Articles Posted in Sex Crimes

Is Your Tampa Talk Private? When facing serious allegations like child abuse, neglect, or abandonment in Tampa, Florida, many assume their private talks are safe. You might believe your privileged communication with doctors or therapists remains confidential. However, Florida law on child abuse holds a critical surprise: these privileges often don’t apply if a child’s…

The Critical Role of the Forensic Interviewer in Child Abuse Cases When facing allegations of child abuse or sex abuse, understanding the role of forensic interviewers is crucial. These professionals work out of the Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) of the Children’s Justice Center, including Tampa’s own Mary Lee’s House, and are specially trained to conduct…

Florida’s Rape Shield Law plays a critical role in sex crime prosecutions. Under Section 794.022, Florida Statutes, courts generally exclude evidence of an alleged victim’s prior consensual sexual conduct with anyone other than the accused. The purpose of this law is to protect victims from unfair character attacks and to keep the focus on the…

False confessions are a leading cause of wrongful convictions in the United States. Research shows that 25 to 30 percent of overturned convictions involve a false confession. These cases reveal how vulnerable people can be during coercive police interrogations. High-pressure questioning, psychological manipulation, and deceptive tactics can push even innocent individuals to admit to crimes…

When facing sexual offense allegations in Tampa, Florida, the outcome of your case can depend on more than just the facts — it can depend on strategy. One of the most effective but often overlooked tools is a risk assessment for sex offenses in Tampa. Attorney Rocky Brancato, a Tampa sex crimes lawyer with over…

The Brancato Law Firm, P.A.Updated October 2025 The Florida Romeo and Juliet Law provides a way to seek removal from the sex offender registry. It was designed to provide relief for individuals placed on the sex offender registry because of consensual teenage relationships, not predatory behavior. Codified under Florida Statute 943.04354, the law allows qualifying…

In the Tampa Bay area, including Hillsborough County and surrounding counties, Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs) play a crucial role in the investigation of sex crimes. They conduct forensic medical examinations of individuals who claim to be victims of sexual assault. These nurses are trained to collect vital evidence such as clothing, biological samples (DNA,…

Are you or a loved one facing sex crime allegations in Tampa, Florida, or the surrounding Tampa Bay counties? If so, understanding your legal rights and options is crucial. Consent can be a powerful defense in adult-on-adult sex crime cases, but Florida law makes its application highly nuanced. You need an experienced Tampa Sex Crimes…

When facing allegations of sex crimes involving minors in Florida, one of the most critical legal realities defendants must understand is that ignorance or mistaken belief regarding the victim’s age is not a valid defense. Florida’s legal framework imposes strict liability in these cases, meaning that even if the accused genuinely believed the victim was…

Accused of a Crime in Tampa Bay? Understanding the Entrapment Defense in Florida At Brancato Law Firm, P.A., we’re committed to defending individuals in Tampa, Florida, who have been unjustly targeted by law enforcement. A critical defense in certain situations is entrapment. If you or someone you know faces criminal charges in Hillsborough County and…