Brancato Law Firm, P.A. Recent Blog Posts

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…

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…

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…

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,…