Criminal Defense in Panama City and Bay County
Built on Prosecutorial Insight
An arrest is not a conviction. But without the right defense, it can become one.
Rusty Shepard spent years as an Assistant State Attorney in Florida’s 14th Judicial Circuit before dedicating his career to defending the people he once prosecuted. He knows how the State builds its cases — because he built them. That experience is your advantage from the first conversation.
How We Build Your Defense
Shepard Law prepares every case as if it is going to trial. That means a thorough review of every police report, witness statement, piece of evidence, and procedural decision made during your arrest and investigation. The State must prove every element of the charge beyond a reasonable doubt. Finding gaps in that proof is where a defense begins.
Common defense angles include:
- Unlawful traffic stop or search — Fourth Amendment violations can result in evidence being suppressed
- Chain of custody problems — evidence handling errors can undermine the State’s case
- Credibility of witnesses — including police officers and alleged victims with motives to fabricate
- Procedural errors — breathalyzer calibration, field sobriety test administration, Miranda rights
- Causation and intent — the State must prove you did what they say you did, with the intent they say you had
Our Services
Expertise in a wide range of criminal defense areas.
First offense through felony DUI, DUI with injury, and DUI manslaughter. Formal DHSMV review hearings, Intoxilyzer 8000 challenges, and field sobriety test administration challenges. The 10-day license deadline starts at arrest.
Possession under Florida Statute § 893.13 through trafficking with mandatory minimums under § 893.135. Fourth Amendment suppression, constructive possession challenges, and Bay County Drug Court eligibility.
Injunction hearings under § 741.30, firearm disqualification consequences, and defense against aggressive prosecution, even when the alleged victim does not wish to proceed. Criminal and injunction proceedings coordinated together from the first call.
Sexual battery under § 794.011 through registration-triggering offenses. The objective in every case is avoiding conviction, because registration consequences follow a client for life and cannot be waived by a judge.
FDLE eligibility review and petitions filed in Bay County courts. For many clients this is the step that finally closes a chapter.
Assault, battery, robbery, manslaughter, and murder. Where a firearm is alleged, the 10-20-Life mandatory minimums under § 775.087 remove judicial discretion, and challenging the enhancement is the first strategic question.
Fraud in its various forms, embezzlement, money laundering, counterfeiting, and identity theft. Forensic accountants engaged where the case requires it. Professional license consequences addressed alongside the criminal exposure.
Petit theft through grand theft, burglary, robbery, and auto theft. The State must prove intent, and intent is where these cases are most often won.
Direct-file risk assessment, civil citation eligibility, and 14th Circuit diversion programs. The goal is keeping a young person’s record clean and their future intact.
VOP hearings under § 948.06 carry a lower standard of proof and no jury, and the judge may impose any sentence originally available for the underlying offense.
Serving Bay County and the 14th Judicial Circuit
Shepard Law represents clients in all six counties of the 14th Judicial Circuit:
- Bay (Panama City)
- Calhoun (Blountstown)
- Gulf (Port St. Joe)
- Holmes (Bonifay)
- Jackson (Marianna)
- Washington (Chipley)
Local knowledge matters — the judges, the prosecutors, the procedures, and the expectations of each courthouse are different. That knowledge is built over 25 years and 10,000+ cases, and it is what we bring to your defense.
Facing criminal charges in Panama City or Bay County? Call Shepard Law at (850) 290-2505. Free consultation. Available 24/7.
“This firm got my case dismissed and I didn’t have to spend a single day in court.”
– King R.
Personable and understanding
“Rusty is very personable and accommodating. He made himself available on short notice and met with me after hours. He told me not to worry and got everything dismissed in court this morning! Thank you Rusty and Lisa!!!”
– Lauren
Sweetest, kindest, most Professional #1
“Mr. Shepard and his staff are amazing! They went above and beyond to help me. I would not want anyone else on my team! I am young and despite that, he made sure that the judge saw me as a person and not just a young person. He and his office even spent extra time with me and attended to every single thousand question that I had. They could not get a better rating 10 stars!!”
– Jessica
Absolutely Recommend
“Shepard Law is truly one of a kind!!! Their team of attorneys and support staff knows criminal law inside and out. They will take a case to trial with no fear and are a force to be seen in the courtroom!!!! They are compassionate and make their clients feel supported every single step of the way. They are flexible with payment options, which allows everyone to be able to receive TOP QUALITY representation. I would absolutely recommend Shepard Law to any of my friends or family members without hesitation.”
– Vanessa M.
Under a time line!!!
“My wife and I found out on a Monday that we needed a Defense Attorney on Tuesday for a family situation. I called the office and Megan quickly contacted Rusty and he reassured us that he would be at court on Tuesday and he would take care of everything. Those words were the most comforting we’ve heard as this came up not long after Hurricane Michael. Rusty and his office has no idea how much he helped us and how much we appreciate their quick response. Thank you will never cover how much you guys mean to us.”
– Craig E.
What Sets Shepard Law Apart?
Your case is our priority. We aim for the best outcome.
We understand the complexities of the legal system and the impact on your life. Our focus is on securing your future.
CONTACT US FOR A FREE CONSULTATION
At Shepard Law, we’re always ready to take your call! Give us a call at (850) 290-2505 or fill out the form below to contact one of our team members.