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Rocky Brancato’s Case Results – Brancato Law Firm, P.A.
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Facing criminal charges in Tampa Bay or anywhere in Florida requires experienced and tenacious legal representation. At Brancato Law Firm, P.A., led by 25-year veteran Tampa criminal defense attorney Rocky Brancato, we are dedicated to achieving the best possible outcomes for our clients. Over the years, Tampa Criminal Defense Attorney Rocky Brancato has achieved some amazing case results for his clients.
Every case is unique, and results vary depending on specific facts, evidence, jurisdiction, and other factors. Nevertheless, the outcomes below demonstrate the dedication, deep legal knowledge, strategic negotiation, and tenacious courtroom advocacy Rocky Brancato provides.
Juvenile Sex Charges – Rehabilitation Plan Opens Path to Dismissal
Rocky Brancato represented a juvenile accused of sex offenses involving a younger child. Recognizing the long-term consequences of a conviction and sex offender status, Rocky negotiated an alternative rehabilitation plan tailored to the child’s needs. The agreement allows the juvenile to enter therapy under professional supervision, with the possibility of dismissal once treatment is completed. Most importantly, this resolution ensures the child will not be labeled a sex offender—protecting his future while addressing the situation through treatment rather than punishment.
DUI License Suspension Overturned on Appeal – CDL and DL Reinstated
After a DUI arrest, Rocky Brancato’s client lost both his standard driver’s license and CDL at the DHSMV administrative hearing. Rocky handled the hearing personally, and when the agency’s own officer upheld the suspension, he did not stop there. Rocky filed a petition for writ of certiorari in circuit court, persuaded a judge that the suspension was improper, and won a ruling reinstating both licenses. The decision not only restored the client’s driving privileges but also protected his livelihood as a commercial driver.
Trafficking in Amphetamine – Diversion Secured, Charges to Be Dismissed
When prosecutors charged our client with trafficking in amphetamine, the stakes could not have been higher. Rocky Brancato immediately attacked the State’s evidence, filing a motion to suppress that exposed serious weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. That motion created the leverage needed to negotiate a far better outcome: the trafficking charge was reduced, and the client was accepted into a diversion program. Under the agreement, the case will be dismissed once the client completes a drug evaluation and any recommended outpatient treatment.
False Imprisonment Charge Dropped – Case Reduced to Misdemeanor
Rocky Brancato defended a man accused of false imprisonment and battery in connection with an alleged violent gang beating. During the deposition of the alleged victim, Rocky conducted a skilled examination that locked the witness into testimony showing his client had not falsely imprisoned him. With the State’s theory undermined, prosecutors dropped the false imprisonment charge. The case was resolved with a plea to a misdemeanor battery and probation—avoiding a serious felony conviction and the risk of prison.
Old Felony Warrant Resolved – Reduced to Misdemeanor, Time Served
A client hired Rocky Brancato to resolve a years-old warrant for failure to appear on felony charges of battery on a law enforcement officer. While co-defendants had received probationary sentences, the client still faced the risk of harsher punishment. Rocky negotiated a reduction of the case to a misdemeanor, with the sentence imposed as time served for the days he had already spent in jail. The case was closed without any additional incarceration.
Expired Registration – Charges Dismissed After Compliance
A client came to The Brancato Law Firm facing a charge for driving with an expired registration. Rather than allowing the case to result in unnecessary fines or a conviction, Rocky Brancato negotiated a practical resolution: once the client brought the vehicle’s registration current, the State agreed to dismiss the charge. With Rocky’s guidance, the client avoided a criminal record and resolved the matter quickly and efficiently.
Two Violations of Probation in 30 Days – Dismissal and Termination Achieved
Within a single month, the same client faced two separate violations of probation. On the first violation, Rocky Brancato successfully persuaded the court to dismiss the allegation entirely. When the client was brought back on a second violation just weeks later, Rocky again went to work—this time securing an order for probation to be terminated unsuccessfully. The result: the client is no longer under supervision and faces no further probation or incarceration.
Improper Sexual Predator Designation Corrected – Expanded Rights Secured
Rocky Brancato represented a man who had been improperly designated a sexual predator years earlier by another attorney’s handling of his case. After uncovering the error, Rocky successfully corrected the designation, reducing his client’s status to a sexual offender. With that crucial step achieved, Rocky then filed a motion requesting relief from the harsh restrictions that had limited his client’s life. The court granted internet access and approved contact with family children under a therapist-approved safety plan, allowing the client to move forward with greater freedom and dignity.
