Tampa Criminal Defense Lawyer | The Brancato Law Firm, P.A.

If you have been arrested or are under investigation in Tampa or the surrounding areas, everything you care about — your freedom, your career, your family — could be at risk. Criminal charges in Florida are serious, and the consequences of even a first offense can follow you for life.

At The Brancato Law Firm, P.A., we know what is at stake because we have been there with thousands of clients before. Led by Rocky Brancato, a veteran criminal trial lawyer with over 25 years of experience, our firm delivers serious, battle-tested defense for people facing serious accusations.

As the former head of the largest criminal defense organization in Tampa, Rocky Brancato has built his reputation by fighting for clients at every level of the system. Whether you are charged with DUI, drug trafficking, violent crime, sex offenses, or white-collar crimes, we are ready to stand between you and the government.

Why Choose The Brancato Law Firm, P.A.?

• Over 25 years of major crimes experience

• Former Second-in-Command of Tampa Bay’s largest criminal defense firm

• Battle-tested courtroom lawyer for felonies, misdemeanors, and criminal traffic offenses

• Strategic early intervention to prevent charges or secure dismissals

• Personal attention from your lead defense attorney

At The Brancato Law Firm, P.A., we know how the system really works — and how to position you for the best possible result.

Areas of Practice

We defend individuals charged with criminal offenses throughout Tampa, Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Polk Counties, including:

• All Criminal Offenses (No matter how serious or not)

• DUI Defense (First-time and repeat DUI, DUI Manslaughter)

• Drug Offenses (Possession, Trafficking, Prescription Fraud)

• Sex Crimes (Sexual Battery, Child Pornography, Lewd Conduct)

• Violent Crimes (Aggravated Assault, Battery, Robbery, Homicide)

• Weapons Charges

• White Collar Crimes (Fraud, Embezzlement, Identity Theft)

• Domestic Violence Allegations

• Criminal Traffic Offenses (Driving While License Suspended, Reckless Driving)

• Juvenile Crimes

No matter the charge, we are ready to fight for you.

How We Protect You Immediately After an Arrest

An arrest is not a conviction.
But what you do next can determine your future.

At The Brancato Law Firm, P.A., we move quickly to:

• Protect your right to remain silent and prevent damaging statements

• Challenge illegal traffic stops, searches, and seizures under the Fourth Amendment

• Fight for reasonable bond and aggressive pretrial release conditions

• Preserve favorable evidence before it is lost

• Develop a customized defense strategy from day one

Early intervention changes outcomes.
The sooner you act, the stronger your defense becomes. Learn about 5 Ways an Experienced Attorney Can Protect You After an Arrest.

Early Action Wins Cases

Many clients have trusted us immediately after an arrest — and that trust made the difference.

• In a fentanyl trafficking case, after challenging the legality of a vehicle search and the prosecutor’s detention motion, we persuaded the State to dismiss the case within three weeks of arrest.

• In a firearm and cocaine possession case, immediate advocacy at First Appearance Court and early communication with the intake prosecutor resulted in no charges being filed.

• In a driving while license suspended case, same-day investigation into body camera footage proved our client was not the driver — and the charges were dismissed at the very next hearing.

These results do not guarantee outcomes in future cases, but they show the value of experience and swift action.

Schedule a Consultation with a Tampa Criminal Defense Attorney

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Real Results You Can Trust

Our approach has helped clients facing the most serious allegations:

• False Sexual Molestation Allegations During Divorce: Client found not guilty after showing the allegations were fabricated to gain leverage.

• False Allegations by a Child Who Disliked Defendant: Jury returned a not guilty verdict after cross-examination revealed critical inconsistencies.

• Mistaken Identity in a Cold-Case Sexual Battery: Through DNA analysis and expert consultation, we secured a complete dismissal of charges.

Your life should not be destroyed by false accusations or weak government evidence. We are committed to exposing the truth and protecting your future.

We Investigate More Thoroughly Than the Prosecution

In many cases, prosecutors provide only selective evidence — particularly in cases involving alleged injuries. At The Brancato Law Firm, P.A., we obtain and review all relevant medical records, not just the ones prosecutors choose to disclose.

By consulting independent experts and thoroughly analyzing records, we have uncovered alternative explanations for alleged injuries and secured critical evidence that prosecutors ignored. In major cases involving child abuse, aggravated battery, and DUI with serious bodily injury, this approach has made the difference between conviction and dismissal.

What If You Are Innocent?

