Defending Your Rights,
Fighting for Justice.
Fighting for Justice.
Over 25 Years of Criminal Legal Experience Past Member of an Elite Major Crimes Unit Specializing in Sex Crimes, Child Abuse and Homicide Cases.
Top Tampa Criminal Defense Attorney
The Brancato Law Firm, P.A.
An arrest in Tampa can turn life upside down. Prosecutors are already building their case while your career, freedom, and future hang in the balance. At this moment, your choice of Tampa criminal defense attorney will shape what comes next. You need a firm built on strategy, courtroom mastery, and relentless focus on results.
Welcome to The Brancato Law Firm, P.A. Led by Rocky Brancato, a criminal trial lawyer with over 25 years of courtroom experience, our firm provides clients with direct access to senior-level defense. Rocky holds the prestigious AV Preeminent® rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the highest possible recognition for both legal ability and ethical standards.
Unlike firms where cases are passed down the chain, Rocky personally directs the legal strategy in every matter we accept. He ensures each client benefits directly from his decades of insight. When your future is at stake, you deserve the full attention of a seasoned trial attorney.
The Strategic Choice for a Tampa Criminal Defense Attorney
When choosing a defense lawyer, most people face two flawed models. High-volume “mill” firms shuffle cases to associates you may never meet. At the other extreme, bargain-basement solo practices often drown in caseloads, leaving them unable to anticipate the prosecution’s moves.
We offer a stronger path forward. The Brancato Law Firm was built to deliver a focused, strategy-first defense designed for superior results.
25+ Years of Proven Courtroom Mastery:
Strategy is only valuable when backed by execution. Rocky has secured acquittals in high-profile trials and obtained dismissals in serious felony cases. Because he knows the local courts and commands respect from prosecutors, he can use his trial instincts—sharpened over decades—to your advantage.
Senior-Level Strategy on Every Case:
Rocky Brancato personally directs the defense strategy for every client. While our team may handle various aspects of your case, his 25+ years of trial experience guide every critical decision, motion, and negotiation. You are not just hiring a firm; you are securing Rocky’s direct oversight and strategic command.
A Proactive, Results-Driven Defense:
An overwhelmed lawyer is a reactive one. Our deliberately selective caseload gives us the capacity to go on the offensive. We don’t just respond to the state’s allegations; we proactively hunt for weaknesses in their evidence, file pre-emptive motions to exclude testimony, and build a customized legal roadmap designed to put you in the strongest possible position to win.
A Deliberately Selective Caseload:
We are not for everyone, and we do not take every case. This isn’t about volume; it’s about impact. By being selective, we ensure we can dedicate the time, resources, and focus required to dismantle the prosecution’s arguments and fight for the best possible outcome in your case. If you are looking for a premier Tampa criminal defense lawyer who puts the focus on you, look no further.
Dedicated Criminal Defense for Serious Charges in Tampa Bay
Our firm provides aggressive, sophisticated defense for individuals facing the most serious allegations. We understand what’s at stake and have the experience to protect you.
Strategic Defense for Sex Crime Allegations in Tampa
Few charges carry a greater stigma or more severe consequences. A conviction can mean mandatory registration and a lifetime of restrictions. As your Tampa sex crimes defense attorney, Rocky Brancato approaches these sensitive cases with tactical precision. We challenge forensic evidence, expose flaws in medical records, and rigorously question the motives behind accusations to protect your name and your future. Rocky spent years in an elite sex crimes unit where he became an expert in this specialty.
Fighting Violent Crime Charges (Homicide, Assault, Robbery)
When you’re accused of a violent crime like homicide, assault, or robbery, the State will use its full power to secure a conviction. Rocky Brancato has defended clients in Tampa’s most serious felony trials. He excels at dismantling overcharged cases, challenging unreliable witness testimony, and giving clients a fighting chance when prosecutors want them to believe they have none.
Aggressive DUI and Criminal Traffic Defense in Tampa
A DUI arrest threatens your driver’s license, your career, and your reputation. We approach DUI defense with the same intensity as a major felony. Rocky Brancato meticulously challenges every phase of the process—the legality of the traffic stop, the administration of field sobriety tests, and the accuracy of breath or blood results. This aggressive approach helps clients avoid convictions, reduce penalties, and protect their driving privileges. We also provide skilled defense for charges like driving with a suspended license and reckless driving.
Protecting Students’ Futures: University & Criminal Defense
For students at the University of Tampa, USF, and other local colleges, an arrest creates two battles: one in criminal court and another with the university’s student conduct board. A conviction or expulsion can derail a promising future. We represent students on both fronts, fighting to protect their criminal record, their scholarships, and their educational opportunities.
Your Defense Starts Now. Get the Strategic Representation You Deserve.
The State is pursuing a conviction. They are counting on you choosing a lawyer who is too busy, too inexperienced, or too passive to mount a real challenge.
Prove them wrong. Don’t settle for a firm where you’re just another file or one that’s too swamped to give you a fighting chance. Choose the strategic, focused, and results-driven defense your case demands. The initial consultation is completely confidential and is the most important step you can take to protect your rights.
Call The Brancato Law Firm, P.A. now at (813) 727-7159 or fill out our contact form to secure the senior-level defense strategy your future depends on.
What Our Clients Are Saying
Rocky Brancato was able to provide me with legal help that I didn't even imagine was possible. Because of his experience and knowledge he got me life changing results and that is no exaggeration. Rocky has an in depth knowledge of his field, decades of experience, and...
