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over 25 years of criminal legal experience Former Second-in-command of Hillsborough County
Public Defender’s Office

Practice Areas

Types Of Cases We Handle

Sex Crimes

Sex Crimes

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Criminal Defense

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Criminal Traffic

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DUI

Child Abuse

Child Abuse

Other Areas We Practice

Assault

Battery

Drug Possession

Domestic Violence

Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

Fraud Crimes

Fraud Crimes

Identity Theft

Money Laundering

Manslaughter

Robbery

Theft

av-preeminent

The Preeminent Attorney For The Seriously Charged

AV Preeminent®: The Highest Peer Rating Standard. This Is Given To Attorneys Who Are Ranked At The Highest Level Of Professional Excellence For Their Legal Expertise, Communication Skills, And Ethical Standards By Their Peers.

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who we are

We Fight the Charges, So You Can Reclaim Your Life

Facing criminal charges can be one of the most stressful and overwhelming experiences of your life. At Brancato Law Firm, P.A., we understand the impact that these charges can have on your personal and professional life. Attorney Rocky Brancato has over 25 years of criminal defense experience and is here to stand by your side, providing the aggressive representation you need to protect your rights and your future.

Our Commitment to You

At Brancato Law Firm, P.A., we are dedicated to helping you reclaim your life. We will work diligently to challenge the charges against you, seeking to reduce or dismiss them whenever possible. Our goal is to minimize the impact of these charges on your life and help you move forward with confidence. Don’t let criminal charges define your future. Contact us today for a free consultation and take the first step towards reclaiming your life. Let us fight for you so you can focus on what matters most – your future.

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Brancato Law Firm, P.A.

Client Reviews

What Our
Clients Are Saying

Client Testimonials

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 any questions I had at…

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Andrea M.
5 Star Review

Attorney Brancato was phenomenal. If I could give him more than 5 stars I would. Very professional, polite, and just overall AMAZING. The only one that actually took the time to help me with a specific case I had for the past few years. I can’t begin to thank him enough.

K
Keelie
5 Star Review

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 Tampa area I…

K
Kellz C.
5 Star Review

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…

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Yian V.
5 Star Review

Attorney Rocky Brancato of the Brancato Law Firm, P.A. Delivered on short notice in our family's time of need. Fast response, humble and affordable

J
Jose V.
5 Star Review

Atty Rocky Brancato is an excellent attorney. He genuinely cares about his clients. You would not find anyone else as compassionate and talented as he is as a lawyer. I would 100% recommend him.

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Ana R.
5 Star Review

Our family had a great experience with Attorney Rocky Brancato. I wish I could give him more than five stars!

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Lola J.
5 Star Review

Rocky is an excellent attorney! He demonstrates his passion, dedication and strong work ethic for every single case he accepts. He always go that extra mile to gain his clients trust and satisfaction. Highly recommended!

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Bryan N.
5 Star Review
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Rocky Brancato

experienced Attorney

Meet Rocky Brancato

Experienced Leader & Trial Attorney

A long-time fixture in the Hillsborough County legal community, Rocky Brancato is an accomplished criminal trial lawyer who rose to second-in-command at the Hillsborough County Public Defender’s office, before leaving to form the Brancato Law Firm, P.A. in January 2025.

He is an experienced homicide and sex crimes trial lawyer, having spent many years in a specialized major crimes unit where he handled the most serious cases imaginable. Throughout his career, even as an executive leader, Rocky has always kept a caseload of serious cases. 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.

Real Results

Real Results And Success Stories

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.

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 full review of all medical records of the child. Rocky also took depositions of the state’s medical experts. Rocky and his expert were able to show that the child died from drowning and that the lacerated liver was caused by the grandmother’s and the first responders’ attempts to revive the child with CPR. The prosecutor dismissed the murder and aggravated child abuse charges. The grandmother plead guilty to a reduced charge of child neglect and received probation, since the drowning occurred with the grandmother stepped away from the tub to prepare dinner.

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 DNA review, Rocky was able to show that his client was excluded as a contributor to the DNA profile collected from the victim. The prosecutor dismissed all charges in this case. The client was exonerated of this very serious charge.

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 DNA review, Rocky was able to show that his client was excluded as a contributor to the DNA profile collected from the victim. The prosecutor dismissed all charges in this case. The client was exonerated of this very serious charge.

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 Guilty.

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.

key factors

Your Defense, Our Expertise
several key factors:
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Specialized Knowledge

Legal issues can be complex and multifaceted, often requiring specialized knowledge in fields such as medicine, forensics, finance, or accident reconstruction. By utilizing experts, Rocky Brancato ensures that his clients benefit from the latest research and technical expertise relevant to their case.

Strengthening Case Evidence

Experts can provide critical evidence and insights that bolster a client’s position. Their authoritative opinions can add credibility in cases such as personal injury, where medical experts can testify about injuries and their impact on the client’s life, or financial experts can clarify complex economic issues in business disputes.

Effective Strategy Development

Experts help attorneys formulate effective legal strategies by providing detailed analyses and recommendations based on their specialized knowledge. This can improve decision-making and enhance the overall quality of the legal representation offered to clients.

Enhanced Persuasiveness

In court, the testimony of a recognized expert can be far more persuasive than that of a layperson. Their qualifications and experience can significantly influence judges and juries, making it crucial to have

The Preeminent Attorney for the Seriously Charged

Legal Excellence
Highlighted In The Media

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Published Aug. 8, 2018

Stand your ground motion says Tampa racial provocateur was victim of vicious attack

 

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Published oct. 29, 2010

Judge OKs Request on Juror’s Facebook

 

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Published May. 7, 2018

Disarmed for Safety.

 

Published May. 7, 2018

State Drops Probation Violation Case Against Tampa Teacher Who Had Sex With Students

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Brancato Law Firm, P.A. Recent Blog Posts

Mar. 03, 2025

Understanding Motions to Dismiss in Florida

Can I Get My Case Thrown Out Before Trial? If you’re facing criminal charges in Tampa, Hillsborough County, or the surrounding areas, one of the first things you might wonder is: “Can my case be dismissed before it ever goes to trial?” The answer is: yes, sometimes it can. Florida law gives your defense attorney…

Mar. 03, 2025

Challenging a Sexual Predator Designation in Florida: How a Legal Mistake Was Corrected and a Life Was Changed

The distinction between being labeled a sexual offender versus a sexual predator in Florida is not just semantic—it can profoundly alter a person’s future. Unfortunately, these classifications are often misunderstood, and in some cases, individuals are wrongly designated as sexual predators, even when they do not meet the legal criteria. At The Brancato Law Firm,…

Brancato Law Firm, P.A.

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.

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