Strategic Defense,
From First DUI to Death Penalty
From First DUI to Death Penalty
Tampa Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer
I’m Tampa Sex Crimes Defense Attorney Rocky Brancato. For over 25 years in Hillsborough County, I’ve defended people facing Florida’s most serious sex crime allegations. As a former member of the Major Crimes unit handling sex crimes, child abuse, and homicide, I know how prosecutors build these cases–because I’ve spent my career tearing them apart. The Brancato Law Firm’s forensic expert network includes DNA analysts, medical pathologists, and psychologists who expose weaknesses in the State’s evidence. If you’re facing sex crime charges in Hillsborough, Pinellas, or Pasco County, call The Brancato Law Firm, P.A. at (813) 727-7159 for a free, confidential consultation.
Your child just asked why police officers came to the house. Your employer confirms you’re suspended pending investigation. In the next room, your spouse is crying. A sex crime accusation doesn’t just threaten your freedom–it attacks every relationship, every job prospect, and every shred of dignity you’ve built over a lifetime.
Before Charges Are Filed: Your Best Chance
The most important phone call you make may be the one before charges are filed. The State Attorney’s Office reviews every case before deciding to prosecute. During this window, we present evidence, provide context, and advocate directly to prosecutors. Many of our cases end here–with no charges filed. Once formal charges hit, the fight becomes exponentially harder.
Why Experience Matters in Sex Crime Defense
As former Chief Operations Officer of the Hillsborough County Public Defender’s Office, I operated at the highest level of Tampa Bay’s criminal justice system–collaborating with elected State Attorneys, Sheriffs, Police Chiefs, and Chief Judges on the policies that shape how cases are charged, prosecuted, and resolved. I understand the system because I helped build it.
Before leading operations, I worked in the Major Crimes unit defending homicide, sex crimes, and child abuse cases. I also taught criminal procedure and courtroom testimony at the police academy–which means I know exactly what interrogation tactics officers use at Orient Road Jail and how to challenge them.
What Attorneys Miss in Sex Crime Cases
| Issue | What We Exploit |
| SANE Exam “Consistent With” Language | Findings equally consistent with consensual activity. Independent MDs testify that “consistent with” does not mean “caused by.” |
| Child Coaching in Custody Disputes | Adult terminology in child’s statements, number of prior interviews, text messages discussing “what to tell detective.” |
| Police Interview vs. Forensic Interview | Police often interview first with leading questions. Wide disparity between accounts = contamination evidence for jury. |
| DNA Confirmation Bias | Police tell examiners the allegation before analysis. Independent experts reviewing blind reach different conclusions. |
| Interrogation Tactics (Statutory Cases) | “I know you didn’t rape her…” trick elicits admission to consensual contact–still criminal. Motions to suppress frequently granted. |
Proven Results in Tampa Sex Crime Defense
| Outcome | Charge | How We Won |
| NOT GUILTY | Sexual Molestation | Exposed coaching–child’s language matched mother’s phrasing; text messages revealed coordination |
| CHARGES DISMISSED | Cold Case Rape | Independent DNA analyst discovered state lab contamination; “match” was meaningless |
| NOT GUILTY | Sexual Battery | Consent defense presented to jury; challenged State’s forensic evidence |
| DESIGNATION REMOVED | Sexual Predator | Identified and corrected previous attorney’s critical error |
| REDUCED | Lewd Conduct | Exposed witness testimony flaws; reduced to non-sex offense, avoided registration |
| NO REGISTRATION | Out-of-State Registry | Determined client did not meet Florida threshold; obtained assurances from Sheriff’s Office |
Disclaimer: Each case is unique. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
Challenging the State’s Forensic Evidence
Prosecutors present forensic evidence as conclusive. It rarely is. Our forensic expert network challenges:
DNA Evidence: Proves material was present–not when, how, or whether a crime occurred. Contamination and confirmation bias are common.
SANE Exams: “Consistent with” language doesn’t mean “caused by.” Same findings occur from consensual activity.
Confessions: False confessions contribute to 30% of wrongful convictions. We challenge interrogation tactics and file motions to suppress.
