Rocky Brancato

Rocky Brancato is a Tampa criminal defense attorney and managing shareholder with more than 25 years of courtroom experience. He represents individuals facing charges ranging from DUI and misdemeanors to homicide, sex offenses, drug crimes, domestic violence, and other serious felonies. His practice emphasizes early intervention, detailed evidence review, trial preparation, and protection of clients’ constitutional rights in Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco counties.

Brancato earned his J.D. from the University of North Dakota School of Law in 1998 and a B.S. from Utah State University in 1994. He is admitted to practice in all Florida state courts, the US District Court for the Middle District of Florida, and the US Supreme Court. He is also qualified to serve as lead counsel in Florida capital cases involving the death penalty.

Before entering private practice, Brancato served as Chief Assistant Public Defender and Chief Operations Officer for the Hillsborough County Public Defender’s Office. He oversaw felony and major crimes divisions while continuing to handle homicide and sex-crime trials. His experience includes analyzing forensic, medical, and digital evidence, coordinating with expert witnesses, conducting jury trials, and challenging law enforcement testimony. He also taught criminal procedure and courtroom testimony as a police academy instructor.

Rocky Brancato holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell and has been selected to Super Lawyers and the National Trial Lawyers Top 100. His professional service includes leadership and membership roles with criminal defense organizations, local bar groups, juvenile justice programs, and problem-solving court initiatives. He brings a defense-focused perspective, extensive trial knowledge, and careful strategic preparation to cases where clients’ freedom, careers, and reputations are at risk.

Law Office Affiliations

• Managing Shareholder, Brancato Law Firm, P.A.
• Member, Florida Bar
• Member of Board of Directors, Hillsborough County Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
• Member, Hillsborough County Bar Association (HCBA)
• Member, Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (FACDL)
• Member, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL)
• Life Member, NAACP

Licensed State

• Florida

Education

• University of North Dakota School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Utah State University
  Bachelor of Science (BS)

Awards & Badges