Rocky Brancato
experienced Attorney
With over 25 years of criminal legal experience, Rocky Brancato has been a prominent figure in the Hillsborough County legal community. As a seasoned criminal trial lawyer, he rose to the position of second-in-command at the Hillsborough County Public Defender’s Office before founding the Brancato Law Firm, P.A., in January 2025. Rocky has extensive experience handling serious cases, including homicides and sex crimes, from his time in a specialized major crimes unit.
Throughout his career, Rocky has maintained a caseload of significant cases, demonstrating his commitment to his clients. His expertise allows him to adeptly manage any criminal, criminal traffic, or DUI case at any level. Rocky is known for his strategic use of expert witnesses to educate judges and juries on critical legal and factual issues, leveling the playing field against the government’s resources.
Rocky also has a deep understanding of the mental health and specialty court systems, which he uses to help divert clients from the criminal justice system. For over two decades, he has trained and mentored hundreds of attorneys in the Tampa Bay area and has lectured statewide for Florida Bar credit. His peers have recognized him with an AV Preeminent rating in criminal law and criminal defense by Martindale-Hubbell, the highest standard for professional excellence.
Admitted to practice law in the Supreme Court of the United States and the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida, 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).
Rocky has made a significant impact on thousands of clients’ lives and their families’ lives. Let him make a difference in yours by putting him in your corner today.
Why Choose Us?
- Quick Intervention: Attorney Rocky Brancato keeps his caseload low so he can move quickly to gather evidence and advocate for you at the earliest opportunity. This can lead to a more favorable outcome by addressing issues before they escalate, and it potentially may lead to charges not being filed against you. The sooner you act, the sooner Rocky can get to work!
- Expert Legal Defense: Attorney Rocky Brancato has a proven track record of successfully defending clients against a wide range of criminal charges, all the way up to Death Penalty cases. He uses his extensive knowledge of the law and a strategic approach to build a strong defense tailored to your unique situation. As past second-in-command of the Hillsborough County Public Defender’s Office, Rocky has a deep understanding of the system and relationships at the highest levels.
- Personalized Attention: We believe that every case is unique, and we take the time to understand the specific details of your case. You will receive personalized attention from Attorney Rocky Brancato and a defense strategy that is designed to achieve the best possible outcome for you. You will work directly with Rocky and he will be accessible and even give you his cell phone number.
- Compassionate Support: We know that facing criminal charges can be an emotional and challenging time. We are here to provide you with the support and guidance you need throughout the legal process. We are committed to helping you navigate this difficult time with confidence and peace of mind.
- Aggressive Representation: We are relentless in our pursuit of justice for our clients. Attorney Rocky Brancato is a fierce litigator and a skilled negotiator who will fight tirelessly to protect your rights and achieve a favorable resolution to your case.
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.