Lawyers, Answer Questions  & Get Points Log In
Questions Answered by Keith Petrochko
1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Florida on
Q: My boyfriend was charged with trafficking meth after a search warrant was served at friends residence

in Ga. The drugs weren't his will he still be found guilty? The home owner wasn't arrested.

Keith Petrochko
Keith Petrochko
answered on Mar 9, 2016

There is no way to know based on the limited information provided. Contact a criminal defense attorney in GA.

1 Answer | Asked in Car Accidents for Florida on
Q: What should I do ?

I got into an accident last week, accidentally backed up into a car , and gave a few unnoticeable scratches. She let me go but took pictures of my tag , my permit, and now has my number. Come to find out she has a car rental and wants me to pay $350 down now and just forget about the situation , I... View More

Keith Petrochko
Keith Petrochko
answered on Mar 9, 2016

Set up a contract to ensure everything goes smoothly.

1 Answer | Asked in Car Accidents for Florida on
Q: What should I do ?

I got into an accident last week, accidentally backed up into a car , and gave a few unnoticeable scratches. She let me go but took pictures of my tag , my permit, and now has my number. Come to find out she has a car rental and wants me to pay $350 down now and just forget about the situation , I... View More

Keith Petrochko
Keith Petrochko
answered on Mar 9, 2016

Yes, you should set up a release of claims agreement.

2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law and Employment Law for Florida on
Q: Can I file an unemployment against Groupon for removing my company when they were my only source of income?

Groupon retaliated against my company when I refused to sign another contract that paid 50% below the cost. After saying, "No" for several weeks, the sales rep replied that I was, "Harsh and aggressive", and she stated she was going to have my company removed from Groupon. This... View More

Keith Petrochko
Keith Petrochko
answered on Mar 9, 2016

You may be able to file, but you won't be successful.

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Florida on
Q: What is the minimal requirement by law to sell puppies in Florida? Any requirements to give them away for free?
Keith Petrochko
Keith Petrochko
answered on Feb 28, 2016

Your answer is contained in Statute 828.29, a link to the pertinent parts is contained below.

http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0800-0899/0828/Sections/0828.29.html

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for Florida on
Q: I live in my truck in a parking lot in florida. Do I have to continue paying child support? I do odd jobs for gas money?

I pay 215$ per month and some months I am late or cannot pay, how do I change or cancel my child support?

Keith Petrochko
Keith Petrochko
answered on Feb 28, 2016

You should contact a family law attorney as soon as possible. You may find a pro bono attorney willing to help by contact the Florida Bar at the following (800) 342-8011.

1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury for Florida on
Q: I need to know if I have grounds for a case for emotional distress.

I was wrongfully accused of shoplifting at a local walmart. I checked out via shelf check lane and a few of my items apparently didnt scan. I had no idea, I would have re scanned them. However as i was leaving I was surrounding by five individuals, one very louldy said "YOU NEED TO COME WITH... View More

Keith Petrochko
Keith Petrochko
answered on Feb 28, 2016

Based on your assertions I personally do not feel that you would have a viable case for emotional destress. Opinions vary. You should contact an attorney as soon as possible.

1 Answer | Asked in Legal Malpractice for Florida on
Q: What is a fee division between attorneys and is it beneficical for the client, thank you
Keith Petrochko
Keith Petrochko
answered on Feb 28, 2016

A fee devision is when more than one attorney (often from different offices) work on your case and split the fee accordingly. It can be favorable as it should not cost you anything additional and you get two or more individuals helping you with different knowledge bases.

1 Answer | Asked in Military Law for Florida on
Q: MILITARY / UCMJ QUESTION If a sailor is found guilty of a charge in a general court martial, and handed a NO punishment

sentence by jurors that had the option to reduce rank and/or take away frocking... Is NAVPERS (without referral or request by sailor's command) authorized to withhold advancement in respects to rank?

Incident occurred & investigation in 2009 when Sailor was E6

Frocked to E7... View More

Keith Petrochko
Keith Petrochko
answered on Feb 28, 2016

Military attorneys generally do not participate on this website. I suggest you contact your local JAG office as soon as possible.

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law for Florida on
Q: Can my schedule be cut back because I was unable to fill in a spot for an employee that fell ill

I have been working for the company for 7 years. My schedule has been set for the last year and a half. One of our employees fell ill, and was unable to make her shift. In the restaurant business it's fairly easy to cover considering we have multiple staff members that are off that day. I was... View More

Keith Petrochko
Keith Petrochko
answered on Feb 28, 2016

Barring an employment contract to the contrary, your employer is free to change your schedule. However, this adverse action cannot be done due to a discriminatory reason. Obviously, on the face failing to cover a shift is not discriminatory in nature, but if you feel that the stated reason was... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Florida on
Q: Can I change my mind less than a day after signing release of ownership of my two dogs?

