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Tampa Criminal Defense Attorney

You were arrested last night. Or perhaps a detective just called asking questions. Whatever brought you here, one fact remains: everything you care about—your freedom, career, and family—is at risk.

Criminal charges in Florida carry lifelong consequences. A felony conviction means a permanent criminal record, loss of voting rights, firearm prohibition, and serious employment barriers. Even misdemeanors appear on background checks indefinitely. The system is designed to process cases and obtain convictions—you need a defense built to protect your future.

Every case we accept reflects the standards that built this firm’s reputation. Whether you’re facing a first-time DUI or a capital charge, the same preparation, attention, and accountability apply.

I’m Tampa Attorney Rocky Brancato, founder of The Brancato Law Firm, P.A. For over 25 years, I have defended thousands of clients facing serious charges across Tampa Bay—from first-degree murder to drug trafficking, and from first-offense DUIs to cases that have professional licensing consequences. As former Chief Operations Officer of the Hillsborough County Public Defender’s Office, I led the largest criminal defense operation in the region. I am death-qualified to handle capital cases.

The same forensic rigor and trial preparation we bring to homicide cases protects your career and future on a first-offense DUI. We defend professionals facing professional license consequences, college students with their futures at stake, and individuals confronting their first encounter with the criminal justice system—with the same attention we bring to the most serious felonies.

If you have a criminal case—no matter how big or small—The Brancato Law Firm can help change the narrative.

Early Action Wins Cases: Recent Tampa Results

Swift legal intervention changes outcomes. The sooner you act, the stronger your defense becomes:

Outcome	Original Charge	How We Won
DISMISSED in 3 Weeks	Fentanyl Trafficking	Challenged vehicle search legality; State dismissed before filing.
NO CHARGES Filed	Firearm + Cocaine Possession	Immediate First Appearance advocacy; early prosecutor communication.
DISMISSED at Next Hearing	Driving While License Suspended	Same-day body camera investigation proved client wasn’t driver.
NOT GUILTY	Sexual Molestation (divorce allegations)	Exposed fabricated allegations used for divorce leverage.
COMPLETE DISMISSAL	Cold-Case Sexual Battery	DNA analysis and expert consultation proved mistaken identity.

Disclaimer: Each case is unique. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

How We Protect You Immediately After an Arrest in Tampa

An arrest is not a conviction. What you do next determines your future. We take immediate action to:

Protect Your Right to Remain Silent: We immediately work to prevent damaging statements to investigators.
Challenge Illegal Stops and Searches: We rigorously challenge any Fourth Amendment violation.
Fight for Reasonable Bond: We advocate for the lowest possible bond and favorable release conditions in Hillsborough County.
Preserve Favorable Evidence: We act fast to identify and secure critical evidence before it disappears.
Build Strategy from Day One: We develop a customized defense tailored to your specific situation.

Tampa Criminal Defense Practice areas

We provide trial-tested representation for major felonies, serious crimes, and first-time offenses, including:

Practice Area	Examples of Charges
Homicide Defense	Murder, manslaughter, DUI manslaughter, vehicular homicide. (Death-qualified)
Sex Crimes Defense	Sexual battery, lewd conduct, internet solicitation, child pornography.
Drug Crimes Defense	Trafficking, possession, sale, prescription fraud. (Mandatory minimum defense)
DUI Defense	First-time DUI, felony DUI, breath test refusal, CDL violations, professional license defense. (NCDD member)
Violent Crimes Defense	Aggravated battery, robbery, carjacking, assault. (Trial-tested defense)
Domestic Violence Defense	Domestic battery, stalking, injunction violations. (False accusation defense)
Forensic Science	DNA analysis, fingerprint disputes, cell phone location data, toxicology reports, expert witness cross-examination.

What If You’re Innocent?

Being innocent does not automatically protect you from wrongful arrest or aggressive prosecution. The system is built to process cases, not necessarily to find the truth.

An experienced Tampa defense attorney protects you by stopping damaging interviews before you inadvertently say something harmful, preserving critical exculpatory evidence before it disappears, demanding suppression of illegally obtained evidence, and forcing prosecutors to meet their burden beyond a reasonable doubt.

We understand the profound injustice of wrongful accusations and know how to fight to clear your name in Hillsborough County courts.

What If You Made a Mistake?

If you’ve made a mistake, you have not lost your constitutional protections. The government must still prove every element of the crime lawfully. You are still protected by your absolute right to remain silent, freedom from unreasonable searches and seizures, the right to a fair trial and to confront your accusers, and freedom from cruel or excessive punishment.

We do not judge our clients. Whether you made a mistake or face false accusations, we enforce your constitutional rights and fight for the best possible outcome.

What Happens After an Arrest in Tampa? (The Critical Timeline)

Understanding the process is key. This is the timeline for criminal charges in Hillsborough County:

Stage	What Happens	Why Attorney Matters
Arrest & Booking	Transport to Orient Road or Falkenburg Road Jail; fingerprinting, photos.	Prevent damaging statements; invoke right to counsel immediately.
First Appearance (Within 24 hours)	Judge determines probable cause; sets bond conditions.	Advocate for the lowest bond; challenge probable cause if weak.
Filing Decision	State Attorney reviews case; decides whether to file formal charges.	Early communication can prevent charges from being filed.
Arraignment	Formal plea entered; discovery process begins.	Challenge weak charges; begin building the defense strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tampa Criminal Defense

What should I do first if I’m arrested in Tampa?