Do I need a lawyer if I am innocent? Innocence does not protect you from wrongful arrest, prosecution, or conviction.
The system is not built to find the truth automatically. It is built to obtain convictions.

Hiring a skilled Tampa criminal defense attorney protects you by:

• Stopping damaging interviews

• Preserving critical exculpatory evidence

• Demanding suppression of illegally obtained evidence

• Forcing prosecutors to meet their burden beyond a reasonable doubt

At The Brancato Law Firm, P.A., we have defended numerous clients falsely accused of serious offenses — and we know how to fight for the innocent.

What Happens After an Arrest in Tampa?

Understanding the criminal court process is critical to making informed decisions after an arrest. In Tampa and throughout Hillsborough County, criminal cases typically move through the following stages:

• Arrest and Booking:
  After an arrest, individuals are taken to the Orient Road Jail or Falkenburg Road Jail for booking. This includes fingerprinting, photographing, and personal information collection. Learn what to do after being arrested in Tampa, Florida. 

• First Appearance and Bond Hearing:
  Within 24 hours, arrested individuals must be brought before a judge to determine if probable cause exists and to set bond conditions. Early intervention by an attorney can impact release conditions significantly.

• Filing of Charges:
  After the arrest, the State Attorney’s Office reviews the case to determine whether to formally file charges. In some cases, early defense efforts can influence this decision and prevent charges from being filed.

• Arraignment:
  If charges are filed, an arraignment is scheduled where the accused formally pleads guilty, not guilty, or no contest.

• Pretrial Motions and Discovery:
  During this phase, both sides exchange evidence, and defense counsel may file motions to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, or limit prejudicial information.

• Trial or Plea Negotiations:
  If no resolution is reached, the case proceeds to trial. Throughout this process, your attorney is critical to preserving your rights and preparing for the best possible outcome.

At The Brancato Law Firm, P.A., we guide clients through each stage with strategic planning and relentless advocacy. Learn more about the criminal court process in Hillsborough County. 

Outcomes We Fight For

At The Brancato Law Firm, P.A., we understand that every case is unique — and every client’s future matters. Depending on the circumstances, our goals may include:

• Dismissal of Charges:
  When evidence is weak, constitutional violations occur, or witnesses are unreliable, we push aggressively for dismissals at the earliest opportunity.

• Diversion Programs:
  For eligible clients, we pursue diversion options that allow charges to be dismissed after completion of rehabilitative programs, keeping your record clean.

• Plea Negotiations to Lesser Offenses:
  When dismissal is not possible, we negotiate for reduced charges or lighter sentencing options to minimize long-term consequences.

• Trial Acquittals:
  We are always prepared to take cases to trial when necessary. Rocky Brancato has extensive jury trial experience and knows how to present compelling defenses to juries.

Our role is not simply to react to the State’s case — it is to force the government to prove every element and to fight for the best available outcome at every turn.

Your Rights Matter — Even If You Are Guilty

What if I am guilty? One of the core principles of American justice is that every individual, guilty or innocent, is entitled to a strong defense.
At The Brancato Law Firm, P.A., we defend people — not just facts on paper.

If you have made a mistake, you are still protected by:

• The right to remain silent

• The right to a lawyer

• The right to challenge unlawful searches

• The right to a speedy trial

• The right to be free from cruel or excessive punishment

Our founders deliberately created these rights to protect all individuals from unchecked government power.
Whether you are innocent, guilty, or somewhere in between, we are here to protect your rights and fight for your future.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What should I do first if I am arrested in Tampa?

Remain silent and request a lawyer immediately. Anything you say can be used against you. Contact The Brancato Law Firm, P.A. as soon as possible.

Can I get my charges dismissed before trial?

Yes, in many cases. Early intervention, pretrial motions, and strategic negotiations can lead to dismissals, particularly where constitutional violations or evidentiary weaknesses exist.

How long will my criminal case take in Hillsborough County?

Every case is different. Misdemeanor cases may resolve in a few months, while serious felonies can take a year or longer depending on motions, discovery, and trial scheduling.

What if I cannot afford to post bond?

Our firm works to secure the lowest possible bond or to advocate for non-monetary release conditions like pretrial services. Your immediate release is a top priority.

Will I have to go to trial?

Not necessarily. Many cases resolve through dismissal, diversion, or negotiated pleas. However, we prepare every case as if it will go to trial to maximize leverage and protect your interests.

What if I am guilty? Can you still help me?

