author Archives: Jay Butchko
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 »
Know Your Rights in a Traffic Stop
There’s nothing quite as unsettling as seeing those blue and red lights flashing in your rearview mirror. At first you assume the patrol car is chasing someone else, but ultimately realize that no, you are the target. As apprehension mounts, you ease to the shoulder and mentally prepare for what will hopefully be a… Read More »
Defending Against Florida Drug Charges
If you’ve been charged with drug crimes, the first thing you must do is secure an experienced local criminal defense attorney who is committed to getting the best possible outcomes for you. Drug charges are serious business in Florida, and, if convicted, your life will be seriously impacted with no-nonsense penalties. In many cases,… Read More »
When Legal Issues Threaten Immigration Status
If you are a legal resident of the United States who does not have U.S. citizenship, your troubles amplify significantly in the event you are arrested or charged with a crime. Certainly, anyone facing these circumstances may be looking at serious changes in lifestyle, reputation, and economics, but for non-citizens, these perils may accompany… Read More »
Relief from Crushing Debt
Are you buried under a mountain of debt with no way to claw yourself out? If so, you’re not alone. Across the country, consumer debt has risen nearly five percent, with mortgage, auto, credit card, and student loans sucking up one of every ten dollars of disposable income on average. Consumers are taking out… Read More »