Articles Posted in Sex Crimes

Think you messaged a minor online in Tampa? If you’re reading this, a simple online chat may have turned into a moment of pure panic. You might have just realized the person you were messaging on a dating app or social media is underage. Their profile looked different, they lied about their age, or the…

A conviction for sexual battery in Florida carries life-altering consequences. In fact, one of the most severe is a law that can prevent early release from prison: the Junny Rios-Martinez, Jr. Act. If you or a loved one is facing a sex crime allegation in the Tampa Bay area, understanding this law is the first…

By The Brancato Law Firm, P.A. | June 2025 Why the Jimmy Ryce Act Is Florida’s “Hidden Sentence” Finishing your prison sentence should mean you get your life back. But under Florida’s Jimmy Ryce Act, the State can petition to keep you locked away long after your release date. It’s called “civil commitment,” but for…

Not All Defense is Equal: A Guide to Comparing Top Sex Crimes Attorneys in Tampa When you are facing a sex crimes accusation in Tampa, choosing the right attorney is the single most important decision you will make. Consequently, your freedom, reputation, and future are on the line. But with so many lawyers claiming to…

In most criminal cases, a confession by itself isn’t enough to convict you. The prosecution must first provide independent evidence that a crime was committed—a legal principle known as corpus delicti. However, Florida law has a critical and dangerous exception for sex crime allegations. In certain circumstances in sex crimes cases, a prosecutor may be…

Child Hearsay in Tampa Sex Cases: A Defense Guide to Florida Law If you’re confronting allegations in child hearsay Tampa sex cases, understanding how Florida law treats out-of-court statements by a child is critical. What a child allegedly said to a teacher, parent, or detective—known as “child hearsay”—can become potent evidence for the prosecution in…

Williams Rule in Florida Sex Crimes Cases: How Prior Allegations Can Threaten Your Defense If you are facing a sex crime charge in Tampa Bay, you might believe the case should only focus on the current allegation. However, Florida prosecutors have a powerful tool that can change everything. It’s called the Williams Rule, and it…

5 Crucial Tips to Avoid Legal Trouble in Tampa Bay Tampa Bay boasts some of the nation’s most famous strip clubs. Whether you’re planning a visit to the iconic Mons Venus, 2001 Odyssey, or another well-known Tampa venue, a night out can be truly memorable. However, if you’re unaware of your rights—or the local laws…

How this Decision Impacts Your Tampa, Florida Sex Offender Registry Removal Case By The Brancato Law Firm, P.A. | Tampa’s Trusted Sex Crimes Defense Firm If you’re in Tampa Bay and aiming for removal from the Florida sex offender registry, recent court decisions demand your attention. Understanding these rulings—and the critical errors within them—is vital.…

Florida Court Ruling Rocks Child Abuse Reporting – What Tampa Bay Residents Need to Know Navigating Faith, Confidentiality, and Florida Law in the Tampa Bay Area A recent Florida Third District Court of Appeal decision has sent ripples through religious and legal circles, especially here in the Tampa Bay area. The case, Castano v. State,…