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Rocky West Brancato
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About Rocky
Biography
With over 25 years of criminal defense experience, Rocky Brancato has built a reputation as one of Tampa Bay's most formidable trial lawyers — an attorney who prepares every case as if it's going to trial and fights to level the playing field against the government's resources.
Rocky rose to Chief Operations Officer of the Hillsborough County Public Defender's Office, where he led and mentored a staff of over 100 attorneys handling everything from misdemeanors to death penalty cases. His time in a specialized Major Crimes Unit — handling homicides, sex crimes, and child abuse cases — shaped his approach to complex, high-stakes defense work.
As a former police academy instructor, Rocky trained officers on criminal procedure and courtroom testimony. That experience gives him unique insight into how law enforcement is coached to testify — and how to effectively challenge that testimony on cross-examination.
Rocky is death-qualified to handle capital cases and is a member of the National College for DUI Defense (NCDD). He is known for his strategic use of expert witnesses to educate judges and juries on critical legal and factual issues, and for his deep understanding of mental health and specialty court systems — tools he uses to pursue every possible avenue for his clients.
For over two decades, Rocky has trained and mentored hundreds of attorneys across Tampa Bay and lectured statewide for Florida Bar credit. His peers have recognized him with an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell — the highest distinction for legal ability and ethical standards — and he has been selected to Super Lawyers.
He is the author of How to Choose a Major Crimes Attorney — or Any Criminal Defense Attorney for That Matter, available on Amazon or as a free download at .
The Brancato Law Firm represents clients facing any criminal charge — from DUI and domestic violence to drug trafficking, sex crimes, and homicide — throughout Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco Counties.
Rocky has made a significant impact on thousands of clients' lives. Let him make a difference in yours. Call today.
Past member of an elite Major Crimes Unit specializing in Sex Crimes, child abuse and Homicide cases. Former second-in-command of largest criminal defense firm in Tampa Bay. Check out Rocky's results below and put him in your corner to help you reclaim your life!
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
Sex Crime
40%
26 years | 5,000 cases
Criminal Defense
35%
26 years | 20,000 cases
Child Abuse
10%
Violent Crime
10%
26 years | 5,000 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Retainer
Sometimes
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
Licenses
Licensed in Florida for 26 years
State: Florida
Acquired: 2000
No misconduct found
Location
Gallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Rocky online.
Rocky West Brancato's Reviews
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Molly | February 3, 2026 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Choose Rocky Brancato
Rocky is the best lawyer. He believed in me when no one else did. He fought hard, and did not stop working until he found the evidence we needed to win my case and clear my name. When he took on my case, it had been already ongoing for quite some time, many other lawyers turned me away due to it bein...
Rocky Brancato
Replied last February 3, 2026Thank you Molly for your 5-star review! It was a pleasure to serve you!
Posted by Keelie | February 24, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
5 Stars and Above Lawyer in Tampa and surrounding areas
Attorney Brancato was phenomenal. If I could give him more than 5 stars I would. Very professional, polite, and just overall AMAZING. The only one that actually took the time to help me with a specific case I had for the past few years. I can’t begin to thank him enough.
Rocky Brancato
Replied last February 24, 2025Thank you, Keelie, for your review. It was our pleasure to lift this weight off of your back and help give you some peace. I am so happy you found our blog article that led you to our firm. I am even happier that we were able to serve you by getting your case completely dismissed!
Posted by Yian | February 4, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
What a professional lawyer should be !
I'm my experience i can truly say Rocky is a real professional. He contacted me asap with questions and answers to my case , he then proceeded to handled my case as if it were his, and he went above and beyond untill I was satisfied with my results. He also keep me up to date with everything I'm he...
Rocky Brancato
Replied last February 24, 2025Thank you, Yian, for your review. We are happy we were able to serve you by getting your case completely dismissed!
Rocky West Brancato's Lawyer Endorsements
"As a former assistant public defender and lawyer with years in private practice, I’ve worked alongside some of the best criminal defense lawyers in the Tampa Bay area. Rocky, a mentor of mine, will always stand out to me as one of the most talented, experienced, and ethical attorneys in the field. His results are unquestionably impressive. He was a tremendous teacher for me personally. Rocky's dedication to his clients, extensive legal knowledge, and unwavering commitment to justice put him amongst the elite criminal defense lawyers in the Tampa Bay area - if not the entire state. If you need strong, strategic representation, I highly recommend Rocky Brancato and his firm. I would not hesitate to trust him with representing my closest friends or family and nor should you."
