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Rocky Brancato

experienced Attorney

Phone:
813-727-7159

Meet Rocky Brancato

With more than 25 years of criminal defense experience, attorney Rocky Brancato is widely recognized as one of the most seasoned and strategic criminal trial lawyers in Tampa and the surrounding region. Before founding The Brancato Law Firm, P.A. in January 2025, Rocky served as second-in-command at the Hillsborough County Public Defender’s Office—one of Florida’s largest and most demanding criminal defense offices. There, he led and mentored an office of more than 100 attorneys while personally handling some of the region’s most serious cases, including homicides, sex crimes, and violent felonies as part of an elite major crimes unit.

Rocky’s reputation is built on hard-earned courtroom success and a deep commitment to his clients. He understands that high-stakes criminal cases require more than surface-level advocacy—they demand careful strategy, deep legal knowledge, and the ability to level the playing field against the government’s vast resources. That’s why Rocky is known for bringing in top expert witnesses to challenge flawed evidence, explain complex issues to juries, and shift the outcome of serious criminal cases.

Whether the charge involves a DUI, a criminal traffic matter, or a life sentence felony, Rocky’s clients benefit from his calm, focused approach and his proven ability to win cases that other lawyers shy away from. His practice spans the full spectrum of criminal defense across Hillsborough County. He also accepts serious cases in Pinellas, Polk, and surrounding counties.

In addition to his trial work, Rocky brings a unique advantage in navigating Tampa’s mental health court, veterans treatment court, and diversion programs—systems he understands inside and out from decades of experience. His ability to identify alternatives to incarceration has helped hundreds of clients avoid life-altering consequences and regain stability.

Rocky holds an AV Preeminent® rating by Martindale-Hubbell—the highest peer rating standard for legal skill and ethical conduct. He has been a statewide legal educator for Florida Bar CLE credit, and he has trained hundreds of criminal defense attorneys across the Tampa Bay area. He is admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of the United States, the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida, and all Florida state courts.

As the author of How to Choose a Major Crimes Attorney — or Any Criminal Defense Attorney for That Matter, Rocky offers honest, practical insight into what truly matters when your freedom is at risk. The book is available on Amazon, but visitors of the firm’s website can request a free e-copy directly.

Rocky is a member of the Hillsborough County Bar Association (HCBA), the Hillsborough County Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (HCACDL), the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (FACDL), and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL).

He has changed the outcome for thousands of clients—and he’s ready to help you take back control of your future.

Why Clients Choose The Brancato Law Firm, P.A.

Facing criminal charges is a challenging experience. You need a legal partner who understands the stakes and knows how to fight for you. Here’s why clients choose us:

Swift Action Makes the Difference Time is critical. We prioritize rapid response and strategic early intervention to preserve evidence, identify witnesses, and even work to prevent charges from being filed. Our limited caseload ensures your case gets the immediate attention it deserves.

Serious Cases Demand Serious Experience With over 25 years of experience, Attorney Rocky Brancato has successfully handled a wide range of criminal cases. His background leading a major defense firm in Tampa Bay means he brings seasoned judgment and proven courtroom skill to your defense.

Personal Involvement & Strategic Oversight Rocky Brancato is directly involved in every case. He personally shapes your defense strategy, guides the legal team, and ensures the highest quality representation from start to finish. You get the benefit of his expertise and personal commitment.

Support Through a Difficult Time We understand the stress and confusion of being accused of a crime. We are here to provide steady guidance, clearly explain the process, and help you feel more in control as we navigate your legal challenges together.

Unyielding Advocacy, In and Out of Court Our firm is built on relentless advocacy. Rocky Brancato is a skilled trial attorney and negotiator who will challenge the prosecution’s case and tirelessly defend your rights at every turn. We are your unwavering advocates.

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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 father who was accused of aggravated child abuse on his young daughter, who suffered an injured pancreas. The Child Protective Team doctor testified that the injury could have only come from intentional, blunt force trauma. Rocky hired a forensic pathologist and conducted a complete review of all medical records. Rocky and the expert were able to show that the injury on the pancreas was due to a “choledochal cyst,” which the child had since birth. The prosecutor dismissed the charges completely.

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.

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 father who was accused of aggravated child abuse on his young daughter, who suffered an injured pancreas. The Child Protective Team doctor testified that the injury could have only come from intentional, blunt force trauma. Rocky hired a forensic pathologist and conducted a complete review of all medical records. Rocky and the expert were able to show that the injury on the pancreas was due to a “choledochal cyst,” which the child had since birth. The prosecutor dismissed the charges completely.

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.

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.

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.

Schedule a Free Consultation
Call Now 813-727-7159
1600 E 8th Ave A200,Tampa,
FL 33605

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