Aggressive Criminal Defense
Defending clients like our lives depend on it, because theirs do.
Accused of a crime? Schedule a free consultation with our team to explore your legal options.
Former ASA
14th Judicial Circuit
Five-Star Google Reviews
From Clients
14th Judicial Circuit FACDL
Former Circuit Chapter President
President
Bay County Criminal Defense Bar 2011–2015
Avvo
10.0 Superb
Cases
10,000+
Relentless Family Protection for Good People in Tough Times
Shepard Law is a criminal defense firm in Panama City led by Rusty Shepard — a former prosecutor, NADD Nationally Ranked Superior DUI Attorney, F-ACDL 14th Circuit Chapter President, and former President of the Bay County Criminal Defense Bar. Rusty has handled 10,000+ criminal cases in Bay County and across the 14th Judicial Circuit, on both sides of the courtroom. That inside knowledge is what he puts to work for you.
If you or someone you care about has been arrested in Bay County, the decisions made in the first 24 to 72 hours shape everything that follows. Shepard Law’s 24/7 emergency hotline exists precisely for this moment — because the right time to call is before you say anything else.
Our Case Results & Verdicts
Experienced attorneys ready to protect your rights.
Shepard Law focuses on delivering results while safeguarding your rights. Learn more about our approach and commitment to our clients with recent victories.
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.
Rusty Shepard
Shepard Law
- Former ASA — 14th Judicial Circuit
- FACDL 14th Circuit Chapter President
- President, Bay County Criminal Defense Bar 2011–2015
- 10,000+ Cases
Our Services
Expertise in a wide range of criminal defense areas.
- First offense through felony DUI
- NADD-certified defense; formal review hearings
- Intoxilyzer 8000 challenges
- Possession through federal trafficking
- (§ 893.13) charges
- Northern District of Florida federal court
- Injunction hearings, firearm disqualification, no-drop prosecution defense
- Sexual Battery (§ 794.011)
- Sex offender registration consequences
- Consent and false accusation defenses
Violent Crimes
- Assault, battery, robbery, manslaughter and murder
- 10-20-Life firearm minimums under § 775.087
- Self-defense and Stand Your Ground
- Fraud, money laundering
- Forensic accountants engaged
- Direct-file risk
- Civil citation program
- 14th Circuit diversion
- FDLE eligibility review
- Bay County court petitions
Bay County and the 14th Judicial Circuit
Shepard Law serves clients across Bay County — Panama City, Panama City Beach, Lynn Haven, Callaway, Parker — and throughout the 14th Judicial Circuit, which includes Calhoun, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, and Washington Counties. For clients facing charges in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida, federal cases are handled from the same office.
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.
Common Criminal Offenses in Florida
According to the latest available crime data from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), Florida law enforcement agencies continue to report thousands of arrests and criminal offenses each year involving property crimes, violent offenses, drug-related charges, DUI, and other alleged criminal activity.
Property crimes, including burglary, theft, and motor vehicle theft, remain among the most frequently reported offenses in Florida. Violent crimes, including homicide, robbery, and aggravated assault, also continue to account for a significant number of reported offenses statewide. Drug-related offenses and DUI arrests remain common reasons individuals face criminal charges and potential penalties.
The specific circumstances of every criminal case are different. If you are facing an arrest or criminal charge in Panama City or elsewhere in Northwest Florida, having an experienced criminal defense attorney review your case can help you understand your legal options and build an effective defense.
Our Florida criminal defense attorneys have handled more than 10,000 cases in the Panama City community. Find out how we can help protect your rights and build a strong defense. Contact us today.
Panama City Criminal Defense Attorneys Serving Bay County and Surrounding Areas
At Shepard Law, we know the most important thing in a criminal case is the result, and we are focused on attaining the best possible outcome with a minimum of damage to your reputation and criminal record. Mr. Shepard has assisted many clients in high-profile positions in the community; clients with professional licenses to protect; law enforcement officers; as well as students with career aspirations that could be negatively affected by a criminal history.
Contact us for your free consultation.
At Shepard Law, we prepare each case as if it were going to trial; however, depending on the circumstances of the case, the goal may be to have the charges dismissed based on weaknesses in the case, or it might be to negotiate a favorable plea bargain which will help you avoid prison.
Arrested in Bay County?
Call Shepard Law. Former ASA. NADD Superior DUI Attorney. FACDL Chapter President.
Free consultation. Available 24/7.
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