Case Result: USF Student Avoids Disciplinary Record After Off-Campus Criminal Arrest
A parent retained The Brancato Law Firm, P.A. to assist their student, who was facing a Student Conduct & Ethical Development (SCED) hearing at the University of South Florida (USF) following an off-campus criminal arrest. Although the incident occurred off campus, it was deemed a potential violation of the USF Student Code of Conduct. Attorney Rocky Brancato provided detailed preparation materials and conducted a mock hearing to ensure the student was fully prepared. With Rocky’s support, the student presented effectively and confidently. The matter was resolved informally, with no disciplinary record, and the student was allowed to continue their education at USF without interruption.
Case Result: False Arrest Avoided in Domestic Violence Case
A young woman came to The Brancato Law Firm, P.A. after her abusive ex falsely accused her of assault. A warrant was out for her arrest. Other attorneys advised her to turn herself in and lower her bond in court.
Rocky Brancato took a smarter route—he contacted the intake prosecutor, presented evidence of her abuse, and persuaded the State to drop the charges. The warrant was recalled, and she never had to go to jail or appear in court.
Rocky then helped her obtain a restraining order to protect her from future harm.
Case Result: Out-of-State Driver Clears Florida License
A man from another state contacted The Brancato Law Firm, P.A. for help clearing old Florida DUIs that were blocking him from getting an unrestricted license at home. While other attorneys offered vague advice, Rocky Brancato researched the law, consulted with the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, and provided a clear, step-by-step plan.
The client recently reached out to share his success—his Florida license is now clear, and he holds an unrestricted license in his home state.
Case Result: Out-of-State Visitor’s Felony Warrant and Case Dismissed in Tampa
An out-of-state visitor faced significant anxiety and potential arrest for over four years. This was due to a lingering felony charge from a trip to Tampa. Feeling out of options, she contacted Tampa criminal defense attorney Rocky Brancato. He quickly gathered crucial facts. Furthermore, he communicated directly with the State Attorney’s Office supervision in Tampa. As a result, Rocky Brancato successfully secured a complete resolution. The warrant was quashed, and the entire case was dismissed.
Case Result: Sexual Predator Designation Removed Due to Sentencing Error
A client sought help challenging a sexual predator designation imposed years prior in Tampa. He had been represented by previous counsel at that time. The client recognized Attorney Brancato’s extensive knowledge in Florida sex crimes law. Rocky Brancato conducted a meticulous review of the court records and relevant statutes. He identified that the client did not meet the legal criteria for the designation. Consequently, he filed a motion to correct the illegal sentence.
Although initially denied, Attorney Brancato filed a compelling motion for reconsideration. His legal analysis convinced the prosecutor to agree. This led the judge to withdraw the previous order and remove the sexual predator designation. This outcome significantly improved the client’s future prospects.
Case Result: Fentanyl Trafficking Charges Dismissed Swiftly
Facing serious fentanyl trafficking charges, Rocky Brancato’s client was initially subject to a motion for pretrial detention. Rocky successfully challenged this motion. Thus, he secured the client’s release on bond. He leveraged complex arguments surrounding constructive possession and questioned the legality of the vehicle search. He strategically negotiated with the prosecutor. Within just three weeks of the arrest, the prosecutor issued a Letter of Release, formally dismissing the fentanyl trafficking case.
Case Result: Vehicular Homicide Reduced to Reckless Driving, Client Receives Probation
In a tragic case involving a fatal single-vehicle crash, Rocky Brancato defended a client accused of vehicular homicide in Tampa. The prosecution alleged reckless driving caused the accident. Rocky retained an accident reconstruction expert. He also focused the defense on potential issues with the vehicle’s braking system. Through these efforts, Rocky successfully negotiated a reduction of the charge to reckless driving with serious bodily injury. His client avoided prison and received a sentence of 48 months probation.
Case Result: Client Exonerated in DWLS Case Based on Body Camera Evidence
A client facing driving while license suspended (DWLS) charges quickly sought Rocky Brancato’s help in Tampa. Rocky’s prompt investigation revealed the true driver had used his client’s identification in Tampa. He immediately requested and obtained the police body camera footage. This footage confirmed his client was not the driver. The very next day in court in Tampa, Rocky presented clear screenshots from the video to the prosecutor. This resulted in the immediate dismissal of the DWLS charges.