Mr. Brancato deserves five stars from day one. He went over and beyond for me. He doesnt just handle small cases I was facing a trafficking fentanyl charge for something that I didnt do and Mr. Brancato got all of my charges dropped. He is a great attorney. He answered...
Rocky was exceptional at providing legal advice and was taking proactive steps throughout the process to assist in my legal matters. Fantastic service and results.
ROCKY IS GREAT HE DID IT TWICE FOR MY FIANCÉ
I would recommend Mr. Brancato to absolutely anybody. I have been fighting this specific case for about 4 years now and he was able to set time aside to accommodate and was able to get the charges dismissed in less than a WEEK. I can’t thank him enough, and anybody in...
The rare lawyer with a heart Mr. Brancato not only proved his legal acumen, but he did so with genuine empathy and caring. I felt he was personally invested in my success, and acted above and beyond my expectations. He kept me informed all steps of the process, and was...
Mark my words, THIS IS THE BEST LAWYER I’ve ever had the chance to meet and it’s been a pleasure and a major blessing to have him, i had a very difficult case but in less then 5 business day he took the weight of a planet off my shoulders . He goes above and beyond and...
Great attorney ! Handled client with care and answered all concerns! Thank you so much !!! A Hard worker is this guy! Thank You for all you did for my fiancé!
Rocky Brancato was knowledgeable, responsive, and very professional throughout the entire process. I highly recommend this law firm.
Meet Rocky Brancato
For over 25 years, Rocky Brancato has been a prominent force in Tampa Bay’s legal arena. Rocky rose to second-in-command at Tampa Bay’s largest defense firm before launching Brancato Law Firm, P.A. As a former specialized major crimes attorney for serious offenses like...Charges Dismissed, First Degree Murder
Rocky represented a grandmother on first degree murder and aggravated child abuse charges. The grandmother’s young granddaughter drowned in the bathtub and had had a lacerated liver, which the State originally asserted was caused by physical abuse by the grandmother. Rocky hired a forensic pathologist and together Rocky and the expert conducted a...
Client Exonerated in Violent Rape Case
Rocky represented a military veteran in a “cold hit” sexual battery (rape) case that had occurred 8-years prior to his client’s arrest. Rocky hired a DNA expert and together Rocky and his expert conducted a full review of all DNA in the case. The expert also attended depositions of the state’s experts with Rocky. After the depositions and complete...
Medical Investigation Leads to Dismissal of Aggravated Child Abuse Case
Rocky represented a military veteran in a “cold hit” sexual battery (rape) case that had occurred 8-years prior to his client’s arrest. Rocky hired a DNA expert and together Rocky and his expert conducted a full review of all DNA in the case. The expert also attended depositions of the state’s experts with Rocky. After the depositions and complete...
Not Guilty Verdict, Kidnapping
Rocky represented a man accused of kidnapping and robbing a woman. At trial, Rocky presented a mistaken identity defense at trial. The jury found Rocky’s client Not Guilty of both charges.
Not Guilty Verdict, Trafficking in Cocaine
Rocky represented a manager of a establishment who was accused of trafficking in cocaine, 200 – 400 grams. At trial, the codefendant testified against Rocky’s client. Rocky presented a defense that the codefendant was the actual trafficker and that Rocky’s client was merely in the wrong place at the wrong time. The jury found Rocky’s client Not...
Not Guilty Verdict, Robbery With a Firearm
Rocky represented a man charged with robbing a business with a firearm. At trial, Rocky presented a mistaken identify defense, noting that his client had a very noticeable rosary tattoo that covered his arm that the victim never mentioned in her description to police. The jury found Rocky’s client Not Guilty.
Murder Not Guilty Verdict, Second Degree
Rocky represented a man who shot and killed his roommate. The case went to trial on a defense of justifiable use of deadly force (self-defense). The jury found Rocky’s client Not Guilty.
Author of How to Choose a Major Crimes Attorney — or Any Criminal Defense Attorney for That Matter
This Amazon-listed book helps you avoid costly mistakes when hiring a defense lawyer. As a visitor here, you can request a free eBook copy — valuable guidance, whether or not you hire us.
Brancato Law Firm, P.A. Recent Blog Posts
September 2, 2025 By Brancato Law Firm, P.A. Intoxilyzer Not Properly Maintained: Florida Court Throws Out Breath Test Results Why Breath Test Machine Maintenance Matters When police arrest someone for DUI in Florida, prosecutors often rely on the Intoxilyzer 8000. If...
August 25, 2025 By Brancato Law Firm, P.A. Murder Conviction Reversed When Police Ignored Miranda Rights A Florida appeals court recently overturned a murder conviction because police ignored the suspect’s Miranda rights when he made a...
July 17, 2025 By Brancato Law Firm, P.A. When Judges Use AI to Decide Cases When the Judge Stops Judging: Can AI Replace Judicial Decision-Making? Attorneys using artificial intelligence to write motions is no longer...
Suscribe to Our Newsletter
Put Rocky in Your Corner
Rocky’s Over 25 Years Of Criminal Legal Experience Puts Him In A Unique Position To Adeptly Handle Any Criminal, Criminal Traffic, Or DUI Case, At Any Level.
Rocky Knows He Has Made A Difference In Thousands Of Clients’ Lives Over The Years.
Contact Us Now
Free Legal Consultation (813) 727-7159