Panama City Felony Attorney
We Will Defend Your Freedom
Being charged with a felony in Panama City can be an overwhelming experience. Our team of experienced attorneys is here to help you navigate the legal process and protect your rights.
We have extensive experience representing clients in all types of felony cases, from drug offenses and white collar crimes to violent crimes such as assault and murder. Our team will work diligently to investigate every aspect of your case, uncover any evidence that may be used in your defense, and develop a strategy for achieving the best possible outcome for you or a loved one who has been charged with a felony offense.
Many people facing a felony charge are unfamiliar with how cases move through the Bay County court system, from the first appearance at the local jail to hearings in the Bay County Courthouse in downtown Panama City. As your felony criminal defense attorney Panama City team, we can explain each step, help you understand the potential penalties, and coordinate with you and your family so you know what to expect as your case progresses through the Florida courts.
Facing felony charges in Panama City? Call (850) 290-2505 or contact us online to peak with a Panama City felony defense attorney to review your situation, understand your rights, and learn what steps may help protect your future. Schedule a consultation today.
Felonies in Florida
In Florida, criminal conduct is divided into two categories: misdemeanors and felonies. While a misdemeanor carries lighter penalties, felonies can carry longer prison sentences, high fines, and, in some cases, the death penalty.
Felonies in Florida are divided into five categories:
- Capital – Capital felonies can include first-degree murder, certain types of drug trafficking, and armed kidnapping. Sentences can include life imprisonment or, in some cases, the death penalty.
- Life – Life felonies can include kidnapping a child under 13 and committing a sex offense, sex trafficking involving minors, and other aggravated sex crimes against minors. Sentences can include life imprisonment and a fine of up to $15,000.
- First-degree felony – First-degree felonies can include aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer, aggravated child abuse, and burglary with assault or battery. These crimes are generally punishable by up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
- Second-degree felony – Second-degree felonies can include aggravated battery, burglary of a dwelling, and selling marijuana to a minor. These crimes are generally punishable by up to 15 years in prison, 15 years of probation, and a fine of up to $10,000.
- Third-degree felony – Third-degree felonies can include carrying a concealed firearm without a license, a third DUI within 10 years of a previous DUI conviction, and grand theft. These crimes are generally punishable by up to 5 years in prison, 5 years of probation, and a fine of up to $5,000.
Having a felony on your record can also carry long-term – even lifelong – consequences. It can jeopardize your ability to obtain student loans, get a job, vote, own a firearm, or buy or rent a home. If you are accused of a felony offense, it is critical that you hire a criminal defense attorney with experience defending against felony charges.
A knowledgeable felony lawyer can also advise you about collateral issues that arise in Florida felony cases, such as mandatory minimum sentences, sentencing guidelines scoresheets, and how a conviction might affect your professional licenses or immigration status. When we represent you, we look at the full picture of your life, not just the immediate charges, so we can pursue options in the Panama City courts that aim to protect your future opportunities as much as possible.
Our Services
Expertise in a wide range of criminal defense areas.
Call (850) 290-2505 for Felony Defense in Panama City
At Shepard Law, our experienced attorneys have a long and successful track record of defending clients against felony charges in Panama City and the surrounding areas. As a former prosecutor, Mr. Shepard is extremely familiar with the legal system and understands how prosecutors build their cases.
With serious felonies making up approximately three-quarters of our caseload, we have the knowledge and experience to help defend your rights in court and build an aggressive defense strategy to fight for the best possible outcome. We understand what is at stake when you or a loved one is facing criminal prosecution.
How a Felony Case Moves Through Panama City Courts
If you have never been through the criminal justice system before, it can be confusing to understand what will happen after an arrest in Bay County. After an initial arrest or notice to appear, your case may proceed through a first appearance, arraignment, pretrial hearings, and possibly a trial in the Bay County Courthouse. As your felony defense attorney Panama City team, we guide you through each of these stages, explain the choices you will be asked to make, and help you understand how decisions at one stage can affect the outcome later in the case.
During the early stages of a felony case, we review discovery from the State Attorney’s Office, analyze reports from agencies such as the Panama City Police Department and Bay County Sheriff’s Office, and determine whether there are legal grounds to challenge evidence. We may explore filing motions to suppress statements or physical evidence, negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges, or prepare for a contested hearing or trial, depending on your goals. Our role is to make sure you have clear information about the risks and potential benefits of each option so you can make informed decisions about how to proceed.
When you contact our office, we will listen carefully to your side of the story, review available police reports from local agencies such as the Panama City Police Department or Bay County Sheriff’s Office, and explain how the charges are likely to proceed in court. Working with a dedicated felony lawyer Panama City residents can trust means you have a legal team focused on gathering favorable evidence, identifying weaknesses in the State’s case, and advising you about realistic options before important decisions are made.
Because arrests can happen at any time, we offer prompt consultations and clear communication so you are not left wondering what to do after being taken to the local jail or receiving a notice to appear. As your felony defense lawyer Panama City team, we can help you evaluate issues such as bond, potential motions to suppress evidence, and whether to pursue negotiations or prepare for trial, always keeping your goals and concerns at the center of our advice.
If you are facing a felony charge in Panama City, it’s vital that you reach out to us as soon as possible. Contact us online or call us at (850) 290-2505 to schedule a free consultation.
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“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
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“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
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“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.
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“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.
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“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.
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“My son was accused of battery of a young lady simply for touching her elbow while he was simply asking her to explain why she decided to swap position with another employee. I can not understand why our DA wasted tax dollars on even bringing it to trial. The law firm did an excellent job simply pointing out that the jury should just use common sense! So professional and considerate!”- Debbie B.
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“Shepard Law has all you need!!! Great attorneys that put you first! The staff is awesome!! I had a chance to speak with Mikiyah in person and over the phone!! Outstanding customer service! I knew she was listening and understanding what I needed. I wish I could get that when I’m taking care of all my business! Would recommend this firm to anyone and everyone!! Great job!!!”- Nati E.
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“They are a Trusworthy Law Firm and care about their Clients as well as the Clients Family Members/ very precise and knowledgeable about the United States Law.”- Glen C.
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“I cannot recommend Shepard Law enough! Their expertise in criminal defense is truly impressive. Rusty and Elizabeth have a wealth of experience and are incredibly aggressive when it comes to fighting for their clients' rights. They take the time to thoroughly understand their cases and provided exceptional support throughout the entire process. Plus their support staff rocks! Thank you for your hard work Cheri and Livia! If you need a dedicated team that will go to bat for you, this is the place to go!”- Pedro U.
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.
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Available 24/7
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Former Prosecutors
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Free Initial Consultation
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Over Four Decades of Experience
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Superb Rating on Avvo
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Handled 10,000+ Cases