Brancato Law Firm, P.A. Recent Blog Posts

When Florida’s Fourth District Court of Appeal reversed a murder conviction in Rene De Santus v. State (No. 4D2023-2235, Oct. 15, 2025), it exposed a painful truth: even a serious homicide case can collapse when the defense lawyer isn’t prepared. The judges ruled that the attorney’s mistakes made the entire trial fundamentally unfair. The case…

Florida’s sex offender laws are notoriously complex. A Florida sex predator mis-designation isn’t just a paperwork error. It dramatically changes your life in Tampa Bay and across Florida: where you can live, the supervision you face, and your entire future. At The Brancato Law Firm, P.A., we have seen the devastating impact of these errors…

By Rocky Brancato, Tampa Sex Crimes Defense AttorneyThe Brancato Law Firm, P.A. | (813) 727-7159 What the Law Says About Solicitation of a Child Using a Computer Florida Statutes §847.0135(3)(a) and §847.0135(3)(b) make it a serious felony to use a computer or electronic device to communicate about unlawful sexual conduct with a child—or with someone…

Protecting Your Future When Everything Feels Lost If you’ve been arrested—or even suspect you’re being investigated—for human trafficking in Tampa Bay, you may feel like your life is over. The shock, shame, and fear that follow are overwhelming. But being accused is not the same as being guilty. It’s time to hire a Top Tampa…

Published by The Brancato Law Firm, P.A.Attorney Rocky Brancato | Tampa Criminal Defense Lawyer Understanding the Oquendo v. State Decision In Oquendo v. State, SC2023-0807 (Fla. October 9, 2025), the Florida Supreme Court clarified an important question for anyone claiming self-defense — especially military veterans or trauma survivors. The Court held that Florida’s self-defense law…

On October 1, 2025, Florida’s Second District Court of Appeal issued an en banc opinion in Williams v. State, No. 2D2023-2200 (Fla. 2d DCA October 1, 2025) that marks a turning point in search and seizure law. The court held that the odor of cannabis, by itself, is no longer enough to establish probable cause…

If you or your child faces a sex crime charge in Hillsborough County, there may be an alternative to a conviction called a Rehabilitation Plan, also known locally as a “Sex Walker Plan.” These plans are strict and treatment-driven, but they can prevent the harshest consequence of a sex crime conviction—sex offender registration. At The…

Starting October 1, 2025, a new Florida law under Chapter 2025-126 will reshape how the justice system handles threats, harassment, and retaliation against court officials. This law directly strengthens protections for judges, jurors, prosecutors, and other court personnel. At the same time, it significantly raises the risks for anyone accused of interfering with the judicial…

Beginning October 1, 2025, Florida drivers will face stricter penalties under Chapter 2025-36, Laws of Florida. This new law significantly increases criminal consequences for tampering with license plates and introduces penalties for owning or using license plate obscuring devices36. Key Changes in the Law Why This Matters for Florida Drivers Florida has long targeted traffic…

On October 1, 2025, a sweeping new Florida law known as Trenton’s Law will take effect, strengthening penalties for driving under the influence (DUI) and boating under the influence (BUI) offenses121. This law expands criminal liability for refusing chemical testing, increases punishment for repeat offenders, and creates enhanced sentencing rules for DUI manslaughter, BUI manslaughter,…