A Florida law now changes what follows serious criminal convictions, and RHINO Lawyers is drawing attention to a consequence defendants and families may not expect: custody can begin before a sentencing hearing takes place.
Tampa, FL, September 3, 2026 — RHINO Lawyers is explaining how Missy’s Law, enacted as House Bill 445, changes custody rules for people convicted of certain dangerous crimes. The law took effect July 1.
Under the new measure, a person who pleads guilty, enters a no-contest plea or is found guilty at trial of a qualifying offense must be taken into custody. That can happen immediately, rather than allowing the defendant to remain out on bond until sentencing.
The change is important in cases where sentencing is not scheduled for weeks or months. For that reason, RHINO Lawyers’ criminal defense lawyers stress that when a plea is entered can be just as important as the plea itself.
“People should understand that a plea does more than resolve the question of guilt,” said Brandon F. Jones, Esquire, Personal Injury Attorney & Sole Shareholder of RHINO Lawyers. “For certain offenses, it can also change a person’s custody status right away, so that consequence needs to be considered before a plea is entered.”
Missy’s Law is named in memory of a young child whose death prompted lawmakers to reconsider the treatment of defendants convicted of serious offenses before sentencing. Supporters said the child was killed by a person who had previously been convicted of an attempted sex offense involving a minor and remained out of custody while awaiting sentencing.
House Bill 445 also adds certain offenses under Section 847.0135, Florida Statutes, to the state’s dangerous-crime framework. The affected cases can involve child sexual abuse material, online exploitation of minors, traveling to meet a minor and certain unlawful uses of technology involving minors.
Those changes can matter before a conviction as well. For qualifying newly covered offenses, a defendant may face limits on nonmonetary release at first appearance when probable cause is found, while prosecutors may seek pretrial detention when statutory requirements are met.
“The custody issue is only one part of the decision-making process,” said Zachary D. Armocida, Esquire, State & Federal Trial Attorney with the firm. “The charge, evidence, available defenses and potential plea consequences all deserve careful attention before someone makes a decision that could affect their freedom.”
The new rules also do not remain in place if the plea or finding of guilt is later legally undone. The custody provision no longer applies when the underlying conviction or plea is vacated, reversed on appeal, set aside through a judgment of acquittal or otherwise nullified.
For anyone facing Assault & Battery allegations or another serious charge, RHINO Lawyers notes that an arrest or accusation is not a conviction. Prosecutors still must prove every element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt. People who are Injured or Arrested can seek legal guidance based on the specific facts of their case.
For a free case evaluation, contact RHINO Lawyers at (844) 744-6677 or visit www.rhinolawyers.com.
About RHINO Lawyers:
RHINO Lawyers is a car accident injury and criminal defense law firm serving Florida and Wisconsin. The firm handles auto, motorcycle and trucking accident claims, criminal defense matters and traffic citations, with free consultations available 24/7.
Media Contact:
Organization: RHINO Lawyers
Contact Person: Brandon F. Jones, Esquire
Phone Number: (844) 744-6677
Email: [email protected]
Address: 101 North 12th Street, Suite 102, Tampa, FL 33602
Website: https://www.rhinolawyers.com/
