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 attorney dedicated to finding the truth.

I’m Tampa Attorney Rocky Brancato. For over 25 years, I have defended thousands of clients facing the most serious charges across Tampa Bay—from first-degree murder to drug trafficking. 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. I personally oversee every aspect of your defense–no bait and switch to a junior associate with no oversight.

If you have a criminal case, no matter how big or small, my firm, The Brancato Law Firm, P.A., 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:

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

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

Tampa Criminal Defense Practice Areas

I provide trial-tested representation for major felonies and serious crimes, including:

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.
• Forcing prosecutors to meet their burden beyond a reasonable doubt.

I understand the profound injustice of wrongful accusations and I 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.
• Freedom from cruel or excessive punishment.

I do not judge my clients. Whether you made a mistake or face false accusations, I 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:

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 my 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. I’ll give you realistic expectations during our initial consultation.

What if I can’t afford bond?

I 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, I prepare every case as if it will go to trial—this maximizes leverage and protects your interests regardless of outcome.

Related Articles

• Tampa Criminal Law FAQ’s
• Why Early Intervention from a Tampa Criminal Defense Attorney is Crucial
• Navigating the Tampa Criminal Arrest Process
• Motion to Dismiss in Tampa: Close Your Case Early
• What to do After Being Arrested in Tampa
• Five Ways an Experienced Attorney Protects You
• Top 10 Criminal Defense Strategies in Tampa
• When Your Lowest Permissible Sentence Exceeds the Guidelines
• Social Media in Tampa Criminal Cases
• Tampa Criminal Defense: Why You Need a Warrior, Not Just a Negotiator
• Florida Statute of Limitations Defense
• Tampa DUI Arrest: 10 Steps to Protect Your License
• What if You’re Guilty
• Do I Need a Tampa Defense Lawyer if I’m Innocent

Serving Tampa Bay Courts (Hillsborough County & Beyond)

Our office sits two blocks from the Hillsborough County Courthouse at 620 E. Twiggs Street. I defend clients throughout:

• Hillsborough County: Tampa, Brandon, Plant City, Riverview, South Tampa, Westchase.
• Pinellas County: St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Largo.
• 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. I have spent over 25 years protecting people against the full power of the government. Let me put that experience to work for you.

I offer confidential consultations where I’ll evaluate your case, explain your options, and outline a strategy for protecting your future. The sooner you act, the stronger your defense becomes.

Call (813) 727-7159 Now—Don’t Talk to Police First

The Brancato Law Firm, P.A.

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

(Two Blocks from the Hillsborough County Courthouse)