Tampa Attorney for Romeo and Juliet Removal from the Sex Offender Registry

If you or someone you know is seeking relief from the Florida Sex Offender Registry, it’s crucial to understand the process and legal requirements involved. Florida’s Romeo & Juliet Law, codified under Section 943.04354 of the Florida Statutes, offers an opportunity for individuals who have been convicted of certain sex crimes involving consensual relationships between young people close in age. However, successfully petitioning for removal from the registry is a complicated process that requires expert legal representation.

What is Florida’s Romeo & Juliet Law?

Under Florida law, certain individuals may be eligible to seek removal from the sex offender registry if their conviction falls within the parameters of the Romeo & Juliet exception. The law applies when:

• The offender was convicted of a sex crime involving a victim aged 13 to 17 years old.
• The offender is no more than 4 years older than the victim.
• The offender’s only offense is related to this incident and there are no additional convictions on their record.

If you meet these criteria, you may be able to petition the court to have your name removed from the public registry. However, even if your motion is granted, your criminal history will remain accessible to the public—just not your status as a registered sex offender.

The Legal Process for Petitioning Removal from the Sex Offender Registry

The first step to removal is filing a motion in the appropriate Florida circuit court. The court will then review the case to ensure that the individual meets the specific eligibility requirements set forth in the Romeo & Juliet Law. This includes presenting evidence that the offender meets the criteria and demonstrating that granting the motion would not conflict with federal law.

Challenges in Petitioning for Removal

While the process may sound straightforward, it’s far from simple. Prosecutors may oppose your motion for removal, and they may argue that you don’t meet the necessary legal standards. This means that having an experienced attorney on your side is essential.

An attorney with deep knowledge of Florida’s sex offender registry laws, such as Rocky Brancato of The Brancato Law Firm, P.A., can help you navigate these complex legal waters. Attorney Brancato has over 25 years of experience defending clients in sex crime cases and advocating for the rights of individuals accused of sex crimes.

Why Choose the Brancato Law Firm, P.A., for Your Case?

Attorney Rocky Brancato is a seasoned criminal defense lawyer based in Tampa, Florida, serving clients throughout Hillsborough County and the greater Tampa Bay area. His extensive experience with Florida’s sex offender registry laws makes him an ideal advocate for individuals seeking removal under the Romeo & Juliet Law. Here’s how he can help you:

✅ Comprehensive Evidence Collection: Rocky will gather and present strong evidence to demonstrate that you meet the requirements for removal. This might include documentation regarding the nature of the offense, the age difference between the victim and offender, and more.

✅ Countering Prosecutor Opposition: Prosecutors may argue against your removal, and their objections could complicate the process. Rocky Brancato will counter these objections and fight to ensure that your rights are protected.

✅ Legal Expertise in Compliance with State and Federal Laws: There are many factors to consider when petitioning for removal from the registry. Rocky will ensure that all aspects of your case comply with both state and federal laws, minimizing the chance of future legal complications.

Get the Legal Help You Need

If you or someone you love is considering petitioning for removal from the Florida sex offender registry under the Romeo & Juliet Law, it’s important to act quickly and seek professional legal advice. With over 25 years of experience in defending individuals accused of sex crimes in Tampa and surrounding counties, Rocky Brancato is prepared to help you navigate this complex and challenging legal process.

Contact The Brancato Law Firm, P.A. today at 813-592-8981 to schedule a free consultation and take the first step toward seeking relief from the sex offender registry. Let Rocky Brancato be your advocate and guide through this difficult process.