Case Result: Early Intervention Leads to Dismissal of Cocaine and Firearm Charges
Responding to an early morning call on the firm’s 24/7 line, The Brancato Law Firm P.A. swiftly acted for a client arrested for possession of cocaine and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony in the Tampa Bay area. At the First Appearance hearing, Attorney Rocky Brancato argued the client’s actions did not meet the intent of the firearm statute. This led the judge to set low bonds.
Rocky’s immediate engagement with the intake prosecutor resulted in both charges being formally dismissed within days of the client’s arrest. This preserved a clean record for the client.
Case Result: Not Guilty Verdict in Second-Degree Murder Trial (Self-Defense)
Rocky Brancato defended a client accused of second-degree murder following a fatal shooting involving his roommate. The case proceeded to trial. The defense was based on the justifiable use of deadly force (self-defense). The Tampa jury heard the evidence. Afterward, they returned a Not Guilty verdict. This fully acquitted Rocky’s client.
Case Result: Grandmother Cleared of Murder and Aggravated Child Abuse Charges
In a highly sensitive case, Rocky Brancato defended a Tampa grandmother charged with first-degree murder and aggravated child abuse. The charges related to the drowning death of her granddaughter. Prosecutors initially alleged a liver laceration was evidence of abuse.
Rocky’s defense involved retaining a forensic pathologist. He also conducted an extensive review of medical records and deposed the state’s medical experts. Through rigorous analysis, Rocky and his expert demonstrated the cause of death was drowning. Furthermore, they showed the liver injury resulted from CPR efforts. This compelling evidence led the prosecutor to dismiss the murder and aggravated child abuse charges. The client ultimately received probation on a reduced charge of child neglect.
Case Result: Military Veteran Exonerated in Cold-Case Sexual Battery DNA Case
Rocky Brancato defended a Tampa military veteran accused in a “cold hit” DNA case. The case involved an alleged sexual battery that occurred eight years prior. Rocky recognized the critical nature of forensic evidence. He retained a DNA expert and conducted a comprehensive review of all DNA evidence.
The expert’s analysis and assistance during depositions demonstrated that Rocky’s client was excluded as a contributor to the DNA profile from the victim. Based on this definitive evidence, the prosecutor dismissed all charges. This achieved a full exoneration for the client.
Case Result: Aggravated Child Abuse Charges Dismissed Following Medical Investigation
A father faced aggravated child abuse charges. His daughter was found to have a pancreatic injury in the Tampa Bay area. Initial medical opinions suggested intentional blunt force trauma. Rocky Brancato’s defense included retaining a forensic pathologist in Tampa. He also thoroughly reviewed all medical records.
Their expert analysis revealed the injury was caused by a congenital choledochal cyst, a condition present since birth, not abuse. This critical medical evidence led the prosecutor to dismiss all charges, completely clearing the father’s name.
Case Result: Not Guilty Verdict in Kidnapping and Robbery Trial (Mistaken Identity)
Rocky Brancato defended a client facing serious kidnapping and robbery charges in Plant City. At trial, Rocky presented a strong mistaken identity defense. He challenged the prosecution’s evidence. The jury deliberated and returned a Not Guilty verdict on both charges. This fully exonerated his client.
Case Result: Not Guilty Verdict in Cocaine Trafficking Trial
A business manager was accused of trafficking 200–400 grams of cocaine in Tampa. At trial, the prosecution relied heavily on co-defendant testimony. Rocky Brancato successfully countered this by demonstrating the co-defendant was the actual trafficker. His client, conversely, was merely present. The jury returned a Not Guilty verdict, clearing the client of all charges.
Case Result: Not Guilty Verdict in Armed Robbery Trial (Mistaken Identity)
Rocky Brancato defended a client accused of armed robbery in Wimauma. At trial, he employed a mistaken identity defense. He highlighted a crucial detail: the victim failed to mention the defendant’s distinctive arm tattoo when describing the suspect to police. This significant inconsistency created reasonable doubt. Consequently, it led the jury to return a Not Guilty verdict and fully acquit his client.
Case Result: Lewd or Lascivious Case Reduced to Misdemeanor Exposure
A client faced charges of lewd or lascivious conduct in front of children. The prosecution relied on child testimony. Through strategic cross-examination, Rocky Brancato exposed inconsistencies in their statements. This raised doubts about their ability to accurately witness the alleged acts. The jury rejected the felony charge, finding the client guilty only of misdemeanor exposure of a sexual organ. Thus, the client successfully avoided sex offender registration.