Absolutely. Being guilty does not erase your constitutional rights. We work to protect your rights, negotiate favorable outcomes, challenge unlawful evidence, and limit punishments — regardless of guilt.

How Police Mistakes Can Lead to Dismissals

Police officers must follow strict rules under the law. When they fail to do so, critical evidence can be suppressed — and cases can fall apart. Police mistakes can lead to dismissal of charges. 

Common law enforcement mistakes include:

• Illegal traffic stops without reasonable suspicion

• Unlawful searches without valid warrants or consent

• Failure to properly advise Miranda rights

• Mishandling physical evidence or breaking chain of custody

• Coercing witnesses or altering statements

At The Brancato Law Firm, P.A., we aggressively challenge every constitutional violation to protect our clients.

Local Experience Matters

Criminal cases in Tampa move through the Hillsborough County Courthouse, Plant City Courthouse, and other regional divisions.
Having real experience with local judges, prosecutors, and court procedures makes a measurable difference.

We know how local practices affect bond decisions, diversion eligibility, pretrial motions, and trial strategy.
When everything is on the line, local knowledge matters.

Areas We Serve

The Brancato Law Firm, P.A. proudly defends clients throughout:

• Tampa

• Ybor City

• Brandon

• Carrollwood

• South Tampa

• Plant City

• Westchase

• Riverview

• Pinellas County

• Polk County

Wherever you are in the Tampa Bay area, we are ready to fight for you.

Client Testimonials: Real Experiences, Real Results

At The Brancato Law Firm, P.A., we are proud to have made a difference in the lives of thousands of clients over the past 25 years.
Here is what some of our recent clients have shared about their experiences:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“The rare lawyer with a heart. Mr. Brancato not only proved his legal acumen, but he did so with genuine empathy and caring. I felt he was personally invested in my success and acted above and beyond my expectations.”
— Kali L.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Mr. Brancato deserves five stars from day one. I was facing a fentanyl trafficking charge for something I did not do, and Mr. Brancato got all of my charges dropped. He answered any questions I had at any time. Thank you so much.”
— Joe C.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Attorney Brancato was phenomenal. Very professional, polite, and overall amazing. He was the only one who took the time to help me with a case I had been fighting for years. I cannot thank him enough.”
— Andrea M.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“I had a very difficult case, but in less than five business days Mr. Brancato lifted the weight off my shoulders. He goes above and beyond because he truly cares about his clients. In my opinion, if you are going to take a chance, take it on him.”
— Kellz C.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Fast response, humble, and affordable. Attorney Rocky Brancato delivered on short notice in our family’s time of need.”
— Jose V.

We appreciate the trust our clients place in us, and we take that responsibility seriously.
At The Brancato Law Firm, P.A., you are never just another case. You are a person who deserves dedicated, aggressive, and compassionate legal representation.

What If You Are Guilty?

Many people wonder, “If I am guilty, do I even deserve a defense?”
The answer — according to the Constitution — is a resounding yes.

Our Founders understood the dangers of unchecked government power. After living under the tyranny of the British Crown, they deliberately designed a system where:

• The government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt

• Defendants have the absolute right to remain silent

• Every person accused of a crime has the right to the best legal defense they can afford

• Procedural rules and constitutional protections apply equally to everyone, guilty or innocent

It is not unethical to defend someone who is guilty. It is the system our forefathers chose as the best protection against tyranny.

At The Brancato Law Firm, P.A., we do not judge our clients.
Whether you made a mistake, exercised poor judgment, or are being wrongly accused, our role is to enforce your constitutional rights, hold the government to its burden, and fight for the best possible outcome.

Even if you believe you are guilty, the State still has to prove every element of the crime, lawfully and properly.
An experienced defense attorney can:

• Challenge improper police conduct

• Expose weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence

• Prevent unlawful or excessive punishment

• Protect your rights every step of the way

At The Brancato Law Firm, P.A., we defend people — not just facts on paper.
When you are facing the power of the government, you deserve a defense that is as strong as the system allows.

Call a Tampa Criminal Defense Attorney With Over 25 Years Experience

When your freedom, reputation, and future are at risk, you need real defense — not empty promises.
You need a firm with the experience, strategy, and courtroom skill to make a real difference.

At The Brancato Law Firm, P.A., we have spent decades protecting people against the full power of the government.
Let us protect you.

Call (813) 592-8981 for a confidential consultation.

Office Location: 1600 E 8th Ave, Ste A200, Tampa, FL 33605

www.brancatolawfirm.com