Elite Lawyer

About Rocky Brancato

Rocky Brancato is a seasoned Tampa criminal defense attorney with over 25 years of experience representing individuals facing serious charges across Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Polk counties. He is the founder of The Brancato Law Firm, P.A., where he defends clients in cases involving sex crimes, DUI, domestic violence, drug offenses, violent felonies, child abuse, and internet-related crimes.

Before founding the firm, Rocky held a senior leadership role at the largest criminal defense firm in the Tampa Bay area, where he litigated high-stakes cases in an elite unit focused exclusively on homicide, sexual battery, and aggravated child abuse. His background includes years of trial experience in some of Florida’s most complex criminal matters.

Known for his strategic thinking and courtroom skill, Rocky often works with expert witnesses and forensic professionals to dismantle the prosecution’s case. He has secured not guilty verdicts, case dismissals, and significant charge reductions through detailed preparation and persuasive advocacy.

In addition to trial work, Rocky is well-versed in mental health defenses and specialty court alternatives, often helping clients avoid prison through treatment-focused resolutions. He serves on the 13th Judicial Circuit’s Problem-Solving Court Committee and is a frequent lecturer on criminal defense strategy for Florida Bar CLE seminars.

He holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, reflecting the highest level of professional excellence and ethical standards.

Rocky is admitted to practice in all Florida state courts, the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, and the Supreme Court of the United States. He is an active member of the HCACDL, FACDL, NACDL, and HCBA.

If you are under investigation or facing charges, contact The Brancato Law Firm, P.A. today to work with a criminal defense attorney trusted throughout Tampa Bay.

Education

University of North Dakota School of Law, JD-1998
Utah State University, BS-1994

Bar Associations

Florida Bar Associations
Hillsborough County Bar Association

Honors & Awards

AV Preeminent Rating, Martindale-Hubbell-2025
Julianne M. Holt Torchbearer Award, Hillsborough Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers-2024
Honor, Optimism, Leadership & Teamwork Award, Hillsborough County Public Defender's Office-2008
Major Crimes Bureau Professional Attorney of the Year, Hillsborough County Public Defender's Office-2005

Professional Associations

DUI Counterattack - Board of Directors, 2014-2025
Hillsborough County Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers - Board of Directors, 2010
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers - Member, 2000
Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers - Member, 2000
Juvenile Justice Advisory Board, 13th Judicial Circuit - Chair, 2022-2024
Safe & Sound Hillsborough - Vice Chair, Youth and Gun Violence Committee, 2015-2024
Board of Directors, Pace Center for Girls - Vice Chair, 2015-2021
Problem Solving Courts Oversight Committee, 13th Judicial Circuit - Member, 2012-2023

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