Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Another COVID-19 Related Conviction For A Tampa Resident
A St. Petersburg man was sentenced to 3 years in federal prison for COVID-19 relief fraud, from which he collected over $800,000. Not only is he facing time in prison without the eligibility of parole, but the convicted defendant must also pay back what he collected in restitution to the federal government. The defendant… Read More »
Four Factors That Increase The Risk Of Federal Drug Charges In Tampa
Facing criminal charges for any type of drug crime in Tampa is a serious matter. Law enforcement officials are vigilant in making arrests and once charged while prosecutors are dedicated to obtaining convictions. In addition to facing serious penalties under state laws, you could end up being charged with a federal crime. Experienced Tampa… Read More »
Juvenile Crime – No Minor Matter In Tampa
No matter how adult your teenager may try to act, their brains are still developing. This combined with a general lack of life experience and maturity can lead them to make some poor decisions. Hanging with the wrong crowd, acting on dares, or otherwise getting caught up in illegal activity can have serious consequences…. Read More »
Understanding Federal Cyberstalking Laws
Federal prosecutors charged a Hillsborough County man with cyberstalking recently after a criminal investigation into his online behavior over the past year and a half. The defendant is accused of sending threatening messages to three victims via Instagram, including threats against the victims’ lives. If convicted, the defendant could face up to five years… Read More »
Can An Accomplice To Armed Robbery Face Prison Time In Florida?
Florida law enforcement authorities just arrested a serial bank robber known as the I-4 bandit in Clearwater, Florida. The defendant has multiple felonies on his record and a history of robbery, and is also linked to a prior bank robbery earlier in November of 2021. The defendant fled the scene and authorities were able… Read More »
Can A Person Be Arrested For Making Online Threats In Florida?
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement recently arrested a defendant travelling from South Carolina in Hillsborough County. The defendant, a civilian Air Force officer stationed in South Carolina, is accused of making online terroristic threats. The defendant allegedly made threats that he would die by suicide by cop or engage police in a stand-off…. Read More »
Can A Person Be Charged For Attempting A Crime In Tampa?
Two friends from high school decided it would be funny to break into their alma mater, vandalize the cafeteria and steal school records. They draw a map of the school grounds, determine when the building would be empty, and decide on who will drive the getaway car. On the day of the planned burglary,… Read More »
Tampa Flight To Atlanta Ends In Federal Assault Charges
Last week on board a flight from Tampa to Atlanta, a woman was arrested for federal assault charges. The defendant Cornwall refused to wear a mask on board the flight despite instructions from flight attendants. Cornwall then refused to take a seat when a beverage cart went past her and said, “What am I,… Read More »
What Is Justifiable Homicide, And Is It A Valid Defense In Florida?
A battered wife who shot her husband to death in Tampa after years of physical and emotional abuse was initially charged with second degree murder. Now, three years later, her defense attorney argues that the defendant acted in self-defense and is immune from criminal charges based on the Florida Stand Your Ground Law. What… Read More »
What Is Perjury, And Is It Illegal In Florida?
A former lawyer for George Zimmerman was arrested recently on charges of solicitation to commit perjury in an unrelated criminal case. The lawyer has also been charged with harassing a witness victim. Initial reports indicate that Mr. Hal Ulhrig attempted to badger a victim of child rape and her father into lying under oath… Read More »