A Hillsborough County judge recently granted bond to former NFL defensive lineman Michael Neal, who faces charges of sexual battery and domestic battery. The reason behind the ruling is notable: the alleged victim appears to have been making unauthorized recordings, which compromised the prosecution’s case and triggered the recusal of an entire State Attorney’s Office.
What Happened at the Bond Hearing
Neal was first arrested in early April 2025 on a domestic battery charge and released on bond. He was arrested again later that month after the alleged victim added a charge of sexual battery, and a judge ordered him held without bond.
The case has since been delayed twice. The 13th Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office recused itself after learning the alleged victim had made unauthorized recordings on her personal phone. During her deposition, she admitted to recording the proceedings when questioned directly.
Defense attorney Lily McCarty argued that the prosecution had been compromised by the victim’s own conduct. Because the victim is now under criminal investigation by the 12th Judicial Circuit in Sarasota, she cannot be questioned about the recordings without invoking her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination.
Judge Gregory Green, who has presided over multiple stages of this case, acknowledged the problem directly. Without the original recording of the alleged assault, he said there was little remaining evidence to support the charge. He did not dismiss the case. But he did set bond at $100,000 with conditions:
- Surrender of passport
- GPS monitoring through an independent service
- No contact with the alleged victim by any means
Neal waived his right to a speedy trial, and a trial date is expected to be set at an upcoming disposition hearing.
Why Illegally Obtained Evidence Changes a Case
This situation illustrates a principle that surfaces more often than most people expect. Evidence gathered illegally does not just get excluded. It can compromise the entire case around it.
Florida is a two-party consent state. Under Florida Statute § 934.03, recording any private communication without the consent of all parties is a criminal offense. A recording made in violation of this law is inadmissible in court, and making it can itself result in felony charges.
When a key witness has done this, the consequences are serious. The recordings may be excluded. The witness may assert Fifth Amendment rights to avoid self-incrimination. The prosecuting office may need to recuse itself. None of that means the underlying charges disappear, but it does mean the State’s position is substantially weaker.
Facing Sex Crime Charges in Hillsborough County
Sexual battery charges in Hillsborough County carry severe penalties and long-term consequences, including potential sex offender registration requirements. An accusation alone can affect employment, housing, and family relationships well before any verdict is reached.
Cases like this one show that the quality and legality of the evidence matters from the start. Witness credibility, how evidence was obtained, and procedural integrity can all shift a case significantly. Having an attorney who recognizes those issues early is the difference between a reactive defense and a proactive one.
If you or someone you know is facing sex crime charges in Hillsborough County, speaking with a Hillsborough County, FL sex crimes defense lawyer early in the process matters.
Experienced Defense in the Tampa Bay Area
StechLaw Criminal Defense represents individuals charged with sex crimes and other serious offenses throughout the Tampa Bay area, including Hillsborough County. Attorney Ben Stechschulte understands how these cases are built and how they can be challenged. If you have been charged or believe you are under investigation, contact our Hillsborough County sex crimes defense lawyer to discuss your situation.
