Brancato Law Firm, P.A. Recent Blog Posts

Florida’s Criminal Statute of Limitations: A Tampa Defense Lawyer Explains For anyone under investigation or fearing potential criminal charges in Tampa Bay, one question looms largest: How long does the State have to act? Our Tampa statute of limitations lawyer explains below. In Florida, the statute of limitations (§775.15, Fla. Stat.) governs this deadline, establishing the…

How to Hire the Right Tampa Criminal Defense Attorney: 6 Critical Red Flags When you’re facing criminal charges in Florida, choosing your legal representation is the most important decision you will make. A search for a Tampa criminal defense attorney will unleash a flood of slick websites and ads with bold promises. However, in the…

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…

New Tampa Boating Law: How Lucy’s Law Changes the Rules for Pinellas and Hillsborough Boaters in 2025 Starting July 1, 2025, a sweeping new Florida boating law, known as “Lucy’s Law,” will permanently alter the landscape for boaters across Tampa Bay. Passed in May 2025 in response to a tragic boating death, this law introduces…

The AI ChatGPT Insanity Defense: Is It the Future of Criminal Law? At The Brancato Law Firm, P.A., we have seen countless cases where mental illness, not malice, was the driving force behind a person’s actions. These are often the most tragic situations we handle. Now, a new and powerful factor is emerging that could…

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…

How Prior Allegations Can Threaten Your Defense — And How to Fight Back 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: the Williams Rule. Under this rule, prosecutors can…

The urgent search, “Who is the best sex crimes attorney in Tampa?” floods search engines daily. But here’s a critical thought: relying solely on top search results or prominent sponsored listings can be dangerously misleading. Visibility doesn’t always equal expertise, especially when your future is on the line. The unsettling truth? Any attorney licensed in…

A recent decision by Florida’s Second District Court of Appeal reversed a DUI conviction after the trial court improperly excluded a key defense witness. In Karls v. State, 2D2024-0325 (Fla. 2d DCA May 7, 2025), the appellate court made clear that defendants have a constitutional right to present witnesses in their defense—even if the testimony…

What Florida Law Actually Says Florida’s permitless carry law, effective July 1, 2023, has created confusion for many residents regarding where they can and cannot legally bring a firearm. For Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans heading to Raymond James Stadium, this confusion can unfortunately lead to significant legal trouble. The crucial reality is this: even if…