Florida Criminal Trial Consulting

You’re preparing for trial on a murder charge. The State has DNA evidence, expert witnesses, and a victim’s family watching every move. Your client’s freedom—maybe their life—depends on what happens in that courtroom. You know criminal law. But this case demands more: forensic expertise, jury psychology, and trial strategy honed through hundreds of high-stakes cases.

I’m Tampa Attorney Rocky Brancato. For over 25 years, I have tried Florida’s most serious criminal cases—homicides, sex crimes, aggravated child abuse, and expert-driven felonies. As former Chief Operations Officer of the Hillsborough County Public Defender’s Office (leading 100+ attorneys at a any given time), I’ve seen what wins cases and what loses them. Now I bring that experience to attorneys who need strategic reinforcement on their most demanding trials.

Who Benefits from Criminal Trial Consulting

Criminal Trial Consulting Services

Case Theory Development and Trial Strategy

Every successful defense begins with answering critical questions: What is our core theory? How will a Florida jury perceive the evidence? Which facts must we neutralize, and which should we spotlight? I help attorneys develop compelling defense narratives that resonate with jurors—theory-driven strategies built from 25 years of reading Florida juries.

Expert Witness Coordination and Forensic Support

Complex cases often turn on forensic evidence. Consequently, I maintain an extensive network of forensic pathologists, DNA analysts, medical professionals, and digital forensic experts. My services include:

• Identifying, vetting, and selecting defense experts matched to your specific case needs
• Reviewing and critiquing State expert disclosures and forensic reports
• Translating complex forensic material into clear, jury-focused presentations
• Preparing you for direct and cross-examination of technical witnesses

Pretrial Motion Practice and Evidentiary Hearings

Strong pretrial positioning often determines trial outcomes. Therefore, I assist attorneys in preparing and refining critical motions:

• Motions to Suppress: Challenging illegally obtained evidence
• Daubert Challenges: Attacking unreliable expert testimony
• Motions in Limine: Shaping what evidence the jury hears
• Discovery Enforcement: Ensuring the State discloses all required evidence

Jury Selection and Voir Dire Strategy

Selecting the right jury often determines the verdict. I provide guidance on juror profiling, theme-based questioning, and courtroom communication strategies. Moreover, my experience with Florida’s diverse jury pools helps identify jurors who will actually hear your client’s defense—not just those who say they will.

Co-Counsel Trial Representation

When you need an experienced presence in the courtroom, I appear as co-counsel. Whether you need a strategic second chair or lead counsel for specific trial segments—such as expert witness examination—I provide targeted reinforcement where it matters most.

Consulting Services at a Glance

Why Attorneys Choose Rocky Brancato

Major Crimes Experience

I spent years in an elite Major Crimes unit handling homicides, sex crimes, and child abuse cases. This hands-on experience taught me how these cases develop, how prosecutors build them, and—critically—how to dismantle them at trial.

Training Director Background

As Training Director, I designed and led intensive litigation programs for defense attorneys, prosecutors, and law enforcement officers throughout the region. As a result, I understand how prosecutors think and prepare—and I use that knowledge to anticipate their tactics and develop powerful counterstrategies.

Executive Leadership

As Chief Operations Officer of the Hillsborough County Public Defender’s Office, I directed litigation strategy for thousands of cases and managed 100+ attorneys. This executive perspective gives me an unmatched understanding of how the criminal justice system operates at every level.

Death-Qualified Status

I meet the rigorous standards required to defend capital cases where the State seeks the death penalty. Consequently, I bring capital-level preparation and scrutiny to every serious felony case.

Proven Trial Skills I Bring to Your Case

• Masterful Cross-Examination: Surgically dissecting testimony to expose inconsistencies and dismantle questionable expert opinions
• Strategic Evidence Deployment: Leveraging medical and forensic evidence to challenge false or exaggerated claims
• Compelling Jury Strategies: Crafting persuasive trial themes informed by decades of experience with Florida’s diverse jury pools
• Forensic Case Analysis: Navigating cold-hit DNA cases, mistaken identity defenses, and misdiagnosed child injuries

Collaborative, Confidential, and Results-Oriented

I respect your client relationships. My role is to strengthen your defense—not replace you. Every engagement adapts to your specific needs:

• Behind-the-scenes strategic counsel on case theory and trial preparation
• Targeted guidance on specific evidentiary or forensic challenges
• In-court support as co-counsel during critical trial segments

Whether you need comprehensive trial partnership or focused assistance on a single issue, I customize my involvement to serve your case.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of cases benefit most from trial consulting?

Homicides, sex crimes, aggravated child abuse, and any case involving complex forensic evidence or expert testimony. These cases demand specialized preparation that general criminal practice doesn’t provide.

Will my client know you’re involved?

That depends on the engagement. I can work entirely behind the scenes, providing strategic counsel without any client contact. Alternatively, I can appear as co-counsel if courtroom presence serves the case better.

Can defendants hire you directly to support their existing attorney?

Yes. If you’re facing serious charges and want additional strategic expertise working alongside your current attorney, I collaborate discreetly to strengthen your defense team. This approach gives you every possible advantage when your freedom is at stake.

What if I just need help with one aspect of the case?

Many engagements focus on specific challenges: expert witness preparation, a Daubert hearing, jury selection strategy, or cross-examination of a key witness. I tailor my involvement to what your case actually needs.

How do I get started?

Call for a confidential consultation. We’ll discuss your case, identify where strategic support would be most valuable, and determine the best engagement structure for your needs.

Strengthen Your Defense Before Trial

Major criminal trials demand more than knowledge of the law. They require forensic expertise, jury psychology, and trial strategy developed through hundreds of high-stakes cases. If you’re preparing for a serious felony trial in Florida, let my 25 years of experience become your strategic advantage.

Call (813) 727-7159 for a Confidential Consultation

The Brancato Law Firm, P.A.

620 E. Twiggs Street, Suite 205, Tampa, FL 33602

Death-Qualified | Former Chief Operations Officer, Hillsborough County Public Defender