Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Florida Legislator Resigns After Indictment On CARES Act Fraud Charges
The CARES Act provided COVID-19 relief to many Florida businesses to help them in staying afloat during the pandemic. For example, the Small Business Administration offered Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) to small businesses, agricultural cooperatives, and private nonprofit organizations that struggled to meet their payroll expenses during the initial lockdown periods. These loans… Read More »
What Is The Difference Between “Conversion” And “Civil Theft”?
If someone has money that belongs to you and they keep it for themselves, is that “theft”? The legal answer to this question is trickier than you might think. While the average person would probably consider it theft, that word also has a very specific definition in civil and criminal law. Is Sending a… Read More »
What To Know About Reporting Virtual Currency To The IRS
Over the last few years, various forms of virtual currency have gained prominence and found their way into investors’ portfolios. Cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin, and others have gone from investment hobbies for the tech-savvy to mainstream forms of currency among everyday investors. Most virtual currency investors are fairly new to the game… Read More »
What To Know About Virtual Currency And IRS Audits
Virtual currency, commonly known as cryptocurrency, has surged in popularity since the IRS began formally tracking virtual currency in 2014. Under IRS rules for virtual currency, cryptocurrency is considered as property, and gains or losses from virtual transactions are to be reported the same as other capital gains or losses. While virtual currency is… Read More »
Understanding Tax Evasion And Tax Fraud
A taxpayer’s worst nightmare is a charge of tax evasion. When a seemingly simple bookkeeping error turns into an audit, investigation, and even a criminal charge of tax evasion or fraud, taxpayers need to know what their options and legal rights are. At the extreme end of the spectrum, individual taxpayers can be charged… Read More »
What The IRS Wants You To Know About Virtual Currency
Virtual currency is a relatively new phenomenon that users are still learning the rules for. One agency that has already taken a strong interest and developed its own rules for digital assets is the Internal Revenue Services. The IRS reminds users of cryptocurrency and digital assets that profits received through these methods are taxable,… Read More »
When Can Police Search Your Cell Phone? Understanding Your Constitutional Rights In Digital Search Cases
Over the past decade, cell phones have evolved from an on-the-go communication device to a portable mini-computer that stores nearly all of our life’s data, photos, messages, banking information, and other intensely personal details. In some ways, smartphones have become extensions of ourselves. For this reason, law enforcement officers will almost always want to… Read More »
What To Know About DEA Raids And Legal Options In Florida
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is among the most law enforcement agencies operating in Florida and across the United States. This federal agency’s goal is to stop the distribution and smuggling of drugs everywhere in the country by targeting drug traffickers and their operations. The DEA enforces the Controlled Substances Act as well as… Read More »
What Are The Differences Between Federal And State Charges In Florida?
If you are accused of any type of crime in Florida, you’re not alone, and you will have many questions and fears about the criminal justice process. One of those questions, depending on whether you face state or federal charges – or both – is what the differences are between the two. The main… Read More »
What To Know About Extradition And Your Legal Rights
Extradition is the process of bringing a person back to Florida from another state to answer for criminal charges. Through this procedure, the Florida fugitive is held in custody in another state so law enforcement officials can transport them back to Florida when an arrest warrant is outstanding. What is a “fugitive”? A fugitive… Read More »
