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Comparing Top Sex Crimes Attorneys in Tampa
When you’re facing a sex crime accusation in Tampa, choosing the right attorney is the most important decision you’ll make. Your freedom, reputation, and future are on the line. Many firms look similar on the surface–this guide shows you how to compare them using objective criteria.
Factor 1: Verifiable Case Results
Don’t accept vague promises. Demand specific outcomes. Here’s what elite defense looks like:
| Outcome | Charge | How We Won |
| NOT GUILTY | Capital Sexual Battery & Molestation | Proved wife coached child during contentious divorce |
| DISMISSED | Unlawful Sexual Conduct With Minor | Independent investigation exposed lies on accuser’s social media |
| NOT GUILTY | Sexual Battery (Family Home) | Rocky Brancato visited home, proved allegation physically impossible |
| CHARGE REDUCED TO NON SEX CRIME BY JURY | Felony Sex Offense | Cross-examination exposed contradictions; reduced to misdemeanor, avoided registration |
| NOT GUILTY | Sexual Molestation | Exposed coaching–child’s language matched mother’s phrasing exactly |
| CHARGES DISMISSED | Cold Case Rape | Independent DNA analyst discovered state lab contamination |
Also check out the Brancato Law Firm’s Case Results Page.
Disclaimer: Each case is unique. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
Factor 2: High-Stakes Trial Experience
The single greatest leverage in a criminal case: the prosecutor’s belief that your attorney will win at trial. An attorney who rarely sees a courtroom cannot negotiate effectively on your behalf.
| Factor | The Brancato Law Firm | Average Attorney |
| Jury Trials to Verdict | 100+ | Often fewer than 10 |
| Sex Crimes Cases | Rocky Brancato handles personally | Often delegated to junior associates |
| Cross-Examining Child Witnesses | Specialized skill, 25+ years | Inconsistent or untrained |
| Firm Focus | 100% Criminal Defense | Diluted with PI, family law |
| Major Crimes Unit Experience | Yes–sex crimes, child abuse, homicide | Extremely rare |
Factor 3: Credentials That Cannot Be Bought
The legal community identifies top talent through objective, third-party ratings. These credentials signal a lawyer who earns the respect of judges and the attention of prosecutors.
| Credential | Rocky Brancato | Other Tampa Attorneys |
| Martindale-Hubbell Rating | AV Preeminent–highest rating | Few achieve this tier |
| Super Lawyers | Selected–top 5%, peer-nominated | Only a few are selected |
| AVVO and Justia | 10.0 “Superb” Across the Board | Most have lesser scores |
| Former Sex Crimes Unit | Yes–Major Crimes unit | Extremely rare |
| Years of Experience | 25+ in Hillsborough County | Varies widely |
| Former Police Academy Instructor | Yes–criminal procedure, interrogation | Almost unheard of |
Factor 4: What Clients Actually Say
Reviews reveal what credentials cannot. Rocky Brancato’s clients describe him as responsive, knowledgeable, and genuinely invested in their success. Many highlight his ability to resolve serious charges quickly–including dismissals in under a week. Read our reviews on Google and see for yourself.
The Bottom Line
When comparing sex crimes attorneys in Tampa, look past generic claims. Demand:
Verifiable case results (NOT GUILTY verdicts, dismissals)
Extensive trial experience (100+ jury trials)
Third-party credentials (AV Preeminent, Super Lawyers)
Specialized experience (Major Crimes unit, forensic expertise)
Frequently Asked Questions
Look for verifiable case results (NOT GUILTY verdicts, dismissals), third-party credentials like AV Preeminent and Super Lawyers, and specialized experience in sex crimes defense. Ask about trial experience–attorneys who have tried 100+ cases carry more weight with prosecutors.
Ask how many sex crime cases they’ve taken to trial, what their results have been, whether they have experience with the specific charge you’re facing, and whether a senior attorney will handle your case. Also ask about their forensic expert network–challenging DNA and SANE evidence requires specialized knowledge.
Sex crime cases often hinge on forensic evidence (DNA, SANE exams) and witness credibility rather than physical evidence. They require specialized skills: cross-examining child witnesses, challenging “consistent with” language in medical reports, and exposing false allegations. An attorney without this experience can miss critical defense opportunities.
Experience matters more than which side someone started on. Many former prosecutors spent only 1-2 years taking pleas at the bottom of the system. Look for attorneys who have actually tried sex crime cases–on either side–and have verifiable results. Rocky Brancato has spent 25 years defending the accused, including leadership of an elite Major Crimes unit handling sex crimes, child abuse, and homicide.
Fees vary based on complexity, but given the stakes–potential life imprisonment and lifetime sex offender registration–this is not the place to cut corners. The Brancato Law Firm offers free consultations to evaluate your case and discuss fee structures. Call (813) 727-7159.
Rocky Brancato has been selected to Super Lawyers and holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell. These credentials cannot be purchased. Super Lawyers is limited to the top 5% of attorneys through peer nomination and independent research. AV Preeminent is the highest rating for legal ability and ethics, based on peer reviews from judges and fellow attorneys.
Clients describe Rocky Brancato as responsive, knowledgeable, and genuinely invested in their success. Many highlight his ability to resolve serious charges quickly–including dismissals in under a week. Read our reviews on Google and see for yourself.
Rocky Brancato handles all sex crime cases personally. With 25+ years of experience–including sex crimes defense in the Major Crimes unit–he brings specialized knowledge most attorneys lack. He has been selected to Super Lawyers and holds an AV Preeminent rating. Our forensic expert network includes DNA analysts, medical pathologists, and psychologists who challenge the State’s evidence. Call (813) 727-7159 for a free consultation.
Your Next Step
Tampa Criminal Defense Attorney Rocky Brancato offers free, confidential consultations to people facing sex crime accusations in Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco Counties.
For more about our sex crimes defense strategies, visit our Tampa Sex Crimes Defense page
Your freedom is at stake–act now.
Call The Brancato Law Firm, P.A. at (813) 727-7159
620 E. Twiggs Street, Suite 205, Tampa, FL 33602
The Brancato Law Firm, P.A. is a Tampa-based criminal defense practice. We are not affiliated with any other Brancato-named law firms.
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