First Time DUI in Panama City
AGGRESSIVE DEFENSE & DEDICATED REPRESENTATION
Our Panama City Firm Has Much to Offer. Learn Why People Choose Shepard Law.
DUI
First Time GUI
- Absorption Rate
- Alcohol Absorption
- BUI
- Challenging DUI Evidence
- DMV Hearings
- Driver's License Restoration
- DUI Penalties
- DUI with Injury
- Facing a DUI Conviction?
- Felony DUI
- Peak Alcohol Levels
- Unlawful Police Stops
- Underage DUI
- Vehicular Manslaughter
- Multiple Offense DUI
- Drug DUI
- Aggravated DUI
No Charges Aggravated Assault
ALLEGATION: Client arrested for drive-by shooting and was facing the possibility of a minimum mandatory 15 year prison sentence under Florida’s 10-20-Life Law. RESULT: After consulting with with prosecutors and law enforcement NO CHARGES WERE FILED.
Negotiated Plea DUI Manslaughter
ALLEGATION: Client charged with DUI Manslaughter. Client faced up to 15 years prison and a permanent loss of his drivers’ license. RESULT: Client entered negotiated plea to probation and is eligible to drive with a hardship license.
Not Convicted Sexual Battery
ALLEGATION: Client who holds a professional certification and license with the State of Florida was accused of Sexual Battery with the possibility of 15 years prison and mandatory “Sexual Offender” designation. Arrest was reported in the Panama City News Herald. RESULT: Charge reduced without consent of victim to simple battery (misdemeanor). Client NOT CONVICTED of any criminal offense and not designated a Sexual Offender. Client able to return to work without loss of professional certification and license
Client NOT CONVICTED Violation of Probation
ALLEGATION: Client violated probation for a second time by failing to report (“absconding”), committing a new crime of Battery, not completing DUI school and failing to complete court ordered community service hours.
Not Convicted Violation of Probation
ALLEGATION: Client violated probation by failing to report (“absconding”) and committing a new felony of Obtaining a Controlled Substance by Forgery. Client was on probation for 7 counts of Obtaining a Controlled Substance by Fraud, 6 counts of Forgery, and 6 counts of Criminal Use of Personal Identification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I lose my licence immediately after a first DUI arrest?
Your licence may be administratively suspended at the time of arrest — particularly if you refused a breathalyser or registered a BAC of 0.08% or higher. You have 10 days from the date of arrest to request a formal review hearing with the DHSMV to challenge the administrative suspension. Missing this deadline waives your right to a hearing. Shepard Law handles this request as a matter of first priority.
Should I refuse a breathalyser test?
Florida’s implied consent law means that refusing a breathalyser after a lawful arrest carries an automatic licence suspension of one year for a first refusal (18 months for subsequent refusals), and the refusal can be used as evidence against you at trial. Whether to submit or refuse depends on the specific circumstances of your stop. This is a decision that benefits enormously from immediate legal guidance — which is why calling Shepard Law before any decision is critical.
Can I get a first DUI expunged in Florida?
No. DUI convictions in Florida cannot be expunged or sealed. If you are convicted, the record is permanent. This is the single most important reason to fight a first DUI charge aggressively rather than accept a plea — because a ‘quick resolution’ becomes a permanent record.
First Time DUI in Panama City
What You Need to Know Right Now
A first DUI arrest is often the most disorienting experience someone has ever had with law enforcement. You have never been through this before. You do not know what comes next. And the decisions you make in the first hours — who you call, what you say — can shape the outcome of your case.
Rusty Shepard is a former Assistant State Attorney who spent years prosecuting DUI cases in Bay County before dedicating his career to defence. He has handled first-time DUI cases at every level — from charges that should have been dismissed from the outset to cases that required aggressive trial defence. Here is what you need to know.
First Time DUI Is Not Minor — Even Without Prior Convictions
Many first-time DUI defendants assume the charge will go away or be treated lightly because it is a first offence. That assumption costs people their driving privileges, their jobs, and in some cases far more. A first DUI conviction in Florida is a permanent criminal record that cannot be expunged. It appears on every background check — employment, housing, professional licensing — indefinitely.
First Time DUI Penalties in Florida
- Fine: $500 to $1,000 (up to $2,000 if BAC was 0.15% or higher or a minor was in the vehicle)
- Community service: minimum 50 hours
- Probation: up to 1 year
- Jail: up to 6 months (up to 9 months for high BAC or minor in vehicle)
- Vehicle impoundment: 10 days
- Licence suspension: 180 days to 1 year
- DUI school: mandatory 12 hours
- Ignition Interlock Device: required if BAC was 0.15% or higher, or minor was present
If your BAC was 0.15% or higher, or if a minor was in the vehicle, the penalties increase significantly even for a first offence. These enhanced penalties carry higher fines, longer potential jail time, and mandatory ignition interlock requirements.
