Strategic Defense,
From First DUI to Death Penalty
From First DUI to Death Penalty
Pasco County Criminal Defense Attorney | Brancato Law Firm, P.A.
Rocky Brancato is a Pasco County criminal defense attorney with more than 25 years of experience defending felony and misdemeanor cases in the Tampa Bay area. As the former Chief Operations Officer and Chief Assistant Public Defender of the Hillsborough County Public Defender’s Office, Rocky led and mentored a staff of over 100 attorneys and personally tried more than 150 jury trials to verdict — from misdemeanors through death penalty cases. Rated AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell and selected to Super Lawyers, Rocky Brancato and The Brancato Law Firm, P.A. now represent clients throughout Pasco County, including New Port Richey, Dade City, Wesley Chapel, Land O’ Lakes, and Zephyrhills. Rocky handles cases at both the West Pasco Judicial Center and the Robert D. Sumner Judicial Center in the Sixth Judicial Circuit.
If you or a family member has been arrested in Pasco County, call Pasco County criminal defense attorney Rocky Brancato at The Brancato Law Firm, P.A.: (813) 727-7159. We handle felony and misdemeanor cases in Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco Counties.
Why Choose a Pasco County Criminal Defense Attorney from The Brancato Law Firm
Pasco County operates within the Sixth Judicial Circuit, which handles criminal cases at the Robert D. Sumner Judicial Center in Dade City and the West Pasco Judicial Center in New Port Richey. Importantly, each courthouse serves a different part of the county, and the judges and prosecutors assigned to each location follow distinct patterns. A Pasco County criminal defense attorney who understands these local dynamics can use that knowledge to benefit your case.
Rocky Brancato’s career spans the entire Tampa Bay legal community. As a former Major Crimes Trial Attorney, he handled the most serious cases in the system — homicide, sex crimes, child abuse, and DUI manslaughter. Consequently, his experience with Hillsborough County’s courts, prosecutors, and judges translates directly to effective representation in the Sixth Judicial Circuit’s Pasco County courthouses. Rocky also serves on the Board of Directors of the Hillsborough County Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (HCACDL), demonstrating his leadership role in the local criminal defense bar. Additionally, he holds perfect 10.0 ratings on both Justia and Avvo and has been named to The National Top 100 Trial Lawyers.
Criminal Charges a Pasco County Criminal Defense Attorney Handles
| Charge Category | Examples | Potential Penalties |
|---|---|---|
| Drug Crimes | Possession, trafficking, sale/delivery, prescription fraud | 5 years to life (trafficking mandatory minimums apply) |
| DUI | First DUI, felony DUI, DUI with injury, DUI manslaughter | 6 months to 30 years (DUI manslaughter) |
| Gun Crimes | Felon in possession, carry concealed, improper exhibition | Up to 15 years; 10-20-Life minimums may apply |
| Domestic Violence | Battery, aggravated battery, strangulation, injunction violations | 1 year to 15 years; mandatory BIP program |
| Homicide | Murder, manslaughter, vehicular homicide | 15 years to life; death penalty in capital cases |
| Sex Crimes | Sexual battery, lewd/lascivious, solicitation | Up to life; sex offender registration required |
| Violent Crimes | Assault, aggravated battery, robbery, burglary | 1 year to life depending on degree |
| Child Abuse | Child abuse, aggravated child abuse, child neglect | Up to 30 years (aggravated); DCF involvement |
| Internet Crimes | Child pornography, online solicitation, identity theft | Up to 30 years; sex offender registration for some |
| White Collar | Fraud, embezzlement, forgery, scheme to defraud | Up to 30 years; restitution and asset forfeiture |
The Brancato Law Firm, P.A. defends clients against all of these charge categories in Pasco County courts. Regardless of the charge, your case receives senior-level attorney attention led by Rocky Brancato. Call (813) 727-7159 for a confidential case evaluation.
Navigating Pasco County Courts: What a Pasco County Criminal Defense Attorney Needs You to Know
Pasco County splits criminal cases between two courthouses. The Robert D. Sumner Judicial Center in Dade City handles cases from eastern Pasco, including Zephyrhills and Dade City. The West Pasco Judicial Center in New Port Richey handles cases from western Pasco, including New Port Richey, Hudson, and Holiday. Moreover, which courthouse handles your case typically depends on where the arrest occurred.
After an arrest in Pasco County, you appear for first appearance at the Pasco County Jail. A judge sets bond conditions and may impose restrictions such as no-contact orders. Having The Brancato Law Firm, P.A. involved from the first appearance stage can make a significant difference in bond conditions and early case strategy. For felony charges, the State Attorney for the Sixth Judicial Circuit reviews the evidence and decides whether to formally file charges. Therefore, this review period represents a critical window for the defense. A Pasco County criminal defense attorney who engages early can present favorable evidence to prosecutors before they make filing decisions.
Pasco County Criminal Defense Attorney Strategies Against Law Enforcement Charges
The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office is the primary law enforcement agency in unincorporated Pasco County. Additionally, municipal police departments in New Port Richey, Dade City, Zephyrhills, and Port Richey handle arrests within their jurisdictions. The Brancato Law Firm defends clients against charges from all Pasco County agencies.
