Criminal Defense Attorney in Bay County, Florida

A Former Prosecutor Defending Bay County Clients for 25+ Years

A criminal charge puts more than your freedom at risk. Your career, professional licenses, relationships, and reputation are all in play the moment an arrest occurs. At Shepard Law, we’re a Panama City-based criminal defense firm representing clients throughout Bay County, Florida, and we build every defense from the inside out. Our founding attorney, Rusty Shepard, spent years as a state prosecutor before switching sides. That background shapes how we approach every case.

If you’ve been charged with a crime in Bay County, don’t wait. Call (850) 290-2505 now for a free consultation. We’re available 24/7 through our emergency hotline.

Why Bay County Clients Choose Shepard Law

Rusty Shepard’s experience as a former prosecutor isn’t a talking point. It’s a strategic advantage. He knows how the state builds its cases, which arguments land with judges, and where charging decisions can be vulnerable. With more than 25 years of experience and over 10,000 cases handled, we bring a depth of practical knowledge that benefits every client we represent.

We serve a wide range of people facing criminal charges in Bay County: professionals protecting their licenses, students whose futures depend on the outcome, law enforcement officers, and individuals in high-profile community roles. Our services are available in Spanish and Portuguese. Whatever your situation, you get the same committed defense.

Reaching us shouldn’t be a barrier when you need help most:

Free consultations: Discuss your case with no financial commitment before you decide how to proceed
24/7 emergency hotline: Speak with an attorney any time, day or night
Flexible payment plans: Legal defense shouldn’t be out of reach because of cost

Criminal Charges We Defend in Bay County

We handle the full range of criminal matters heard in Bay County’s courts, from misdemeanor citations to serious felony allegations. Whether your case is in county court or circuit court, we’re prepared to defend you.

Our criminal defense attorneys serve Bay County clients facing:

Talk to a Bay County Defense Attorney Today

The earlier you have legal counsel involved, the more options are on the table. We offer free consultations so you can understand your position before making any decisions. Our 24/7 emergency hotline means you’re never left waiting when the situation calls for immediate attention.

Call (850) 290-2505 now. A criminal defense lawyer in Bay County can help.

Bay County’s Criminal Court System

Bay County is part of Florida’s Fourteenth Judicial Circuit, which also covers Calhoun, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, and Washington counties. The level of the charge determines which court handles your case. Misdemeanor and lesser criminal matters are resolved in county court. Felony cases move to circuit court, where the stakes and procedural complexity can increase substantially.

The Bay County Courthouse in Panama City carries particular historical weight in American criminal law. It was the site of Clarence Earl Gideon’s 1961 trial and his 1963 retrial, the events that led directly to the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark Gideon v. Wainwright ruling. That decision established that defendants who can’t afford an attorney have a constitutional right to court-appointed counsel. Knowing your rights in a Bay County courtroom starts with understanding that history.

What Happens After an Arrest in Bay County

After an arrest, a defendant typically goes through booking and a first appearance before a judge, at which point bond may be set and initial charges are presented. From there, the case moves toward one of three outcomes: dismissal, a negotiated plea, or trial.

At Shepard Law, we prepare every case as though it will go to trial. That preparation is what creates leverage. When the evidence supports a strong argument for dismissal, we pursue it. When a plea is in the client’s best interest, we work to reach terms that protect as much of their future as possible. The goal doesn’t change from case to case. Only the path does.

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.

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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.

Available 24/7
Former Prosecutors
Free Initial Consultation
Over 25 Years of Experience
Flexible Payment Plans
Handled 10,000+ Cases

cLIENT fEEDBACK

Our clients' voices matter. Read about real cases and the positive outcomes achieved with our legal guidance.

Read More Testimonials

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.
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.

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