Articles Posted in Criminal Defense

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 serious felony like sexual battery, you cannot afford to take chances. You need the highest level of representation available. That is why hiring a death penalty qualified criminal 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 former public defender criminal defense lawyer in Tampa, I’ve seen firsthand how experience, leadership, and courtroom readiness determine success. My years as Chief Assistant Public Defender, second-in-command in an office…

When you go to a fair, concert, or sporting event, you often see people waving lighted cones to direct you into their parking lots. Many drivers pull in right away. The problem is, those early stops often lead to the worst spots at the highest prices. People who drive a little further—or who know the…

Stand Your Ground Immunity in Florida: Palm Beach Murder Case Dismissed The Florida Fourth District Court of Appeal recently granted Stand Your Ground immunity in Florida to a Palm Beach defendant charged with second-degree murder. In Spencer v. State (4D2025-0023), the court ruled that prosecutors failed to disprove self-defense by clear and convincing evidenceOpinion_2025-0023. This…

Travelling to Meet a Minor Attorney in Tampa: What You Need to Know If law enforcement arrested you or you believe you’re under investigation for travelling to meet a minor in Tampa, you need to take action immediately. These cases often begin with undercover sting operations. Even before the State Attorney files charges, the damage…

The 10 Best Criminal Defense Strategies – From Tampa’s Leading Trial Attorney What are the top criminal defense strategies in Tampa? At The Brancato Law Firm, P.A., we don’t just handle cases; we build powerful courtroom criminal defense strategies designed to shift the balance of power in your favor in Tampa. Attorney Rocky Brancato brings…

Affordable Criminal Defense Lawyer Tampa: Experience You Can Trust Looking for an affordable criminal defense lawyer in Tampa? You need more than just a reasonable price. You need exceptional value. That means proven courtroom experience, a strong track record, and a legal team committed to protecting your future. At The Brancato Law Firm, P.A., that…

A recent decision by Florida’s Second District Court of Appeal reversed a DUI conviction after the trial court improperly excluded a key defense witness. In Karls v. State, 2D2024-0325 (Fla. 2d DCA May 7, 2025), the appellate court made clear that defendants have a constitutional right to present witnesses in their defense—even if the testimony…

Many people facing criminal charges in Tampa, Florida, believe that if they are guilty, hiring a criminal defense attorney or fighting the charges is pointless. This is a dangerous and costly misconception. Even if you believe you’ve made a mistake, securing strong criminal defense in Tampa is crucial. Our Founding Fathers understood a vital truth.…

An arrest is overwhelming. Suddenly, you face a complex, intimidating, and unforgiving system. A skilled Tampa defense attorney can help prevent devastating results after an arrest. At The Brancato Law Firm, P.A., we have protected individuals across Tampa and Hillsborough County from serious criminal charges for over 25 years. Rocky Brancato, former head of Tampa’s…