Fully rewritten and updated September 8, 2026. Yes — and it is a more serious charge than the theft itself. Under section 812.019, Florida Statutes, anyone who “traffics in, or endeavors to traffic in” property they knew or should have known was stolen commits dealing in stolen property, a second-degree felony punishable by up to…
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Fully rewritten and updated September 2, 2026. Yes — every form of fleeing and eluding is a felony in Florida. Even the most basic version of the charge, failing to stop for an officer you know has ordered you to stop, is a third-degree felony punishable by up to five years in prison, and Florida…
Continue reading ›Fully rewritten and updated September 8, 2026. Animal cruelty in Florida can be either a first-degree misdemeanor or a third-degree felony, depending on what happened to the animal. Under section 828.12, Florida Statutes, unnecessarily tormenting, killing, or depriving an animal of food or shelter is a misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail;…
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Fully rewritten and updated September 8, 2026. It depends on the dollar figure — and the line is lower than most people think. Under section 806.13, Florida Statutes, damaging someone else’s property “willfully and maliciously” is a second-degree misdemeanor if the damage is $200 or less, a first-degree misdemeanor between $200 and $1,000, and a…
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Completely rewritten and updated September 1, 2026. Originally published February 22, 2026 Key Takeaway: Burglary under section 810.02, Florida Statutes, is entering — or unlawfully remaining in — a dwelling, structure, or conveyance with the intent to commit an offense inside. Burglary of an unoccupied structure or vehicle is a third-degree felony (5 years); burglary…
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KEY TAKEAWAY Flock Safety cameras and Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs) are rapidly expanding across Tampa and the entire Tampa Bay area. These systems capture your vehicle’s license plate, make, model, color, and distinguishing features every time you drive past one. That data feeds into a searchable nationwide database. Thousands of law enforcement agencies can…
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KEY TAKEAWAY Criminal defense attorney fees in Tampa range from roughly $1,000 with a newly licensed attorney to six figures or more with experienced counsel on serious charges. The cost depends on the severity of the charge, the complexity of the evidence, and the experience of the attorney. But what you pay is only half…
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Key Takeaway: The best criminal defense attorney for your case is one with verified courtroom experience in charges like yours, who will personally handle your defense, and who built their reputation through results rather than advertising spend. Start by asking other attorneys, judges, or professionals who they would hire — word-of-mouth referrals consistently lead to…
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KEY TAKEAWAY Bottom Line: Loitering and prowling under Florida Statute § 856.021 requires the State to prove TWO elements: (1) you were in a place, at a time, or in a manner not usual for law-abiding people, AND (2) your conduct created justifiable alarm for the safety of persons or property. Critically, both elements must…
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The Brancato Law Firm, P.A. | January 2026 The U.S. Supreme Court’s unanimous decision in Case v. Montana, 607 U.S. ___ (2026), establishes the definitive Fourth Amendment standard for warrantless home entries during mental health welfare checks. For Tampa criminal defense attorneys and defendants throughout Florida, this ruling directly impacts suppression motions in cases where…
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