Child Molestation Attorney in Panama City

Facing A Child Molestation Allegation In Panama City? You Need Experienced Defense

Being accused of a sex offense involving a child is one of the most frightening experiences a person can face. The accusation alone can threaten your freedom, family relationships, reputation, and career. If you are under investigation or already charged, you need clear information and steady guidance, not more panic.

At Shepard Law, we defend people accused of serious sex crimes involving minors in this area. Led by attorney Rusty Shepard, a former prosecutor, our firm focuses on criminal defense and prepares every case with care. We offer free, confidential consultations and are available 24/7 so you can talk to a lawyer before making decisions that could affect the rest of your life.

Protect your rights from the start. Contact Shepard Law for a free consultation with a Panama City child molestation attorney. Call (850) 290-2505 or reach out online—we are available 24/7 to help you.

Understanding Child Molestation Laws in Florida

In Florida, "child molestation" is not a single statute but a term that generally encompasses several serious offenses under Florida Statutes Chapter 800. The most common charge associated with these allegations is Lewd or Lascivious Molestation (F.S. 800.04). 

This crime is defined as the intentional touching of the breasts, genitals, genital area, or buttocks—or the clothing covering them—of a person under the age of 16 in a lewd or lascivious manner.

It is critical to distinguish this from other related offenses to understand the severity of the situation:

• Lewd or Lascivious Battery: This involves actual sexual activity or penetration with a minor. It is generally prosecuted more harshly than molestation.
• Lewd or Lascivious Conduct: This involves touching a child or soliciting a child for a sexual act in a lewd manner, but does not necessarily involve the "private" areas covered under the molestation statute.
• Sexual Battery: Under F.S. 794.011, this involves non-consensual penetration. If the victim is under 12, this can be prosecuted as a capital felony.

Florida law is exceptionally strict regarding consent and age. In any prosecution for these crimes, the victim’s "consent" is legally irrelevant if they are under the age of 16. Furthermore, a "mistake of age"—believing the child was older than they actually were—is not a valid legal defense in the state of Florida. 

As your child molestation lawyer in Panama City, our firm digs into the specific statutory language to ensure that the prosecution is not overreaching or mischaracterizing the nature of the alleged contact.

Penalties of Child Molestation in Florida

Florida has some of the harshest sentencing guidelines in the country for sex crimes involving minors. Under the "Punishment Code," these offenses are high-level felonies that often carry mandatory minimum prison terms.

• Felony Classifications: Depending on the ages of the individuals involved, Lewd or Lascivious Molestation is typically a Second-Degree or First-Degree Felony. A First-Degree Felony can carry a sentence of up to 30 years in state prison.
• Mandatory Minimums: If the victim was under the age of 12 and the defendant was an adult, Florida law imposes a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years to life in prison.
• Sexual Predator/Offender Designation: A conviction carries a mandatory, lifelong requirement to register as a sexual offender or predator. This includes public listing on the FDLE website, strict residency restrictions, and frequent check-ins with law enforcement.
• Civil Commitment (The Jimmy Ryce Act): Even after a prison sentence is completed, the state may attempt to keep an individual confined indefinitely in a treatment facility if they are deemed a "sexually violent predator."
• Collateral Damage: Beyond the court, a conviction results in the permanent loss of firearm rights, the inability to work in any field involving children, and severe restrictions on where you can live—often being barred from living within 1,000 feet of schools, parks, or playgrounds.

Why Choose Shepard Law

When facing allegations involving harm to a child, choosing the right defense firm is critical. Shepard Law brings valuable insight through attorney Rusty Shepard’s background as a former prosecutor, allowing the defense to anticipate how evidence may be evaluated and how the State Attorney is likely to approach charging decisions, negotiations, or trial.

The firm focuses on criminal defense, including serious felony cases that can carry severe penalties and long-term consequences. With regular experience in Bay County courts, Shepard Law understands local procedures and how sensitive cases involving minors are typically handled, helping shape defense strategies that are grounded in both the facts and the forum.

Shepard Law also recognizes the profound personal impact of these accusations. Clients are treated with respect and confidentiality, with an emphasis on protecting both legal rights and reputation. Free consultations and 24/7 availability ensure support is available when it matters most, even during unexpected law enforcement contact.

How We Defend Child Molestation Cases in Panama City

Defending cases involving allegations of harm to a child requires meticulous review and careful strategy. Shepard Law examines all available evidence, including police reports, witness statements, recordings, and digital or physical material, looking for inconsistencies or influences that may affect reliability. Special attention is given to child interviews, ensuring proper procedures were followed and questioning was unbiased, which can be critical in challenging the State’s case.

With Rusty Shepard’s experience as a former prosecutor, the firm evaluates how the evidence may appear to both the State and a jury, identifying opportunities to challenge allegations or negotiate reduced charges when appropriate. Every case is prepared as if it could go to trial, including reviewing discovery, coordinating witnesses, and planning defense presentations. Throughout, clients receive clear guidance, ensuring their legal strategy aligns with personal concerns about family and long-term outcomes.

At Shepard Law, we recognize that no two cases are the same. Our defense methodology is tailored to the unique facts of your situation:

• Challenging Forensic Interviews: Children are highly suggestible. If an interviewer used leading questions or "coached" a child, we work with child psychology experts to challenge the reliability of the statement.
• Uncovering Motives for False Allegations: In many cases, we find that allegations arise during contentious divorces or family disputes. We investigate the background of the reporting party to find evidence of bias or fabrication.
• Exposing Lack of Physical Evidence: Many molestation cases rely solely on "he-said, she-said" testimony. We highlight the absence of DNA, medical trauma, or digital footprints to create reasonable doubt.
• Constant Support: Because we are available 24/7, you are never left in the dark. We provide the emotional and legal support necessary to survive this process.

Call Our Child Molestation Attorneys in Panama City Today

If you are facing a child molestation accusation in Panama City, speaking with a lawyer promptly can help you understand your options and avoid mistakes. Our firm is ready to provide calm, informed support when you need it.

To discuss your situation with Shepard Law in a confidential, free consultation, call (850) 290-2505 or reach out online now.