Author Archives: Jay Butchko
What To Know About 5 Common White Collar Crimes
“White collar crime” is a term used to describe crimes that are mainly financial in nature, usually involving some type of fraud. Some white collar crimes also involve a person’s involvement in some broader scheme with intent to deceive or defraud others. State and local law enforcement officers, along with federal agents are always… Read More »
What To Know About RICO And Racketeering Charges In Florida
What is racketeering and RICO? The “Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act” (known everywhere as RICO) was designed originally as a tool to prosecute and punish those involved in organized crime. RICO was passed into law in 1970 as a response to Congressional hearings and widespread attention on mafia activities. Since that time, RICO… Read More »
Stages In A Florida Criminal Proceeding: What To Know
If you have been arrested or charged with a crime, one of your first questions will be: what comes next? This is one of the most stressful, upsetting, and uncertain challenges a person can face in their lives. A defendant wants their day in court and wants to prove their innocence as soon as… Read More »
Trends In Florida White Collar Crime
“White collar crime” is a catch-all term generally referring to financial misdeeds committed by business or government professionals. Tax crimes, fraud, bribery, embezzlement, tech-related crimes, illegal pyramid schemes and kickbacks – among other activities – all fall under the white collar crime umbrella. According to recent data from the U.S. Department of Justice, the… Read More »
Differences Between Theft, Robbery, And Burglary Crimes In Florida
In Florida, “theft” is a broad category covering a wide range of potential crimes. It is easy to get this confused with crimes like robbery or burglary, but the crimes and potential penalties can vary dramatically based on what the prosecution charges. It is important for those facing any of these potential charges to… Read More »
What Is “Hearsay” In A Florida Criminal Trial?
For anyone even vaguely familiar with the criminal trial process, the word “hearsay” will seem familiar. It is one of the most important and frequently cited rules in a criminal trial, as it involves statements that can be incriminating or prejudicial to a defendant. The definition of hearsay under Florida’s Evidence Code is an… Read More »
What To Know About The Right To Appeal In Florida Criminal Cases
When faced with any type of criminal charge, a defendant’s goal is to be acquitted or have charges dropped. Alternatively, they may seek a favorable plea agreement that is less harmful than a conviction. Sometimes, despite all efforts by the defendant and their legal team, they find themselves convicted of a crime. The question,… Read More »
Organized Fraud Crimes In Florida, And How To Defend Against Charges
The rapid growth of technology and the ease of communication online has had many benefits, but has also led to a growth in criminal activity and online fraud. One way that Florida protects against widespread fraud is through Florida’s Organized Fraud statute. Under Florida Statutes, Sec. 817.034, anyone who “engages in a scheme to… Read More »
Health Care Fraud Crimes In Florida
Health care fraud is an increasingly scrutinized criminal activity that invites constant attention from Federal and State prosecutors and regulatory agencies. When health care fraud makes the news, it is often in a big way, with defendants charged for collecting tens of millions in fraudulent profits and kickbacks. In 2007, the FBI established a… Read More »
Bank Fraud Crimes And Potential Defenses
Bank fraud is usually thought of as something that happens among high-ranking white collar criminals in the financial industries – not something that occurs among everyday people among the general public. Technically, however, acts of bank fraud can be committed by anybody with any kind of access to a financial institution. Bank fraud happens… Read More »