I had met them midway and I called asking for the dogs back immediately. The rescue gp said ok but to give it some time especially since the "son of the adopting family was flying in to meet them"& I was promised regular updates.The day after I received an ok for a home rental with a... View More

Keith Petrochko
Keith Petrochko
answered on Feb 28, 2016

There generally isn't a grace period with contracts. Without seeing your agreement no one can give a complete answer to your question.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Florida on
Q: Can I drop the charges on my boyfriend ?! Help me

When I was 15 I had sex with my boyfriend who is 6 years older than me , my mom press charges child abuse and L&L Bat now I'm 19 can I remove the charges that my mom put

Keith Petrochko
Keith Petrochko
answered on Feb 24, 2016

No. The charges aren't yours to drop. The state is the "victim" in all criminal cases. You can speak to the state attorney, but they likely won't change their mind.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for Florida on
Q: I want my name to be changed to Jimmy Kal-El Perfect Neutron will the judge deny that request.
Keith Petrochko
Keith Petrochko
answered on Feb 24, 2016

Only one way to find out.

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law for Florida on
Q: My 17 year old son admitted to the cop that he did have sex with 13 years old. How can I get his plea changed.
Keith Petrochko
Keith Petrochko
answered on Feb 24, 2016

... That would be up to the state attorney, but it doesn't look good.

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Bankruptcy and Elder Law for Florida on
Q: I know of a senior citizen who is disabled, and needs to find a lawyer to do pro bono for a Chapter 7 for her. Help

I'm a close friend of the senior who needs help. I help her with getting her to her appointments, etc. I recently took her to her bank, where she was told by the manager of the bank that she has a outstanding bill with them, and if it is not paid soon, they will garnish her disability check.... View More

Keith Petrochko
Keith Petrochko
answered on Feb 24, 2016

Garnishments don't happen overnight, but you certainly shouldn't wait to act on past due bills. There are many attorneys and legal clinics that would be happy to help. Contact the Florida Bar's lawyer referral service for help finding pro bono help; they can be reached at (800) 342-8011.

1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury, Insurance Defense and Car Accidents for Florida on
Q: I was at fault in an accident, and the other party's insurance paid out a claim. Now the insurance is coming after me.

I am assuming this is because the claim was more than the limit, so they are coming after me for the difference, which is $25,000. I was called by their attorneys, and when I told them that I couldn't afford to pay that amount (even with only 10% down, the $150 a month) the rep kept saying... View More

Keith Petrochko
Keith Petrochko
answered on Feb 24, 2016

.... was there a trial? If there was no trial you don't owe anything yet. If your insurance paid out I would be shocked if a signed release of all claims wasn't part of the payout arraignment. Call an attorney to discuss you situation in a bit more detail.

1 Answer | Asked in Bankruptcy for Florida on
Q: are there any lawyers in the port saint lucie florida area that is willing to do a bankrupcy probono

in need of a bankrupcy attorney that could do a bankrupcy pro bono as my only income is my SS disability, possibly on a payment plan? thank you

Keith Petrochko
Keith Petrochko
answered on Feb 11, 2016

It may be difficult to find a pro-bono bankruptcy attorney. You should call the Florida bar about their referral service.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Florida on
Q: Live in FLA. pulled over with 2 joints (under an ounce) has court in Georgia in a month. What will happen

An employee of mine went to Ohio where his grandpa helped him buy a car. He was driving home to Florida and pulled over with 2 joints (possession under an ounce)in Georgia. Was originally pulled over for tailgating. (They made him pay that ticket along with his bail before he was released). He... View More

Keith Petrochko
Keith Petrochko
answered on Feb 11, 2016

It depends. Your employee should ask this question to a Georgia criminal defense attorney.

1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury for Florida on
Q: our daughter was a guest at someones house, apparently the 4 year old tv was broken, are we responsible for replacement

the tv was 4 years old before smart tv technology they are demanding we purchase a smart tv for them in the same size we have offered a tv that is similar in size to the one that was broken. are we legally responsible? we are willing to buy a $300 tv they want a much more expensive one.

Keith Petrochko
Keith Petrochko
answered on Feb 11, 2016

Possibly, yes. However, you would be required to return them to the same or substantially similar situation they were in. Not a better situation.

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.