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. Death Penalty Qualified Attorney.
Tampa Criminal Defense Attorney: 25+ Years of Trial Experience
Brancato Law Firm, P.A.
You just received the worst phone call of your life. Someone you love is in the Hillsborough County Jail. The charges are serious, and the detective wants to “clear things up” with a quick conversation. Consequently, everything feels like it is spinning out of control.
Stop. Before you talk to anyone, you need a Tampa criminal defense attorney who has spent decades in the trenches. You need someone who knows how prosecutors build cases because he has spent his career tearing them apart.
I’m Rocky Brancato. For over 25 years, I have defended clients facing felony charges throughout Tampa Bay. As the former Chief Operations Officer of the Hillsborough County Public Defender’s Office, I directed strategy on thousands of serious criminal cases. Before that, I served as an elite Major Crimes defense attorney handling homicide, sex crimes, and child abuse cases. Therefore, I understand exactly how the State builds its case against you, and I know how to dismantle it.
Why Choose This Tampa Criminal Defense Attorney?
When choosing a defense lawyer, most people face two flawed models. High-volume “mill” firms shuffle cases to junior associates–a bait and switch. Conversely, solo practitioners often drown in caseloads, leaving them unable to prepare adequately for trial.
I built The Brancato Law Firm to offer a different path. Here is how our approach compares to the alternatives:
Comparison: The Brancato Advantage
| “Mill” Firms | Overloaded Solo Practices | The Brancato Law Firm |
| Hand cases to junior associates. | Too many cases to prepare properly. | Rocky directs every strategy. |
| Assembly-line plea bargaining. | Reactive defense only. | Proactive strategy hunting. |
| Senior attorney rarely sees you. | Limited resources for investigation. | 25+ years of experience applied. |
| Pressure to plead quickly. | Cannot anticipate prosecution moves. | Trial-ready from day one. |
Credentials That Matter in Hillsborough County
I hold the AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the highest possible recognition for legal ability and ethics. However, credentials only matter if they translate into results.
Here is what my experience means for your case:
- Former Chief Operations Officer: Directed strategy on thousands of felony cases.
- Elite Major Crimes Defense: Handled Homicide, Sex Crimes, and Child Abuse.
- Local Authority: Deep relationships with judges and prosecutors in Tampa Bay.
- Proven Track Record: Acquittals in high-profile trials and dismissals in serious felonies.
Because I know the local courts, I can leverage my trial instincts to your advantage. The State knows when they are facing a Tampa criminal defense attorney who is actually willing to go to trial.
Our Practice Areas
We handle the most complex cases in Florida criminal law.
Sex Crime Defense
Few charges carry greater stigma. A conviction can mean mandatory sex offender registration and a lifetime of restrictions. I spent years in an elite sex crimes defense unit, which gave me expertise that few attorneys possess. I challenge forensic evidence and expose flaws in SANE exam reports to protect your name.
Violent Crime Defense
When you are accused of a violent crime, the State deploys its full resources. I have defended clients in Tampa’s most serious felony trials, including homicide. My approach focuses on challenging unreliable witness testimony and asserting defenses like “Stand Your Ground.”
DUI and Criminal Traffic
A DUI arrest threatens your license and your career. I approach DUI defense with the same intensity as a major felony. This means challenging the legality of the traffic stop and attacking the accuracy of breath or blood results.
Drug Crime Defense
Florida imposes harsh penalties for drug offenses, including mandatory minimum sentences. I challenge illegal searches and question the chain of custody. Whether you face charges for possession or trafficking, my goal is to protect your future.
University Student Defense
For students at the University of Tampa or USF, an arrest creates two battles: criminal court and the student conduct board. I represent students on both fronts, fighting to protect their record and their education simultaneously.
How We Protect You at Every Stage
Effective defense requires proactive strategy. We do not wait to see what the prosecution does.
The Defense Timeline
| Phase | What Happens | How We Protect You |
| Arrest | Police gather evidence. | We invoke your rights immediately. |
| First Appearance | Bond set within 24 hours. | We argue for release (ROR). |
| Discovery | Evidence exchange. | We hunt for weaknesses and depose witnesses. |
| Pretrial Motions | Legal arguments. | We file motions to suppress or dismiss. |
| Trial/Resolution | Case decided. | We execute a winning trial strategy. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I am arrested in Tampa?
Invoke your right to remain silent immediately. Do not answer questions or consent to searches. Contact a Tampa criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. What you say in the first 24 hours can dramatically impact your case.
How much does a private attorney cost?
Fees vary depending on the complexity of the charges. I offer transparent fee structures and discuss costs during your consultation. Quality defense is an investment in your future, not an expense to minimize.
What is the difference between you and a public defender?
Public defenders are talented, but they carry crushing caseloads. A private attorney can devote more resources to investigation and expert witnesses. As a former COO of the Public Defender’s Office, I understand the difference better than anyone.
Can charges be dropped before trial?
Yes. Through pretrial motions or negotiations, charges can sometimes be dismissed. Early intervention by an experienced attorney often produces the best outcomes because it catches weaknesses early.
Do I need a lawyer for police questioning?
Absolutely. Police questioning is designed to gather evidence against you. Even innocent statements can be twisted. Never speak with law enforcement without an attorney present.
Your Defense Starts Now
The State is already building its case. Prosecutors are counting on you choosing a lawyer who is too busy or too passive to mount a real challenge. Prove them wrong.
I offer confidential consultations to people facing criminal charges in Tampa. During our conversation, I will evaluate your situation and outline a strategy for moving forward.
Call (813) 727-7159 Now to Secure Senior-Level Defense.
The Brancato Law Firm, P.A.
620 E. Twiggs Street, Suite 205, Tampa, FL 33602.
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
November 22, 2025 By Brancato Law Firm, P.A. When Your Lowest Permissible Sentence Exceeds the Maximum: Why Going to Trial May Be Your Smartest Move Most people assume that going to trial dramatically increases their sentencing risk. Under Florida’s Criminal Punishment Code (CPC), this is...
November 9, 2025 By Brancato Law Firm, P.A. Why a Death Penalty Qualified Criminal Defense Lawyer Matters in Tampa Bay If you are charged with a crime in Tampa Bay, you are already fighting for your future. Whether the accusation involves DUI, aggravated assault, or a...
November 9, 2025 By Brancato Law Firm, P.A. How a Former Public Defender’s Leadership Shapes a Stronger Defense A Former Public Defender Criminal Defense Lawyer in Tampa Choosing the right defense attorney can change the outcome of a major felony case. As a...
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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.
Visit Us
Tampa Office
620 E Twiggs St
#205
#205
Tampa, FL 33602
Phone: (813) 727-7159
Located two blocks from the Hillsborough County Courthouse.
Contact Us Now
Free Legal Consultation (813) 727-7159