Articles Posted in Sex crimes

The Injuries Were Real—But They Were Not From the Alleged Rape
Brancato Law Firm, P.A.

How a Forensic Pathologist Challenged the Timing and Cause of Genital Injuries In sexual battery cases, prosecutors often present medical evidence as if it proves the crime occurred. A nurse examines the alleged victim, documents injuries, and concludes they are “consistent with forced sexual trauma.” But “consistent with” is not the same as “caused by.”…

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When a Confession Is Not a Confession
Brancato Law Firm, P.A.

How a Forensic Psychologist Exposed a Coerced Confession from a Mentally Ill Child A confession is supposed to be the most powerful evidence the state can present. When a defendant admits to the crime, most jurors assume the case is closed. But not all confessions are what they appear to be. Some are coerced. Some…

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Tampa Teacher Criminal Defense Lawyer
Brancato Law Firm, P.A.

A criminal accusation can destroy a teaching career in hours. When allegations involve students—especially claims of sexual misconduct—school administrators act immediately, news outlets publish within days, and your professional reputation faces permanent damage. Even false accusations leave lasting scars. If you are a teacher under investigation in Tampa or Hillsborough County, you need a criminal…

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Florida Child Luring Law 2025: What You Need to Know
Brancato Law Firm, P.A.

HB 777 Amends F.S. 787.025 | Effective October 1, 2025 A new Florida child luring law goes into effect on October 1, 2025. House Bill 777 amends Florida Statute 787.025, expanding the scope of child luring offenses and significantly increasing penalties. If you are accused under this statute in Tampa Bay, the risks are higher…

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Travelling to Meet a Minor Defense
Brancato Law Firm, P.A.

F.S. 847.0135(4) | Online Sting Defense | Second-Degree Felony If law enforcement arrested you—or you believe you are under investigation—for traveling to meet a minor in Tampa, you need to act immediately. These cases typically begin with undercover sting operations where officers pose as minors online. Even before the State Attorney files charges, the damage…

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Think You Messaged a Minor Online in Tampa?
Brancato Law Firm, P.A.

What to Do Right Now to Protect Your Future If you are 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,…

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Florida’s Confession Without Corpus Exception in Sex Crimes
Brancato Law Firm, P.A.

Can You Be Convicted on Your Word Alone? Understanding Florida Statute 92.565 and How to Fight Back Updated January 18, 2026 Key Takeaway In most criminal cases, a confession alone cannot convict you — the prosecution must first provide independent evidence that a crime occurred (corpus delicti). However, Florida Statute 92.565 creates a dangerous exception…

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Child Hearsay in Tampa Sex Cases: A Defense Guide
Brancato Law Firm, P.A.

Key Takeaway: Florida Statute 90.803(23) allows prosecutors to introduce child hearsay statements even when the child doesn’t testify–however, they can only do so if the court finds the statement reliable. Because of this requirement, defense attorneys can challenge reliability at a pretrial hearing. Consequently, successful challenges often lead to excluded evidence and dismissed charges. In…

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Tampa Attorney For Avoiding Sexual Predator Designation
Brancato Law Firm, P.A.

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…

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Forensic Interviews in Tampa Child Abuse Cases
Brancato Law Firm, P.A.

Understanding What Happens at Mary Lee’s House — And How to Challenge Contaminated Testimony Updated January 18, 2026 Key Takeaway In Tampa child abuse and sex offense cases, the child’s statement often serves as the most damaging evidence against the accused. However, a forensic interview at a Children’s Advocacy Center like Mary Lee’s House does…

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