Articles Posted in Sex crimes

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.”…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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,…

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…

By The Brancato Law Firm, P.A. | Updated 2025 What is a forensic interview in Tampa? When the State accuses a person of child abuse or sex offenses in Tampa, the most damaging evidence often comes from a single source: the child’s statement. However, obtaining this statement is not as simple as a police officer…

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…

You read the police report, and your heart sinks. It states that a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) conducted a forensic exam and found “findings consistent with abuse.” To a jury, this sounds like undeniable scientific proof. It sounds like a conviction. However, “consistent with” is not the same as “proof of.” In reality, SANE…