Articles Posted in Sex Crimes

Caught in a Tampa Bay Sex Sting? When Police Tactics Go Too Far Protecting children is a priority we all share. At The Brancato Law Firm, P.A., we firmly support lawful efforts to stop child exploitation. However, Tampa Bay sex stings don’t always catch predators seeking children. Detectives using deceptive tactics lure many people into…

A Withheld Adjudication Still Requires Sex Offender Registration in Florida People facing sex offense charges in Florida often hope a plea deal with a “withhold of adjudication” will free them from the lifelong burden of the state’s sex offender registry. This hope, while understandable, is a dangerous misconception that can lead to severe legal consequences…

How to Get Off the Florida Sex Offender Registry Being on the Florida sex offender registry can feel like a life sentence, with consequences that last long after your case is over. It significantly impacts where you can live, your employment opportunities, and your standing in the community. However, for some individuals, getting off the…

In a significant decision that underscores the importance of constitutional protections and strict adherence to statutory requirements, the Florida Second District Court of Appeal recently reversed the conviction of James T. Moschella for possession of child pornography. The case, Moschella v. State, No. 2D2023-0044 (Fla. 2d DCA Apr. 9, 2025), highlights critical issues related to…

Thinking About Moving to Florida After Being Removed from the Sex Offender Registry in Another State? Know the Risks Before You Pack If your name has been removed from the sex offender registry in your home state, you might be considering a fresh start—and Florida may sound like the ideal destination. But before you relocate,…

Child Pornography Charges in Florida: What You Need to Know About the Law, Investigations, and Defenses Facing a child pornography charge—more accurately called possession or distribution of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM)—is one of the most devastating situations someone can experience under Florida law. Florida Statute 827.071 outlines severe penalties. Just viewing CSAM, even briefly,…

Tampa Escorts & Prostitution Stings: Expert Legal Defense if You’re Arrested Searching for “Tampa escorts” online or chatting on apps like Grindr or Tinder can unexpectedly lead you into a police prostitution sting. If you found yourself in handcuffs after such an interaction, you are not alone. Law enforcement agencies across Tampa and Hillsborough County…

The distinction between being labeled a sexual offender versus a sexual predator in Florida is not just semantic—it can profoundly alter a person’s future. Unfortunately, these classifications are often misunderstood, and in some cases, individuals are wrongly designated as sexual predators, even when they do not meet the legal criteria. At The Brancato Law Firm,…

Being labeled a sexual offender in Florida comes with lifelong consequences. Under Florida Statute 943.0435, individuals convicted of certain sexual crimes must register with law enforcement, follow strict reporting requirements, and comply with major restrictions on residency, employment, and travel. An experienced Tampa Sex Crimes Attorney may be able to help you by avoiding sexual…

Facing a sex crime accusation in Florida can destroy your reputation, career, and personal life—especially if you are designated as a sexual predator under Florida Statute 775.21 (The Florida Sexual Predators Act). This designation brings some of the harshest consequences in Florida law, including lifelong public registration, community notification, residency and employment restrictions, and constant…