Author Archives: Jay Butchko
What Happens at a First Appearance Hearing in Florida?
Being arrested can be very confusing for people, especially those who are not familiar with the process. The first step in Florida after an arrest is a first appearance hearing. This hearing is a very important part of a criminal proceeding because it decides how a criminal proceeding will go and whether the defendant… Read More »
Constructive Possession in Florida Drug Cases: How Prosecutors Try to Prove It
It’s important to understand that drug possession charges in Florida do not necessarily mean that the drug is found on the person. In many cases, the law allows prosecutors to use the legal term “constructive possession” to prosecute a person even if the drug is not found on the individual. Therefore, it is important… Read More »
Can Police Search Your Phone During a Traffic Stop in Florida?
Our cellphones contain a great deal of information about us. From private messages and photos to financial information and location data, smartphones contain more sensitive information than most physical objects that people carry. Because of this, the law is much stricter in cases where the police are allowed to search your phone. If you… Read More »
Luke Newman Featured on Yahoo.com in Coverage of YNW Melly Case
Criminal defense attorney Luke Newman was recently referenced on Yahoo.com in an article covering rapper YNW Melly’s ongoing legal proceedings. The piece, published by TCPalm / Treasure Coast Newspapers and syndicated to Yahoo, discussed the rapper’s April 30 hearing in Broward County court, which included an Arthur Hearing. This is a critical legal procedure… Read More »
Stand Your Ground in Florida: When Self-Defense Becomes a Criminal Case
It’s no secret that the Stand Your Ground law in Florida is one of the most discussed, yet misunderstood, laws in our state. Many believe that the law permits an individual to defend themselves at any time they feel threatened. However, the reality is that Florida has very specific requirements for when an individual… Read More »
