Strategic Defense,
From First DUI to Death Penalty
From First DUI to Death Penalty
About The Brancato Law Firm
The Brancato Law Firm, P.A. is a Tampa-based criminal defense firm that handles cases ranging from first-offense DUIs to capital murder charges. Founded in January 2025 by attorney Rocky Brancato, the firm serves clients throughout Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco Counties.
We practice criminal defense exclusively. Every system, process, and relationship we’ve built is focused on one thing: defending people accused of crimes.
How We Got Here
Rocky Brancato spent approximately 24 years at the Hillsborough County Public Defender’s Office, rising through every level of the organization. He started as an assistant public defender handling misdemeanors, tried cases in the Major Crimes Unit (homicide, sex crimes, and child abuse), built the office’s attorney training program, and ultimately served as Chief Operations Officer and Chief Assistant Public Defender.
As COO, Rocky was second-in-command of an office with 200+ employees and 100+ attorneys, managing a $23M+ annual budget. He worked directly with chief judges, the sheriff, and institutional leadership on the policies that shape how cases are charged, prosecuted, and resolved. He understands the criminal justice system because he helped build it.
In January 2025, Rocky founded The Brancato Law Firm to bring that system-level knowledge to private clients. The firm operates on a simple principle: you are buying protection, not promises.
What Sets Us Apart
System-level institutional knowledge. Most criminal defense attorneys know the courtroom. Rocky ran the region’s largest criminal defense operation. That leadership experience gives the firm insight into charging policies, law enforcement priorities, and system pressure points that practicing attorneys rarely access.
25+ years on the defense side. Rocky has spent his entire career defending the accused. That consistency shapes how we approach every case: we see people, not labels.
Trial-tested preparation Rocky is certified under Rules of the Florida Supreme Court to serve as lead counsel in capital cases. He has tried 150+ jury trials to verdict. The forensic rigor and trial preparation we bring to homicide cases also protects your career on a first-offense DUI.
Former police academy instructor. Rocky trained law enforcement officers on criminal procedure and courtroom testimony. He knows exactly what officers were taught and how to challenge their testimony on cross-examination.Flat-fee pricing. We provide clear, upfront flat-fee quotes. You know exactly what your defense costs before you commit. Payment plans are available.
What We Handle
We defend clients facing the full spectrum of criminal charges across Tampa Bay:
We also provide trial strategy consulting and co-counsel support to attorneys handling serious felony cases throughout Florida.View our full list of practice areas.
Our Approach
Every case we take is prepared as if it will go to trial. That preparation gives our attorneys leverage in negotiations, exposes weaknesses in the State’s case, and signals to prosecutors and judges that we are ready for the courtroom.
When the timeline allows, we pursue pre-file advocacy: presenting evidence and context directly to the State Attorney’s Office before charges are filed. Many cases are resolved during this window with no charges filed at all.
We work with a network of expert witnesses across forensic disciplines, including DNA, fingerprints, cell phone location data, toxicology, medical examinations, forensic pathology, and accident reconstruction. We limit our caseload so every client receives thorough preparation regardless of charge severity.
Awards and Recognition
| Award | Details |
| AV Preeminent (Martindale-Hubbell) | Highest peer rating for legal ability and ethics, held since 2015 |
| Super Lawyers | Selected (Top 5% of attorneys in the state) |
| Avvo Rating | 10.0 / Superb |
| National Trial Lawyers | Top 100 |
| Tampa Magazine | Top Lawyers (January 2026) |
| Elite Lawyer | 2026 Award |
| NACDA | Top Ten Ranking 2025 |
| BBB Accredited | A- Rating |
The AV Preeminent rating is based on peer reviews from judges and fellow attorneys and cannot be purchased. Super Lawyers selection is limited to the top 5% of attorneys through peer nomination and independent research.
Credentials
- Florida Bar (admitted January 2000)
- Supreme Court of the United States
- U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida
- Death-penalty qualified under Rules of the Florida Supreme Court
- National College for DUI Defense (NCDD)
- DUI Defense Lawyers Association (DUIDLA)
- Hillsborough County Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (HCACDL, Board of Directors)
- Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (FACDL)
- National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL)
Rocky is the author of How to Choose a Major Crimes Attorney, available on Amazon and as a free eBook download on the firm’s website.
Where We Serve
The Brancato Law Firm serves clients throughout Tampa Bay from our Tampa office:
- Hillsborough County: Tampa, Brandon, Plant City, Temple Terrace, Sun City
- Pinellas County: St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Largo, Dunedin
Pasco County: New Port Richey, Dade City, Wesley Chapel, Land O’ Lakes
Talk to Us
If you or someone you care about is facing criminal charges, call for a free, confidential consultation. We are available 24/7 for arrest emergencies.
The Brancato Law Firm, P.A. 1600 E 8th Ave, Suite A200 Tampa, FL 33605
Visit Us
Tampa Office
620 E Twiggs St
Suite #205
Suite #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