SANE Nurse vs. Medical Doctor: Who Carries More Weight?
| Factor | SANE Nurse | Medical Doctor |
| Training | Evidence collection certification | Years of clinical diagnostics |
| Approach | Evaluates only the allegation provided | Considers all possible explanations |
| Jury Impact | “Consistent with” can be challenged | Objective analysis carries significant weight |
Florida Sex Crime Consequences
Florida imposes some of the harshest sex crime penalties in the nation.
| Factor | Sexual Offender | Sexual Predator |
| Registration Duration | Varies (often lifetime) | Lifetime–no exceptions |
| Public Notification | FDLE website listing | Active community notification |
| Check-In Frequency | Twice yearly | Every 90 days |
| Removal Possibility | Possible after 25 years | Extremely limited |
WARNING: Sex offender registration applies even when a judge withholds adjudication. Many defendants believe they avoided registration only to discover they’re on the registry for life.
Sex Crimes We Defend
We defend our clients against all sex crimes charges, including:
Sexual Battery (Section 794.011)
Commonly called rape. Potential life sentence. We assert consent defenses, expose false allegations, and challenge forensic evidence.
Lewd and Lascivious Offenses (Section 800.04)
Allegations involving minors. Conviction requires lifetime registration. We demonstrate lack of intent or expose false allegations in custody disputes.
Child Pornography (Section 827.071)
Mandatory minimums apply. Defenses focus on knowledge and control. We work with computer forensic experts to examine malware and unauthorized access.
Human Trafficking (Section 787.06)
Potential life imprisonment. Early intervention is critical. We work with prosecutors before formal charges when possible.
Florida Sex Offender Registry Removal
Romeo and Juliet Law: Consensual activity between teenagers (victim 13-17, you no more than 4 years older) may qualify for removal.
25-Year Removal: After 25 consecutive years without reoffending, certain individuals may petition for removal.
Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions about Sex Crimes
Do I need a lawyer if I’m under investigation for a sex crime?
Yes–immediately. The investigation phase is when the State builds its case. We can intervene before charges are filed and potentially prevent them entirely.
How much does a sex crimes defense lawyer cost in Tampa?
Fees vary by complexity, but the stakes–potential life imprisonment and lifetime registration–demand experienced defense. Call (813) 727-7159 for a free consultation.
Do you offer payment plans on sex crimes cases?
Yes–we work with our clients to make our services as accessible as possible. This includes offering payment plans structured payments.
Can sex crime charges be dropped before trial?
Yes. Many of our cases resolve before formal charges through pre-file advocacy, motions to suppress, and exposing weaknesses in the State’s evidence.
What should I do if I’m falsely accused of a sex crime?
Do not speak to police without an attorney. Do not contact the accuser. Preserve evidence (texts, emails, location data). Call a defense attorney immediately.
Should I talk to police if accused of a sex crime?
No. Say “I wish to speak with my lawyer” and remain silent. Police interrogation tactics are designed to elicit admissions–even from innocent people.
What can a sex crimes attorney do to help my case?
Challenge DNA evidence, expose false allegations, suppress coerced confessions, retain independent forensic experts, and advocate to prosecutors before charges are filed.
Questions About the Brancato Law Firm, P.A.
Why should I hire The Brancato Law Firm?
Rocky Brancato brings 25+ years of experience including sex crimes defense in the Major Crimes unit. As former COO of the Hillsborough County Public Defender’s Office, he operated at the highest level of Tampa Bay’s criminal justice system. That knowledge–combined with our forensic expert network and AV Preeminent rating–provides advantages most attorneys cannot match.
What do clients say about The Brancato Law Firm?
Our clients describe Rocky Brancato as responsive, knowledgeable, and genuinely invested in their success. Many highlight his ability to resolve serious charges quickly–including dismissals in under a week. Read our reviews on Google and see for yourself.
What do Super Lawyers and AV Preeminent ratings mean?
Rocky Brancato has been selected to Super Lawyers and holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell–the highest rating for legal ability and ethics. These credentials cannot be purchased. Super Lawyers is limited to the top 5% of attorneys through peer nomination and independent research. AV Preeminent is based on peer reviews from judges and fellow attorneys.
Your Future Depends on What You Do Next
Every hour you wait gives prosecutors more time to build their case. If charges haven’t been filed yet, early action may prevent them entirely.
Your freedom is at stake–act now.
Call (813) 727-7159 for a Free, Confidential Consultation
Tampa Criminal Defense Attorney Rocky Brancato
620 E. Twiggs Street, Suite 205, Tampa, FL 33602
The Brancato Law Firm, P.A. is a Tampa-based criminal defense practice. We are not affiliated with any other Brancato-named law firms.
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Tampa Office
620 E Twiggs St
Suite #205
Suite #205
Tampa, FL 33602
Phone: (813) 727-7159
Located two blocks from the Hillsborough County Courthouse.
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