Experienced Tampa Statutory Rape Attorney

Facing a statutory rape accusation in Florida can instantly derail your life. Whether the relationship felt mutual or involved a misunderstanding, Florida prosecutors take these charges seriously. You could face years in prison, lifetime sex offender registration, and irreparable damage to your future. If you’re under investigation or have already been charged, now is the time to retain an experienced Tampa statutory rape attorney who knows how to take control of the case early.

What the Law Says: Statutory Rape in Florida

Florida law sets the age of consent at 18. However, there is a “close-in-age” exception for persons under 24 who engage in consensual sexual activity with a 16 or 17 year old. If you’re 24 or older and engage in sexual activity with someone aged 16 or 17, you could face a second-degree felony under Florida Statute § 794.05. When the alleged victim is younger, prosecutors may charge more serious offenses under § 800.04 or § 794.011, which carry first-degree felony penalties.

Penalties include:

• Second-degree felony – Up to 15 years in prison

• First-degree felony – Up to 30 years in prison

• Sex offender registration – Mandatory in many cases and for certain first degree felony charges, sexual predator registration 

You can’t explain your way out of these charges. Consent doesn’t matter under this law. If you admit to the relationship, prosecutors may use that statement against you.

Police Use Strategic Deception—Don’t Fall for It

We’ve seen it countless times: Detectives call you in “just to talk” and downplay the seriousness. Then they say:

“We know it was consensual. We’re not saying you forced her.”

They want you to feel safe enough to admit to the relationship. Once you do, they can charge you with statutory rape—a strict liability offense where consent isn’t a defense. Even if the minor lied about their age or initiated the relationship, your words may be enough to land you in jail and on the registry.

That’s why you should never speak to police without legal counsel. At The Brancato Law Firm, P.A., we step in immediately to protect your rights, stop police manipulation, and control the flow of information.

Why Clients Choose Our Firm

Attorney Rocky Brancato has over 25 years of criminal trial experience, including more than 100 jury trials. He personally handles every sex crimes case. He built a reputation for mastering complex cases and dismantling weak prosecutions. Clients hire our firm because they want an experienced Tampa statutory rape attorney who doesn’t delegate their future to a junior associate.

What makes our firm different:

• Personal Representation – You deal directly with Rocky Brancato on all sex crimes.

• Strategic Privacy – We manage sensitive allegations with discretion.

• Tech-Savvy Defense – We work with forensic experts to analyze texts, timestamps, and digital records.

• Registration Mitigation – We fight aggressively to avoid or overturn sex offender status.

• Trial-Proven Results – Prosecutors know we’re not bluffing.

We’ve helped clients walk away from false allegations and harsh mandatory penalties. We build every defense as if it’s going to trial—even when we’re working behind the scenes to resolve it quietly.

Time Is Not on Your Side

Most statutory rape charges begin with interviews—not evidence. The sooner you get an attorney involved, the more options you keep open. In many cases, we’ve intervened early and prevented the State from filing charges altogether.

Every hour that passes without representation increases your risk. Don’t wait to see how things “play out.” By then, it might be too late.

Call an Experienced Tampa Statutory Rape Attorney Now

If you’ve been accused of unlawful sexual activity with a minor—or even think you’re under investigation—call (813) 727-7159 today. Attorney Rocky Brancato will review your case personally and help you understand your best path forward.

At The Brancato Law Firm, P.A., we defend clients across Tampa, Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco counties. We protect your freedom, your reputation, and your future.

Helpful Resources:

• Florida Statute § 794.05 – Unlawful Sexual Activity with Certain Minors

• Sex Crimes Defense Overview