Remain silent and request an attorney immediately. Anything you say can be used against you. Do not answer questions, do not explain your side, do not try to talk your way out. Contact a Tampa criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.

Can I get charges dismissed before trial?

Yes. Early intervention, pretrial motions, and strategic negotiations can lead to dismissals—particularly where constitutional violations or evidentiary weaknesses exist. Many of our cases are resolved favorably before trial through aggressive pretrial advocacy.

How long will my criminal case take in Hillsborough County?

Every case is different. Misdemeanors may resolve in a few months; serious felonies can take a year or longer depending on motions, discovery, and trial scheduling. We provide realistic expectations during the initial consultation.

What if I can’t afford bond?

We work to secure the lowest possible bond or non-monetary release conditions like pretrial services. Your immediate release is a priority because it allows us to work more effectively on your defense.

Will I have to go to trial?

Not necessarily. Many cases resolve through dismissal, diversion programs, or negotiated pleas. However, we prepare every case as if it will go to trial—this maximizes leverage and protects your interests regardless of outcome.

Do you handle first-time offenses and misdemeanors?

Absolutely. First-time offenses and misdemeanors can still carry serious consequences—job loss, professional license issues, immigration consequences, and a permanent record. We bring the same thorough preparation to every case, regardless of charge level. A first offense is often the best opportunity to protect your record before things escalate.

Serving Tampa Bay Courts (Hillsborough County & Beyond)

Our office sits two blocks from the Hillsborough County Courthouse at 620 E. Twiggs Street. This enables us to move quickly in court, in emergency situations. We defend clients throughout Hillsborough County (Tampa, Brandon, Plant City, Riverview, South Tampa, Westchase), Pinellas County (St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Largo), and Pasco County (New Port Richey, Dade City, Wesley Chapel).

Your Freedom Is at Stake—Act Now When your freedom, reputation, and future are at risk, you need real defense, not empty promises. Let us put 25+ years of experience to work for you.

Call (813) 727-7159 for a Confidential Consultation

The Brancato Law Firm, P.A.

620 E. Twiggs Street, Suite 205, Tampa, FL 33602

(Two Blocks from the Hillsborough County Courthouse)

Serving Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco Counties

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...

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...

E. M.

Rocky Brancato is diligent, trustworthy, with an extraordinary human and professional quality, a gift for people and integrity. All these virtues make him an invaluable attorney. Rocky Brancato has been with our family since day one of this stressful, unfair...

Lein L.

I don’t even know how to start writing this. This man saved me from something I didn’t do. He’s the best.. thank you thank you .

Jonathan S.

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...

Andrea M

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.

Javier L.

ROCKY IS GREAT HE DID IT TWICE FOR MY FIANCÉ

Mantha W.

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...

Kellz C.

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...

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...

Yian V.

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!

Kailyn B.

Rocky Brancato was knowledgeable, responsive, and very professional throughout the entire process. I highly recommend this law firm.

Noel F.

Rocky was the best lawyer i have recieved! He always kept me updated and talked me through everything i couldnt have asked for a better lawyer! Hoping i never have to use him again but he is my go to!! Thank yu rocky it was a pleasure

Lucciano Carmelo

I felt very lucky to be represented by brancato law firm Never had any issues with communication or help with resources and made the whole process easier to navigate Very greatfull he helped me reach the best outcome

Logan Traun

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.

Ana R.

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Practice Areas

Sex Crimes

Forensic Science

Homicide

man's hands with keys and a glass of whiskey

DUI

Teddy bear sitting in a dark room and dirty hand print on the wall

Child Abuse

Criminal Traffic

Woman in a dark room, her hands grabbing her arms crossed style

Domestic Violence Defense

man's hands in cuffs with a gun on the table in a dark room

Gun Crimes

Violent Crimes

Different types of drugs and paraphernalia on a table

Drug Crimes

Man sitting down looking exhausted from mental torment

Criminal Mental Health

Man's hands on a keyboard with a dark pattern and lettering on a computer screen.

Internet Crimes

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

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.

Brancato Law Firm, P.A. Recent Blog Posts

Newspaper Headline Rene Good Case and jurors walking

January 10, 2026 By Brancato Law Firm, P.A. The Rene Good Case and the Crisis of Jury Selection When Millions Watch the Same Video and See Two Completely Different Things Key Insight: The Rene Good shooting in Minneapolis perfectly...

Paper trial documents on a desk with a magnifying glass

January 2, 2026 By Brancato Law Firm, P.A. The Paper Trail Defense A Tampa Criminal Defense Case Study By Rocky Brancato Early in my career, I tried a case that taught me a lesson I still carry today: never...

January 2, 2026 By Brancato Law Firm, P.A. It’s the Client’s Call A Tampa Criminal Defense Case Study By Rocky Brancato One of the most important principles in criminal defense is one that clients don’t...

Tampa Bay's Trial-Tested Criminal Defense

For over 25 years, Rocky Brancato has defended Tampa Bay clients facing the full spectrum of criminal charges—from first-offense DUIs to death penalty cases. As former Chief Operations Officer of the Hillsborough County Public Defender's Office, Rocky led the largest criminal defense operation in the region. That same strategic preparation, accountability, and courtroom experience has delivered dismissals, acquittals, and reduced charges for clients when it mattered most.

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