Case Result: Not Guilty Verdict in Sexual Battery Trial (Consensual Encounter)
Rocky Brancato defended a client accused of sexual battery and trespass in Ybor City, a district of Tampa. Prosecutors alleged the client lured the victim into a van. Rocky’s cross-examination highlighted inconsistencies in the allegations. He also established that the encounter was consensual. Evidence suggested the sexual assault claim arose after they were discovered. The jury returned a Not Guilty verdict on attempted sexual battery, convicting only on misdemeanor trespass.
Case Result: Unlawful Sexual Conduct With A Minor Charge Dismissed
Rocky Brancato represented a 27-year-old client accused of unlawful sexual contact with a 16-year-old. Rocky conducted an extensive investigation of the alleged victim’s social media. This revealed she presented as older online and appeared with other older men. Furthermore, he highlighted multiple inconsistent stories given by the alleged victim. This powerful evidence led the prosecutor to dismiss the charge completely.
Case Result: Aggravated Child Abuse Charge Reduced Due to Client’s Medical Condition
A young man in Tampa was accused of severely injuring his baby. After his arrest, doctors diagnosed the client with severe Toxoplasmosis. This condition impaired his cognitive and physical abilities. Rocky obtained medical records and hired a psychiatrist. The psychiatrist confirmed the condition impaired the client’s functioning at the time of the incident. This rendered his conduct involuntary. The aggravated child abuse charge was reduced to misdemeanor battery. In addition, the client received probation. This represented a significantly more favorable outcome.
Case Result: Not Guilty Verdicts: Delivery/Possession of Cocaine Near Church
Rocky Brancato defended a client accused of delivering cocaine within 1000 feet of a church in Tampa and possession of cocaine. At trial, Rocky presented a mistaken identity defense. He highlighted poor police work. The jury found his client not guilty on both counts.
Case Result: Not Guilty Verdicts: Possession of Cocaine Near Church and School
Rocky Brancato represented a man accused of selling cocaine within 1000 feet of a church and a school in Tampa. He presented a defense of insufficient proof of guilt. The jury found Rocky’s client Not Guilty on both counts.
Case Result: Not Guilty Verdicts: DUI And Resisting Officer Without Violence
Rocky Brancato defended a client charged with DUI (refusal) and resisting arrest without violence in the Tampa Bay area. Rocky argued the client was not impaired. He used scene video to support the defense. He also contended the officer was overly aggressive and the client did not resist. The jury found his client not guilty on both counts.
Case Result: Not Guilty Verdict: Domestic Violence Battery
Rocky Brancato represented a man charged with domestic violence battery in Tampa. Through cross-examination, Rocky exposed the alleged victim’s bias. He also presented a defense based on lack of evidence. The jury found his client Not Guilty.
Case Result: Aggravated Battery Reduced to Misdemeanor Battery
Rocky Brancato represented a client charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon (a shovel). Rocky successfully argued that the shovel was not used in a manner likely to cause death or great bodily harm. This meant the proper charge was misdemeanor battery. The jury found the client guilty of misdemeanor battery, a lesser included offense, thus avoiding a felony conviction.
Case Result: Not Guilty Verdicts: Grand Theft Motor Vehicle And Petit Theft
Rocky Brancato represented a man accused of stealing a car and some personal items. At trial, he cross-examined the alleged victim. This established reasonable doubt. Consequently, it led the jury to find his client Not Guilty of both counts.
Case Result: Not Guilty Verdicts: Burglary Of An Unoccupied Structure And Grand Theft
Rocky Brancato represented a man accused of unlawfully entering a shed and stealing items valued over $300. The jury found his client Not Guilty of both counts.
Case Result: Presidential Election Defense Yields A Not Guilty Verdict: Escape
This complex case involved Rocky Brancato representing a man accused of forging an order. The order would commute his life sentence and lead to his release (Escape). The order was officially clocked in at multiple locations (FL Dept. of Corrections, the Prison, Miami Clerk of Court). Additionally, the client’s fingerprint was allegedly found on a copy. Despite this, Rocky mounted a unique defense. He conducted extensive research and investigation. He disputed the fingerprint evidence at trial. Furthermore, he cross-examined officials from Miami, including a Circuit Judge.