Can a First Time DUI Be Dismissed or Reduced?
Yes — and more often than people expect. A first DUI with no prior record, no accident, and no injury is the most defensible DUI scenario. Options Rusty Shepard explores in every first-time DUI case include:
- Was the traffic stop lawful? An unlawful stop results in suppression of all evidence gathered from that stop — which typically ends the case
- Were field sobriety tests administered correctly? There are specific protocols for the HGN, walk-and-turn, and one-leg stand tests. Failure to follow them precisely makes the results challengeable
- Was the breathalyser properly calibrated and maintained? Records must be subpoenaed and reviewed
- Were there non-intoxication reasons for the appearance of impairment? Medical conditions, fatigue, nervousness, and physical disabilities can all affect field sobriety test performance
- Was a blood draw lawfully conducted? A blood test obtained without consent or a warrant may be suppressed
- Reckless driving reduction — where a full dismissal is not available, negotiating a first DUI down to reckless driving eliminates the DUI conviction from the record, preserves most driving privileges, and dramatically reduces long-term consequences
The Hardship Licence — Driving During Suspension
Even with a licence suspension, Florida allows first-time DUI offenders to apply for a hardship licence that permits driving to work, school, and medical appointments. Shepard Law handles the hardship licence application process as part of first-time DUI representation.
Facing your first DUI charge in Panama City or Bay County? Call Shepard Law at (850) 290-2505 immediately. Available 24/7. Free consultation. The 10-day window to protect your licence starts at arrest.
DUI
First Time GUI
- Absorption Rate
- Alcohol Absorption
- BUI
- Challenging DUI Evidence
- DMV Hearings
- Driver's License Restoration
- DUI Penalties
- DUI with Injury
- Facing a DUI Conviction?
- Felony DUI
- Peak Alcohol Levels
- Unlawful Police Stops
- Underage DUI
- Vehicular Manslaughter
- Multiple Offense DUI
- Drug DUI
- Aggravated DUI
No Charges Aggravated Assault
ALLEGATION: Client arrested for drive-by shooting and was facing the possibility of a minimum mandatory 15 year prison sentence under Florida’s 10-20-Life Law. RESULT: After consulting with with prosecutors and law enforcement NO CHARGES WERE FILED.
Negotiated Plea DUI Manslaughter
ALLEGATION: Client charged with DUI Manslaughter. Client faced up to 15 years prison and a permanent loss of his drivers’ license. RESULT: Client entered negotiated plea to probation and is eligible to drive with a hardship license.
Not Convicted Sexual Battery
ALLEGATION: Client who holds a professional certification and license with the State of Florida was accused of Sexual Battery with the possibility of 15 years prison and mandatory “Sexual Offender” designation. Arrest was reported in the Panama City News Herald. RESULT: Charge reduced without consent of victim to simple battery (misdemeanor). Client NOT CONVICTED of any criminal offense and not designated a Sexual Offender. Client able to return to work without loss of professional certification and license
Client NOT CONVICTED Violation of Probation
ALLEGATION: Client violated probation for a second time by failing to report (“absconding”), committing a new crime of Battery, not completing DUI school and failing to complete court ordered community service hours.
Not Convicted Violation of Probation
ALLEGATION: Client violated probation by failing to report (“absconding”) and committing a new felony of Obtaining a Controlled Substance by Forgery. Client was on probation for 7 counts of Obtaining a Controlled Substance by Fraud, 6 counts of Forgery, and 6 counts of Criminal Use of Personal Identification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I lose my licence immediately after a first DUI arrest?
Your licence may be administratively suspended at the time of arrest — particularly if you refused a breathalyser or registered a BAC of 0.08% or higher. You have 10 days from the date of arrest to request a formal review hearing with the DHSMV to challenge the administrative suspension. Missing this deadline waives your right to a hearing. Shepard Law handles this request as a matter of first priority.
Should I refuse a breathalyser test?
Florida’s implied consent law means that refusing a breathalyser after a lawful arrest carries an automatic licence suspension of one year for a first refusal (18 months for subsequent refusals), and the refusal can be used as evidence against you at trial. Whether to submit or refuse depends on the specific circumstances of your stop. This is a decision that benefits enormously from immediate legal guidance — which is why calling Shepard Law before any decision is critical.
Can I get a first DUI expunged in Florida?
No. DUI convictions in Florida cannot be expunged or sealed. If you are convicted, the record is permanent. This is the single most important reason to fight a first DUI charge aggressively rather than accept a plea — because a ‘quick resolution’ becomes a permanent record.
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.
CLIENT FEEDBACK
Our clients’ voices matter. Read about real cases and the positive outcomes achieved with our legal guidance.
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 Shepherd 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.
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.
FOLLOW US