Articles Posted in Sex Crimes

A Former Public Defender Criminal Defense Lawyer in Tampa Choosing the right defense attorney can change the outcome of a major felony case. As a former public defender criminal defense lawyer in Tampa, I’ve seen firsthand how experience, leadership, and courtroom readiness determine success. My years as Chief Assistant Public Defender, second-in-command in an office…

Teachers face unique legal risks. When a teacher is accused of a crime, everything is at stake. Careers, reputations, and future employment can vanish in hours. Allegations involving sexual misconduct with students trigger immediate intervention by law enforcement and school administrators. Even when the accusation is false, the damage can grow fast. If you are…

Social media can decide the outcome of a Tampa criminal case. Posts, comments, messages, and photos now appear in court every day. Prosecutors use this digital evidence to build timelines, attack credibility, and argue guilt. However, social media also helps the defense. When used correctly, it can expose lies, reveal hidden motives, and lead to…

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…

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…

A new Florida child luring law goes into effect on October 1, 2025. This new law changes how courts handle crimes involving children and increases penalties for luring or enticement offenses. If you are accused under these statutes in Tampa Bay, the risks are higher than ever before. Key Changes in the Law 1. No…

In Gonzalez Garcia v. State (No. 4D2025-0471, Sept. 3, 2025), the Fourth District Court of Appeal reversed a written probation condition that conflicted with the oral pronouncement. As a result, the decision shows how a Florida probation conflict can unfairly expand conditions beyond what a judge actually ordered. Case Background: Probation After Reduced Charges The…

Will a child adjudicated delinquent of a sex charge face juvenile sex offender registration in Florida? If your child is in juvenile court for a sex offense, you need clear answers now. Under Florida Statute 943.0435, certain juvenile adjudications can trigger sex offender registration—even when the case stays in juvenile court. This guide explains when…