Tried in Pensacola, Rocky employed a strategy he called the “presidential election defense.” He leveraged skepticism towards Miami officials following the controversial 2000 election. This cast doubt on the paper trail evidence. He did not argue the officials lied. However, the defense highlighted the possibility of administrative errors and the lack of direct evidence that his client typed the forged order. The jury found Rocky’s client Not Guilty. This verdict is a testament to a highly strategic and creative defense.
Case Result: Misdemeanor Verdicts On Violent Charges Involving Law Enforcement Officers
Rocky Brancato represented a client accused of fighting officers during a marijuana possession investigation. The client faced serious felony charges including Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer and Resisting with Violence. At trial, with the client’s consent, Rocky argued the client was guilty only of misdemeanor marijuana possession. He also contended that the officers were the aggressors.
The jury agreed, finding the client guilty only of the misdemeanor marijuana charge and a lesser misdemeanor charge of Resisting an Officer Without Violence. The client was found Not Guilty of the felony Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer charge. This represented a significant reduction in exposure.
Case Result: Not Guilty Verdicts: Aggravated Assault And Battery
Rocky Brancato represented a man accused of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and battery. At trial, the jury found his client Not Guilty of both serious counts.
Case Result: Not Guilty Verdict: Grand Theft Motor Vehicle
Rocky Brancato represented a man accused of stealing a car. The defense successfully argued at trial that his client had lawfully purchased the vehicle. The vehicle was sold as scrap. Therefore, a traditional title was not necessary to prove his lawful possession. The jury found Rocky’s client Not Guilty.
Case Result: Not Guilty Verdicts: Armed Robbery With A Firearm And Attempted Armed Robbery
Rocky Brancato represented a client accused of robbing a man for expensive car rims at gunpoint. Before trial, Rocky conducted a thorough personal investigation. He visited the client’s home, the incident scene, and the evidence room to examine all evidence, including a specific reversible jacket.
This meticulous preparation allowed him to cross-examine the prosecutor and detectives with superior knowledge of the details. Rocky mounted a successful mistaken identity defense. This led the jury to find his client Not Guilty of both counts of Armed Robbery.
Case Result: Misdemeanor Verdict On Robbery Charge
Rocky Brancato represented a man accused of robbing a store merchant of merchandise he was attempting to steal. At trial, Rocky successfully argued that his client was only guilty of resisting the merchant who had physically attacked him. The jury agreed and found Rocky’s client guilty only of the misdemeanor charge of Resisting a Merchant. This avoided a felony robbery conviction.
Case Result: Misdemeanor Verdicts On Burglary Case
Rocky Brancato represented a man accused of felony burglary of a home and theft. At trial, he secured lesser misdemeanor verdicts for Trespass and Petit Theft from the jury. This significantly reduced the client’s exposure.
Case Result: Misdemeanor Verdict On Violent Gun Charges
Rocky Brancato represented a client at trial facing serious felony charges. These included Aggravated Battery with a Firearm, Aggravated Assault with a Firearm, and Carrying a Concealed Firearm. The jury found the client Not Guilty of Carrying a Concealed Firearm. They returned lesser misdemeanor verdicts of simple Battery and Assault on the other counts. This was a significant victory, reducing felony gun charges to misdemeanors.
Case Result: Misdemeanor Verdict On Violent Felony Case
Rocky Brancato represented a client accused of the violent felony of Aggravated Battery (Great Bodily Harm). At trial, the jury returned a favorable lesser misdemeanor verdict of simple Battery, thus avoiding the serious felony conviction.
Case Result: Not Guilty Verdict: Driving While License Suspended, Habitual Traffic Offender
Rocky Brancato represented a man accused of felony Driving While License Suspended (Habitual Traffic Offender status). At trial, the prosecution presented a redacted record. Rocky argued persuasively to the jury that a bureaucrat’s paper record should not be trusted when a man’s liberty is on the line. This strategic defense led the jury to find his client Not Guilty.
Case Result: Guilty Of Lesser Offense Of Misdemeanor Battery
Rocky Brancato represented a client charged with Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon (a shovel). Rocky presented a defense arguing that the shovel was not used in a manner likely to cause death or great bodily harm. This meant the proper charge was misdemeanor battery. The jury agreed and found the client guilty only of misdemeanor battery.
Case Result: Not Guilty Verdicts: DUI And Resisting Officer Without Violence
Rocky Brancato represented a man charged with DUI (refusal) and Resisting Arrest Without Violence. Rocky presented a defense using scene video evidence. He argued that the client was not impaired and that the officer was overly aggressive. This negated the resisting charge. The jury found his client Not Guilty on both counts.