Author Archives: Jay Butchko
New Legislation may Mean Changes for Private Student Loan Discharges
A new initiative by the Obama administration could ease the path to bankruptcy for borrowers of private student loans. As reported by Inside Higher Ed, the United States Department of Education (DOE) recently released information regarding the Student Aid Bill of Rights, a collection of proposals to help borrowers who are having trouble with… Read More »
Punishment Varies for a DUI Manslaughter Conviction
Though DUI manslaughter carries a minimum offense of four years within the state of Florida, a recent report by the Miami Herald examines the vast variations that often exist among sentences for this charge. Examples discussed in the article include: Kayla Mendoza is a 22-year-old who was sentenced to 24 years in prison for… Read More »
There is Rarely Any Student Loan Relief in Bankruptcy
Bankruptcy is often seen as a fresh financial start, providing individuals with a path out of debt and towards better money management habits. Each year, the U.S. Bankruptcy courts receive thousands of petitions from individuals hoping to discharge their debts and start anew. But some types of debt are so strong that they even… Read More »
Understanding a Criminal Mischief Charge
Criminal mischief laws make it a crime to cause willful and malicious damage to property. A criminal mischief charge in Florida is serious, possibly even rising to a felony level and imprisonment in some instances. If you are facing criminal mischief charges, it is vital to secure the services of a capable attorney, who… Read More »
The Ins and Outs of a Chapter 11 Bankruptcy
News outlets are bustling with talk of bankruptcy as rapper and entrepreneur 50 Cent filed for protection from his creditors in a Connecticut court. The 40-year-old entertainer’s estimated worth previously hit more than $100 million following the sale of his water company to Coca-Cola in 2007. Since that time, he continues to make music,… Read More »
What to do if Suspected of Marriage Fraud
If you and your current or future spouse are dealing with immigration issues as you start your new marriage, you may find yourself involved with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services or USCIS. Even genuine marriages are sometimes investigated for “marriage fraud,” where a sham marriage is used to circumvent federal law. You should… Read More »
What To Do If You Are Arrested for a DUI in Florida
In Florida, police officers won’t hesitate to crack down on drunk driving. A recent study showed that Florida ranks in line with most states in terms of how tough it is on drivers accused of driving while under the influence of alcohol to the extent that their normal faculties are impaired (DUI). In fact,… Read More »
What To Do If You Have Been Arrested
If you are detained by police officers in Florida, you will probably feel powerless and uncertain about what to do, whether it is a DUI charge or a drug crime. You should have an action plan ready, and you should understand what you may face. How to Tell If You Have Been Arrested In… Read More »
What To Do If You Can’t Pay Your Bills
The economy has improved since the start of the 2008 recession, but that does not mean it’s back to normal for everyone. As recent studies show, many South Floridians have still been left behind. A recent report shows that, although Florida’s wealthiest 1% saw a 40% increase, everyone else’s income dropped by 7%. Further,… Read More »
Florida Bill Would Protect Domestic Violence Victims from Repeat Offenders
If merely breaking the law was a sufficient deterrent for offenders, then victims of domestic violence would be much safer. As it is, some offenders are not deterred by the misdemeanor offenses that currently safeguard victims from the threat of a violation of a protective order. To bridge the gap, Florida lawmakers have proposed… Read More »