"I endorse Rocky. He is an extremely knowledgeable and thorough legal practitioner."
"Mr. Brancato is a phenomenal and highly skilled attorney. He is extremely knowledgeable and has extensive trial experience. He is a very gifted attorney who fights for his clients and has the experience to effectively and successfully represent his clients. I would highly recommend him for anyone needing an attorney for themselves or their loved ones. I endorse this lawyer."
Rory Safir
DUI and DWI lawyer
Experience
Honors
2025
AV Preeminent Rating, Martindale-Hubbell®
2024
Torchbearer Award, Hillsborough Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
2012
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
Felony Bureau Litigator of the Year, Hillsborough County Public Defender's Office
Work Experience
2025 - Present
Managing Partner, Brancato Law Firm, P.A.
2021 - 2025
Chief Operations Officer, Hillsborough County Public Defender's Office
2018 - 2021
Felony Bureau Chief, Hillsborough County Public Defender's Office
2017 - 2018
Misdemeanor, Juvenile & Intake Bureau Chief, Hillsborough County Public Defender's Office
2012 - 2014
Training Director, Hillsborough County Public Defender's Office
2008 - 2011
Major Crimes Trial Attorney, Hillsborough County Public Defender's Office
2004 - 2008
Felony Division Chief, Hillsborough County Public Defender's Office
2003 - 2004
Felony Trial Attorney, Hillsborough County Public Defender's Office
2002 - 2003
Legal Instructor, George Stone Police Academy (Pensacola, FL)
2000 - 2003
Assistant Public Defender, Public Defender, 1st Judicial Circuit (Escambia County, FL)
1999 - 2000
Certified Legal Intern, Public Defender, 1st Judicial Circuit (Escambia County, FL)
Associations
2012 - Present
Hillsborough County Bar AssociationMember
2010 - Present
Hillsborough County Association of Criminal Defense LawyersBoard of Directors
2000 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2000 - Present
Florida Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2000 - Present
Florida BarMember
2022 - 2024
Juvenile Justice Advisory Board, 13th Judicial CircuitChair
2015 - 2024
Safe & Sound HillsboroughVice Chair, Youth and Gun Violence Committee
2015 - 2021
Board of Directors, Pace Center for GirlsVice Chair
2014 - 2025
DUI CounterattackBoard of Directors
2012 - 2023
Problem Solving Courts Oversight Committee, 13th Judicial CircuitMember
Sample of Legal Cases
CHARGES DISMISSED, FIRST DEGREE MURDER
Homicide and Child Abuse Charges dismissed, Plead to Lesser of Child Neglect with Probation
NOT GUILTY VERDICT, SECOND DEGREE MURDER
Not Guilty Verdict
CLIENT EXONERATED IN VIOLENT RAPE CASE
Nolle Pross (dismissal)
MEDICAL INVESTIGATION LEADS TO DISMISSAL OF AGGRAVATED CHILD ABUSE CASE
Nolle Pross (dismissal)
NOT GUILTY VERDICT, SEXUAL BATTERY
Not Guilty of Sexual Battery. Guilty of misdemeanor trespass.
CHARGES DISMISSED, UNLAWFUL SEXUAL CONDUCT WITH A MINOR
Nolle Pross (dismissal)
MISDEMEANOR VERDICT IN LEWD OR LASCIVIOUS CASE
Lesser Verdict on a Misdemeanor
NOT GUILTY VERDICT, ROBBERY WITH A FIREARM
Not Guilty Verdict
NOT GUILTY VERDICT, TRAFFICKING IN COCAINE
Not Guilty Verdict
NOT GUILTY VERDICT, POSSESSION OF COCAINE WITHIN 1000 FEET OF A CHURCH AND POSSESSION OF COCAINE WITHIN 1000 FEET OF A SCHOOL
Not Guilty Verdict
NOT GUILTY VERDICT, DELIVER OF COCAINE WITH 1000 FEET OF A CHURCH, POSSESSION OF COCAINE
Not Guilty Verdict
NOT GUILTY VERDICT, DRIVING WHILE LICENSE SUSPENDED, HABITUAL TRAFFIC OFFENDER
Not Guilty Verdict
NOT GUILTY VERDICT, KIDNAPPING
Not Guilty Verdict
MISDEMEANOR VERDICT ON VIOLENT FELONY CASE
Lesser Verdict on a Misdemeanor
MISDEMEANOR VERDICT ON VIOLENT GUN CHARGES
Lesser Verdict on a Misdemeanors
MISDEMEANOR VERDICTS ON BURGLARY CASE
Lesser Verdict on a Misdemeanors
NOT GUILTY VERDICT, ARMED ROBBERY WITH A FIREARM AND ATTEMPTED ARMED ROBBERY
Not Guilty Verdict
