Articles Posted in Criminal Defense

Sex Trafficking Charges | Online Sting Defense | Chapter 787 If you have been arrested—or suspect you are 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. Most trafficking prosecutions…

Refusing a breath test is now a crime, repeat offenders face first-degree felonies, and DUI/BUI manslaughter penalties have dramatically increased ⚠ CRITICAL CHANGES EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 1, 2025 Under Trenton’s Law, refusing a breath or urine test is no longer just an administrative matter—it is now a criminal offense that creates a permanent record. A first…

The Tristin Murphy Act (SB 168) | Treatment Instead of Incarceration A new mental health diversion law known as the Tristin Murphy Act took effect in Florida on October 1, 2025. Senate Bill 168 reshapes how courts and prosecutors handle criminal cases involving people with mental health conditions—creating pathways to treatment instead of incarceration. What…

HB 777 Amends F.S. 787.025 | Effective October 1, 2025 A new Florida child luring law goes into effect on October 1, 2025. House Bill 777 amends Florida Statute 787.025, expanding the scope of child luring offenses and significantly increasing penalties. If you are accused under this statute in Tampa Bay, the risks are higher…

F.S. 828.13 Amendment | Effective October 1, 2025 On October 1, 2025, Florida implemented a significant new animal protection law known as Trooper’s Law. This legislation amends Florida Statute 828.13 and creates stronger penalties for abandoning restrained dogs during natural disasters. For pet owners in Tampa Bay, understanding this law is essential—violations now carry felony-level…

Tampa Bay’s Trusted Defense Attorney for Officers Under Investigation Trusted by Those Who Protect Tampa Bay Attorney Rocky Brancato serves as on-call attorney for officer-involved shootings with the Tampa Police Benevolent Association and the Suncoast Police Benevolent Association. For law enforcement officers, few moments are more devastating than being on the other side of the…

A strategic legal challenge to DHSMV administrative suspension resulted in complete reversal by the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit KEY TAKEAWAY Florida CDL holders facing DUI suspension have only 10 days to request a formal review hearing. Moreover, even if the hearing officer rules against you, appellate review can overturn the suspension—as demonstrated in this Hillsborough County…

When you go to a fair, concert, or sporting event, you often see people waving lighted cones to direct you into their parking lots. Many drivers pull in right away. The problem is, those early stops often lead to the worst spots at the highest prices. People who drive a little further—or who know the…

Spencer v. State (4D2025-0023) — Second-Degree Murder Charge Dismissed RESULT: Murder Charge Dismissed The Fourth District Court of Appeal ruled that prosecutors failed to disprove self-defense by clear and convincing evidence. Stand Your Ground immunity granted. The Florida Fourth District Court of Appeal recently granted Stand Your Ground immunity to a Palm Beach defendant charged…

F.S. 847.0135(4) | Online Sting Defense | Second-Degree Felony If law enforcement arrested you—or you believe you are under investigation—for traveling to meet a minor in Tampa, you need to act immediately. These cases typically begin with undercover sting operations where officers pose as minors online. Even before the State Attorney files charges, the damage…