Pasco County has also seen increased law enforcement activity, particularly related to drug trafficking along the I-75 corridor and human trafficking investigations. As a result, cases originating in Pasco County can involve complex multi-agency investigations. The Brancato Law Firm, P.A. has the experience to defend against charges arising from these large-scale operations.
How a Pasco County Criminal Defense Attorney Protects Your Rights
Every criminal case presents unique defense opportunities. Specifically, Rocky Brancato and the defense team examine every aspect of your arrest, the investigation, and the evidence. Common defense strategies in Pasco County criminal cases include:
- Suppression of evidence: Challenging illegal searches, traffic stops, and Miranda violations through pretrial motions
- Pre-charge intervention: Engaging with the State Attorney before formal charges to prevent prosecution or reduce charges
- Diversion programs: Identifying eligibility for pretrial diversion, drug court, veteran’s court, or mental health court alternatives
- Self-defense: Asserting Stand Your Ground immunity and other affirmative defenses
- Record clearing: Pursuing expungement or record sealing after case resolution
Pasco County Cities and Communities We Serve
The Brancato Law Firm represents clients throughout all of Pasco County. Specifically, Rocky Brancato handles cases from New Port Richey, Dade City, Wesley Chapel, Land O’ Lakes, Zephyrhills, Hudson, Holiday, Port Richey, Lutz (Pasco portion), Odessa, Trinity, and all unincorporated areas. No matter where your arrest occurred, the defense team stands ready to help.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Pasco County
What should I do if I am arrested in Pasco County?
Remain silent and request an attorney before answering any questions. You will likely be booked at the Pasco County Jail and brought before a judge for a first appearance within 24 hours. Contact The Brancato Law Firm, P.A. immediately so Rocky Brancato can begin working on your bond conditions and defense strategy.
Where are criminal cases heard in Pasco County?
Criminal cases in Pasco County are heard at either the West Pasco Judicial Center in New Port Richey or the East Pasco Judicial Center in Dade City, depending on where the offense occurred. The Brancato Law Firm, P.A. practices regularly in both Pasco County courthouses and is familiar with the judges, prosecutors, and procedures in the 6th Judicial Circuit.
Can a Tampa attorney handle my Pasco County criminal case?
Yes. Rocky Brancato at The Brancato Law Firm, P.A. is licensed throughout Florida and actively defends clients in Pasco County in addition to Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties. With more than 25 years of criminal defense experience and over 150 jury trials to verdict, Rocky Brancato brings the same aggressive defense to Pasco County cases.
More Questions About Your Defense
What types of criminal cases does The Brancato Law Firm handle in Pasco County?
The Brancato Law Firm, P.A. handles the full range of criminal charges in Pasco County, including DUI, drug crimes, domestic violence, violent crimes, sex crimes, gun charges, burglary, robbery, and all serious felonies. Rocky Brancato’s experience as a former Major Crimes Trial Attorney means he is equipped to handle the most serious charges in Pasco County courts.
How are Pasco County drug cases different from Hillsborough County cases?
While Florida’s drug laws apply uniformly across the state, prosecutors in different circuits may have different diversion policies, plea offer practices, and charging priorities. The Brancato Law Firm, P.A. understands the specific tendencies of the Pasco County State Attorney’s Office and uses that knowledge to pursue the best outcome for your case.
What are the penalties for felony charges in Pasco County?
Felony penalties in Florida range from up to 5 years for a third-degree felony to life imprisonment for a first-degree felony or life felony. Mandatory minimum sentences apply to certain drug trafficking, firearm, and sex offense charges. Rocky Brancato at The Brancato Law Firm, P.A. evaluates every Pasco County felony case for suppression opportunities, diversion eligibility, and trial defenses to minimize exposure.
Working With a Defense Attorney
Can I get a pretrial diversion program for my Pasco County charge?
Possibly. Pasco County offers pretrial intervention programs for certain eligible defendants, particularly first-time offenders facing nonviolent charges. Successful completion can result in charges being dropped. The Brancato Law Firm, P.A. advocates for diversion eligibility and guides clients through the program requirements.
Why should I hire The Brancato Law Firm for my Pasco County case?
Rocky Brancato has more than 25 years of criminal defense experience, including service as the former Chief Operations Officer and Chief Assistant Public Defender of the Hillsborough County Public Defender’s Office, where he led over 100 attorneys. Rated AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell and selected to Super Lawyers, Rocky Brancato at The Brancato Law Firm, P.A. brings this depth of courtroom experience to every Pasco County criminal case.
Big City Defense. Small Town Proximity.
You don’t have to settle for a local firm that lacks high-stakes trial experience. Brancato Law Firm, P.A. brings the power of 150+ jury trials to Pasco County—and our office is roughly 30 minutes away.
Whether your case is in Dade City or New Port Richey, you get elite, senior-level attorney attention without the long-distance hassle.
Get the Defense You Deserve Today. Brancato Law Firm, P.A. 620 E. Twiggs Street, Suite 205 Tampa, FL 33602 Phone: (813) 727-7159
The Brancato Law Firm, P.A. is a Tampa-based criminal defense practice. We are not affiliated with any other Brancato-named law firms.
This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Each case is unique, and outcomes depend on the individual facts and circumstances involved. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
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Tampa, FL 33602
Phone: (813) 727-7159
Located two blocks from the Hillsborough County Courthouse.
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