MISDEMEANOR VERDICT ON ROBBERY CHARGE
Misdemeanor Verdict
NOT GUILTY VERDICT, GRAND THEFT MOTOR VEHICLE
Not Guilty Verdict
NOT GUILTY VERDICT, AGGRAVATED ASSAULT AND BATTERY
Not Guilty Verdict
MISDEMEANOR VERDICTS ON VIOLENT CHARGES INVOLVING LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS
Guilty of Misdemeanors Only
NOT GUILTY VERDICT CAPITAL SEXUAL BATTERY AND LEWD OR LASCIVIOUS MOLESTATION
Not Guilty Verdict
PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION DEFENSE YIELDS A NOT GUILTY VERDICT, ESCAPE
Not Guilty Verdict
NOT GUILTY VERDICT, BURGLARY OF AN UNOCCUPIED STRUCTURE AND GRAND THEFT
Not Guilty Verdict
NOT GUILTY VERDICT, GRAND THEFT MOTOR VEHCILE AND PETIT THEFT
Not Guilty Verdict
NOT GUILTY VERDICT, POSSESSION OF COCAINE
Not Guilty Verdict
NOT GUILTY VERDICT, GRAND THEFT
Not Guilty Verdict
NOT GUILTY VERIDCT, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE BATTERY
Not Guilty Verdict
NOT GUILTY OF FELONY PETIT THEFT
Not Guilty Verdict
NOT GUILTY VERDICT, SEXUAL BATTERY
Not Guilty Verdict
GUILTY OF LESSER OFFENSE OF MISDEMEANOR BATTERY
Lesser Verdict on a Misdemeanor
NOT GUILTY VERICT, DUI AND RESITING OFFICER WITHOUT VIOLENCE
Not Guilty Verdict
Education
1998
University of North Dakota School of Law
Juris Doctor
1994
Utah State University
Bachelor of Science, Political Science
Speaking Engagements
2024
University of South Florida Criminology
Juvenile Justice
2024
Hillsborough County Public Defender's Office Training
Impeachment of Witness by Prior Inconsistent Statement
2023
Hillsborough County Opioid Summit
Treatment of Opioid Addition through Problem Solving Courts
2023
Building a Better Defense 2023
Public Records
2022
Hillsborough County Public Defender's Office Training
Audio and Video Redaction
2022
HCBA Young Lawyers Series
Body Cams: Policy, Issues, and What You Need to Know
2021
Hillsborough County Public Defender's Office Training
Refreshing Witness Recollection
2021
Hillsborough County Public Defender's Office Training
Introducing Evidence
2021
Hillsborough County Public Defender's Office Training
Impeachment of Witness Using Prior Convictions
2020
Hillsborough County Public Schools Principals Group
Police Interrogation of Children on School Campus
2020
Hillsborough County Public Defender's Office Training
Past Recollection Recorded
2019
Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office Detective Training
Taking Better Depositions
2018
Implicit Bias Panel for New Circuit Judges
Implicit Bias
2018
Hillsborough County Public Defender's Office Training
Enforcing Discovery
2017
Hillsborough County Public Defender's Office Training
The Law on Covert Recordings
2017
Hillsborough County Public Defender's Office Training
Improving Perception, Reality & Professionalism
2015
Hillsborough County Public Defender's Office Training
Richardson Hearings
2014
The Mechanics of Criminal Procedures
Preliminary Proceedings and the Arraignment: Errors and Strategies
2014
Hillsborough County Public Defender's Office Training
Time Management and Efficiency for Lawyers
2013
The Mechanics of Criminal Procedures
Gathering Evidence: Searches, Seizures, Confessions and Errors in the System
Publications
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
Does anyone know about Sexual Battery charges and whether first time accusers stand good chances?
16 Dec 2025
Q&A
Can a 22 year old have a consensual relationship with a 17 year old who?
01 Oct 2025
Q&A
My friend / roommate was falsely accused of touching his sister back in the 1995 while he was in juvenile hall ?
30 Sep 2025
Legal Guides
Legal Guide
A Guide to Privileged Communications in Florida Child Abuse and Neglect Cases
22 Feb 2025
Legal Guide
A Guide to Child Protection Team Testimony in Florida Child Abuse Cases
22 Feb 2025
Legal Guide
A Guide to Removal From Florida Sex Offender Registry Under the Romeo & Juliet Law
22 Feb 2025