Criminal Defense for Healthcare Professionals in Tampa

For doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals, being arrested or placed under investigation is more than a legal problem—it’s a career crisis. Beyond the risk of criminal penalties, you may face disciplinary action from the Florida Board of Medicine or Nursing, hospital peer review committees, or the DEA. In some cases, your professional reputation can be damaged long before the criminal courts reach a decision. You need an attorney skilled in criminal defense for healthcare professionals in Tampa Bay.

The Stakes for Doctors and Nurses

Most defendants worry about fines or jail. For healthcare professionals, the consequences go further:

• License jeopardy with the Florida Board of Medicine or Board of Nursing.
• Loss of DEA registration, impacting your ability to prescribe medications.
• Hospital or clinic suspension, cutting you off from patients and income.
• Media scrutiny, where allegations alone can erode community trust.

Even an arrest for DUI or domestic violence can trigger investigations that threaten your ability to practice medicine or nursing. More serious allegations such as sex crimes or drug crimes carry even greater professional risks.

The Danger of Being Held to a Higher Standard

Just as law enforcement officers are often treated more harshly due to their “position of trust,” doctors and nurses face similar scrutiny. Prosecutors may argue that because of your role in safeguarding lives, any alleged misconduct deserves stronger punishment. This can lead to harsher plea offers or sentencing recommendations compared to ordinary defendants.

Protecting Your License and Your Future

At The Brancato Law Firm, P.A., every case involving a healthcare professional is personally handled by Attorney Rocky Brancato. With more than 25 years of trial experience—including leadership roles in major crimes litigation—he brings precision, strategy, and relentless advocacy to every defense.

Our approach to defending doctors and nurses includes:

• Immediate response to protect your rights during investigations.
• Strategic coordination with professional licensing counsel, when necessary, to protect your medical or nursing license.
• Independent review of evidence, from medical records to law enforcement reports.
• Reputation management, limiting unnecessary exposure that could harm your professional standing.

Experience You Can Trust

Healthcare professionals in Tampa, Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco Counties turn to The Brancato Law Firm, P.A. because of our reputation for handling high-stakes cases with discretion and precision. Whether it’s addressing a DUI allegation that threatens your Board license or defending against serious charges like sex crimes or homicide, we know what is at stake: not only your freedom, but your life’s work.

FAQ: Criminal Defense for Healthcare Professionals

Can my medical or nursing license be suspended if I’m only charged, not convicted?
Yes. Licensing boards may initiate investigations based on an arrest alone. Even without a conviction, disciplinary actions can jeopardize your ability to practice.

What if my case involves prescription drugs or controlled substances?
If the DEA revokes or suspends your registration, your career as a physician, nurse practitioner, or advanced practice nurse could be permanently impacted. Legal representation early on is critical.

Can prosecutors treat doctors and nurses more harshly?
Yes. Like law enforcement officers, medical professionals are often viewed as holding positions of trust. Prosecutors sometimes seek harsher penalties in order to “set an example.”

Will my case be public?
Criminal charges are a matter of public record, and local media often highlight cases involving doctors or nurses. A strong defense includes not just courtroom strategy but also strategic reputation management to reduce unnecessary exposure.

What types of charges threaten healthcare professionals the most?
Common charges include DUI, domestic violence, sex crimes, violent crimes, and homicide. Even misdemeanor charges can create professional licensing issues.

Take Action Now

If you are a doctor, nurse, or other healthcare professional in Tampa Bay facing criminal charges or an investigation, waiting is the worst choice. Early legal intervention gives you the best chance of protecting your license, your reputation, and your career.

Call The Brancato Law Firm, P.A. at (813) 727-7159 for a confidential consultation. We are the premier criminal defense firm for healthcare professionals in Tampa Bay.

Your freedom and your future as a healthcare professional deserve nothing less than a defense built on precision, experience, and unwavering advocacy.