Rocky Brancato

Meet Rocky Brancato

Rocky Brancato – Managing Partner, The Brancato Law Firm, P.A.

For more than 25 years, Rocky Brancato has been recognized as one of Tampa Bay’s most accomplished criminal trial attorneys. Rated AV Preeminent® by Martindale-Hubbell® since 2015, he has built his reputation on courtroom results, strategic preparation, and steadfast advocacy in high-stakes criminal cases.

At The Brancato Law Firm, P.A., Rocky leads a trial-first practice focused on serious felonies—including homicide, sex-offense, and violent-crime defense—where experience and judgment make the difference. His approach reflects the belief that the best outcomes begin long before trial, through careful planning and relentless attention to detail.

A Proven Record of Leadership and Results

Rocky is death-qualified and has tried numerous complex felony cases throughout Florida. His defense strategies are grounded in a deep analysis of forensic, medical, and digital evidence. As a result, he often exposes weaknesses that shift the balance of a case.

Whether defending a major felony or a criminal-traffic allegation, clients benefit from the calm, tactical mindset of a veteran trial lawyer. Moreover, his decades in the courtroom have refined his ability to read juries, anticipate prosecutorial tactics, and deliver persuasive cross-examinations.

Recognition and Professional Distinction

Rocky’s professionalism and peer respect have earned consistent recognition:

• AV Preeminent® Rating, Martindale-Hubbell® (2015–Present) – highest rating for skill and ethics
• National Trial Lawyers Top 100 (2024)
• AVVO 10.0 Superb Rating (2024)
• Justia 10.0 Rating (2024)
• Torchbearer Award, Hillsborough County Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (2024)
• Honor, Optimism, Leadership & Teamwork Award (2012)
• Major Crimes Bureau Attorney of the Year (2008)
• Felony Bureau Litigator of the Year (2005)

Why Recognition Matters: In major-felony defense, credibility and reputation shape every negotiation and courtroom exchange. Furthermore, peer-reviewed honors signal that an attorney commands respect among judges, jurors, and opposing counsel—an advantage that can directly affect outcomes.

The Major-Crimes Leadership Advantage

Before entering private practice, Rocky served as Chief Assistant Public Defender (Chief Operations Officer) for the Hillsborough County Public Defender’s Office—one of Florida’s largest defense agencies, with more than 100 attorneys and over 200 staff. In that executive role, he oversaw felony and homicide divisions, mentored senior trial lawyers, and collaborated with judges and prosecutors on policy and problem-solving court initiatives.

Even as an executive leader, Rocky continued to maintain an active caseload of homicide and sex-crime trials. At the same time, he remained in the courtroom, ensuring his leadership stayed grounded in real-world trial experience rather than administrative distance. This rare blend of executive oversight and frontline advocacy gives him unmatched insight into prosecutorial strategy, evidence development, and jury dynamics.

Unlike many former prosecutors who later turn to defense work, Rocky’s entire career has been devoted to protecting the accused. For that reason, he often explains, “You can take the attorney out of the prosecutor’s office, but you can’t take the prosecutor out of the attorney. I’ve never worn that lens—and that’s an asset to my clients. I see people, not labels.”

Educator and Thought Leader

Rocky is a sought-after presenter on topics central to today’s most challenging criminal cases. His presentations cover advanced techniques in sex-offense defense, treatment-court innovation and the opioid epidemic, and effective deposition strategies for law-enforcement and expert witnesses.

In addition, his lectures for bar associations, law schools, and public agencies highlight both his technical mastery and his balanced perspective on justice-system reform. Through teaching, he helps newer attorneys develop the judgment required to defend complex, emotionally charged cases.

Credentials and Affiliations

• Admitted to: U.S. Supreme Court; U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida; and all Florida state courts
• Death-Qualified Trial Attorney for capital defense
• Board of Directors, Hillsborough County Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
• Member: Hillsborough County Bar Association (HCBA); Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (FACDL); National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL); and The Florida Bar
• Life Member, NAACP
• Former Board Member, DUI Counterattack (2014–2025)
• Former Chair, Juvenile Justice Board (13th Judicial Circuit)
• Member, Problem-Solving Courts Oversight Committee (2012–2023)
• Vice Chair, Pace Center for Girls (2015–2021)

Author and Advocate

Rocky is the author of How to Choose a Major Crimes Attorney — or Any Criminal Defense Attorney for That Matter. The book provides practical guidance for evaluating trial skill, integrity, and strategy when freedom is at stake. It is available on Amazon and can also be requested free through the firm’s website.

The Brancato Law Firm, P.A.

620 E Twiggs Street, Suite 205 | Tampa, FL 33602
(813) 727-7159 | www.BrancatoLawFirm.com