The High Stakes of Aggravated Child Abuse Charges in Tampa

Facing aggravated child abuse charges in Tampa, Hillsborough, Pinellas, or Pasco counties is overwhelming. The penalties are severe, and the social consequences can last a lifetime—even if you are innocent. Allegations often come with immediate judgment, and many people feel the system presumes guilt from day one. You need an experienced Tampa Child Abuse Attorney who can provide a complete, expert-driven medical records review. This is one of the most powerful tools in your defense.

At The Brancato Law Firm, P.A., Attorney Rocky Brancato brings more than 25 years of experience in child abuse defense. He has developed a proven approach centered on uncovering the full medical truth behind the allegations.

Why Medical Records Are Critical in Aggravated Child Abuse Cases

A full medical history can reveal alternative explanations

One of the most important steps in defending an aggravated child abuse case is gathering all medical records—not just the records related to the incident in question.

A child’s complete medical history can reveal non-abusive causes of injuries, including:

• Birth trauma (e.g., forceps injuries or delivery complications)
• Genetic bone disorders or metabolic diseases
• Conditions that cause easy bruising or bleeding
• Chronic medical issues misinterpreted as abuse
• Long-term illnesses that mimic trauma symptoms

Doctors may misinterpret injuries as intentional when they actually stem from medical issues. Without thorough review, key evidence supporting innocence can be missed.

Prosecutors rarely provide the full picture

In most cases, prosecutors only turn over selected medical records tied to the most recent hospital visit. These limited records often support the prosecution’s theory—but fail to show the child’s true medical history.

Exceptional defense requires exceptional medical investigation

At The Brancato Law Firm, P.A., we go beyond basic discovery by:

• Collecting the child’s complete medical records from birth
• Requesting records from every doctor, specialist, and hospital involved
• Analyzing patterns of illness, injury, and genetic factors
• Identifying overlooked medical explanations inconsistent with abuse

This expanded approach frequently reveals critical information the State never reviewed.

Real Case Results: What Thorough Medical Review Can Accomplish

Medical Investigation Leads to Dismissal

A father faced charges after his daughter suffered a severe abdominal injury. The Child Protection Team claimed intentional trauma. After obtaining the full medical history, Rocky Brancato consulted a forensic pathologist who identified a congenital choledochal cyst, not abuse. The charges were dismissed.

Grandmother Cleared of Murder and Aggravated Child Abuse

Medical experts initially claimed blunt force trauma contributed to a child’s death. Rocky’s investigation revealed the injuries came from forceful CPR attempts. Murder and aggravated child abuse charges were dropped.

Charge Reduced to Misdemeanor After Medical Explanations Found

A young father accused of injuring his infant was later found to have Toxoplasmosis, a brain infection affecting impulse control. Rocky obtained medical evidence proving the condition’s impact. The charge was reduced to a misdemeanor.

Building a Clear Medical Timeline With Experts

Medical timelines expose inconsistencies in the allegation

Complex medical histories demand a structured approach. Rocky often collaborates with:

• Nurse consultants
• Forensic pediatricians
• Independent medical specialists

Together, they build a detailed, chronological medical timeline showing:

• Past illnesses
• Prior injuries
• Environmental factors
• Genetic issues
• Key diagnostic findings

This timeline may directly contradict the prosecution’s theory or show an injury could have occurred earlier than claimed.

Expert Testimony: Strengthening the Defense

Experts provide critical clarity for judges and juries

Expert witnesses can explain:

• Whether an injury is consistent with accidental causes
• Whether a genetic or metabolic condition explains the findings
• Whether the State’s medical interpretation is flawed
• Whether the injury’s timing aligns with the allegation

Board-certified medical experts provide objective analysis that can be decisive in trial or negotiations.

Handling Logistics: Depositions and Out-of-State Experts

Aggravated child abuse cases are complex—and often national in scope

Doctors and specialists sometimes move, retire, or relocate. Rocky frequently travels to depose medical experts or coordinate testimony across different states. While time-intensive, this work ensures no critical information is overlooked.

We manage these challenges so clients never carry that burden.

Why Choose The Brancato Law Firm, P.A. for Aggravated Child Abuse Defense?

Experience matters in high-stakes medical-legal cases

Rocky Brancato brings:

• Over 25 years defending major felony and child abuse cases
• Background as a former second-in-command of the Hillsborough County Public Defender’s Office
• Experience in an elite sex crimes and child abuse unit
• A reputation for meticulous medical review and expert-driven defense

When your future is at risk, you need an attorney who leaves nothing to chance.

Frequently Asked Questions About Aggravated Child Abuse Defense in Florida

Why are medical records so important in an aggravated child abuse case?

Medical records can reveal alternative explanations for injuries, such as birth trauma, genetic disorders, metabolic conditions, or preexisting illnesses. A full medical history often exposes gaps or errors in the State’s theory.

Do prosecutors provide the full medical history?

No. Prosecutors usually provide only the records tied to the incident. A strong defense requires an attorney who will request all medical records, ideally from birth onward.

Can a genetic disorder mimic signs of child abuse?

Yes. Conditions like osteogenesis imperfecta, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and clotting disorders can cause fractures or bruising that look like intentional harm.

How does a medical expert help in these cases?

Medical experts help interpret complex records, explain alternative causes of injuries, evaluate timing, and challenge flawed assumptions by the Child Protection Team.

What if the Child Protection Team says the injury is abuse?

CPT opinions are often based on limited data. Independent medical review can uncover critical information CPT never considered. Many cases have been dismissed after independent analysis.

Can a medical timeline help prove innocence?

Yes. A timeline comparing injuries, symptoms, and treatments can show inconsistencies with the prosecution’s theory or highlight earlier events that explain the injury.

What should I do if I am contacted by law enforcement about child abuse?

Do not answer questions. Do not explain injuries. Contact a defense attorney immediately. Anything said before consulting counsel can be misinterpreted or used against you.

Can these cases be dismissed with the right medical evidence?

Yes. Many aggravated child abuse cases collapse when alternative medical explanations are uncovered. Thorough medical review often leads to reduced charges or full dismissal.

How quickly should I hire an attorney in an aggravated child abuse case?

Immediately. Early intervention allows your attorney to preserve evidence, contact medical providers, consult experts, and prevent misunderstandings that can harm your case.

Contact a Tampa Aggravated Child Abuse Defense Attorney

If you are accused of aggravated child abuse, time is critical. The sooner you hire an attorney experienced in medical-based defenses, the stronger your chances are.

Call The Brancato Law Firm, P.A. at (813) 727-7159 to schedule a confidential consultation. We serve clients across Tampa, Hillsborough County, Pinellas County, and Pasco County.

We are ready to protect your rights with experience, precision, and a medical-driven approach that leaves no detail overlooked.