Author Archives: Jay Butchko
After The Donna Adelson Verdict: Understanding Florida Homicide, Conspiracy, And Solicitation Charges
On the heels of breaking news from Tallahassee, a Leon County jury has found Donna Adelson, 75, guilty of first-degree murder, conspiracy, and solicitation in the 2014 killing of her former son-in-law, Florida State University law professor Dan Markel. The verdict followed roughly three hours of deliberations after weeks of testimony and recordings that… Read More »
The Power Of Pretrial Motions In Florida Criminal Defense
In Florida criminal cases, the courtroom drama that unfolds at trial is only part of the story. Much of the real battle occurs before trial even begins, during a stage where skilled defense attorneys can dramatically shape the outcome of the case: pretrial motions. These legal tools allow defense counsel to challenge evidence, limit… Read More »
Lessons From High-Profile White-Collar Cases: How To Defend Against Corporate Crime Allegations
White-collar crime cases often dominate headlines when they involve high-profile corporations or charismatic leaders who rise to fame before facing devastating allegations. Cases like Enron, Theranos, and Bernie Madoff’s Ponzi scheme have shaped how prosecutors, regulators, and juries perceive allegations of corporate fraud, embezzlement, insider trading, and other financial misconduct. These cases also offer… Read More »
Mental Health Defenses In Florida: What Happens When Illness Leads To Criminal Charges
The criminal justice system is built on the assumption that individuals are responsible for their actions, but what happens when mental illness impairs a person’s ability to understand or control their behavior? In Florida, courts recognize that mental health can play a critical role in criminal cases. Defendants suffering from serious psychological conditions may… Read More »
Why You Should Never Talk To Police Without A Lawyer In Florida
When you are approached by law enforcement in Florida, your natural instinct might be to explain yourself, clear up misunderstandings, or cooperate in hopes of avoiding trouble. Unfortunately, talking to the police without a lawyer present can be one of the most damaging decisions you ever make. Even when you believe you are innocent,… Read More »
Restitution And Repayment In Embezzlement Cases: Can Paying Back The Money Help Your Defense?
Facing an embezzlement allegation is frightening and isolating. You may be a trusted employee or fiduciary who made a mistake or was wrongly accused, and your career, reputation, and freedom feel like they’re on the line. One of the first questions we hear is practical and urgent: if I pay the money back, will… Read More »
Intent Vs. Structure: Why Stark Law Is A Strict Liability Minefield For Medical Professionals
Healthcare compliance is notoriously complex, especially when navigating federal regulations such as the Stark Law and the Anti-Kickback Statute (AKS). While both laws aim to prevent improper financial relationships within the healthcare system, their enforcement mechanisms differ significantly. Most notably, the Stark Law’s strict liability standard contrasts sharply with the AKS’s requirement of proving… Read More »
Safe Harbors And Exceptions Under The Anti-Kickback Statute: Are You Really Protected?
Navigating the complex regulations of the healthcare industry is challenging, particularly concerning federal laws like the Anti-Kickback Statute (AKS) and the Stark Law. Many healthcare providers rely on safe harbor provisions under the AKS and exceptions within the Stark Law to structure their business practices safely. However, misunderstanding or misapplying these provisions can lead… Read More »
Massive Healthcare Fraud Crackdown: Understanding The Recent National Takedown And Its Florida Implications
In one of the most significant crackdowns in recent history, the Justice Department recently announced charges against 324 individuals nationwide in connection with healthcare fraud schemes totaling over $14.6 billion. Among those charged are doctors, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, and other medical professionals who allegedly exploited federal healthcare programs for financial gain. Florida, notably the… Read More »
When Florida Law Collides With Federal Charges: Dual Sovereignty And Double Jeopardy Concerns
Facing criminal charges is daunting enough when prosecuted by a single jurisdiction. However, when individuals find themselves facing both Florida state and federal charges for the same or related criminal conduct, the complexities and risks multiply significantly. This dual-layered legal predicament is possible due to the doctrine of dual sovereignty, a legal principle that… Read More »
