Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Immigration and Crimes that Could Lead to Deportation
If you are a non-citizen living in the United States, it is important that you follow all laws and expectations. While the possibility of prison and fines are daunting to anyone, for immigrants the stakes are much higher. That’s because criminal activity, in some cases, could result in deportation. There are multiple rules set… Read More »
The End of Bankruptcy Protections for Giuliani: a Lesson for You
One of the most important reasons that people file for bankruptcy is that they want to escape the relentless pressure that creditors place on them. It appears that former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani may have hoped for just those protections when he filed for bankruptcy months ago, and, while it worked for… Read More »
Domestic Violence and Pets
For pet-lovers, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a wagging puppy tail or a cuddling kitten. That’s why many aggressors who engage in domestic violence have figured out that turning their aggression toward family pets can be an effective way to dominate family and loved ones. When it comes to domestic violence (DV), our… Read More »
Domestic Violence and Contraception
The consequences of domestic violence are well documented: physical harm, emotional damage, financial limitations, and so much more. One of the lesser-known outcomes, however, is that women who are in abusive relationships are less likely to use birth control in general, and condoms specifically. And the results of that decision can be costly in… Read More »
Supreme Court Rules on Guns and Domestic Violence
Advocates for gun control are praising the Supreme Court’s recent ruling affirming that anyone who has a restraining order issued against them due to domestic violence (DV). This prohibition will be a huge step in protecting survivors of domestic violence, as the Court’s ruling solidifies the idea that restricting guns when it comes to… Read More »
Is Jury Nullification Possible in Your Trial?
Jury nullification: is it a way to dodge a guilty verdict at the end of a trial? Actually, maybe it is. What is jury nullification, and what makes it so attractive in some cases? Jury Nullification Defined There are sometimes cases in which juries believe that a defendant may be guilty, but they opt… Read More »
Domestic Violence Among Older Americans
When we think of our grandparents, many of us envision a comfortable older couple enjoying a glass of lemonade on the front porch while rocking in their rocking chairs. Of course, that’s a stereotype that is comfortable and pleasant, but one that couldn’t be further from reality for many older folks. Sadly, older generations… Read More »
Can You Get Your Charges Dropped or Dismissed?
If you are facing criminal charges, you’re no doubt hoping for an outcome other than a guilty verdict. An acquittal would be fantastic, although it’s possible you could have the charges dropped or dismissed before the case ever makes it in front of a jury. How is that possible? Having Charges Dropped When a… Read More »
Bankruptcy Comes for All Kinds of People for All Kinds of Reasons
People file for bankruptcy for all kinds of reasons. If you’ve been considering it, chances are you, like millions of Americans, have been stressed about debt and see no other way out from under it. In fact, in the last year filings for bankruptcies have increased by 16 percent, with nearly half a million… Read More »
Coercive Control and Domestic Violence
There are no bruises, no scars, no broken bones. But a controlling partner makes the relationship a torturous experience. While day to day life may not result in stitches or contusions, coercive control is a dangerous and sadistic form of domestic violence. What is Coercive Control? Coercive control can be difficult to define, simply… Read More »