Assault
AGGRESSIVE DEFENSE & DEDICATED REPRESENTATION
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Criminal Defense
Assault
- Aggravated Assault
- Battery
- Bulgary
- Cyber Crimes
- Domestic Violence
- Drug Crimes
- DUI
- Expungement
- Juvenile Crimes
- Misdemeanors
- Theft Crimes
- Robbery
- Sex Crimes
- Warrants
- Violation of Probation
- Violent Crimes
- White Collar Crimes
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.
Panama City Assault Attorney
Defending Assault and Aggravated Assault Charges
Assault charges can arise from a heated argument, a disputed version of events, a self-defence situation, or a false accusation. Whatever the circumstances, an assault conviction — even a misdemeanour — creates a criminal record that affects your employment, housing, and professional licences.
Rusty Shepard is a former Assistant State Attorney who has handled thousands of assault and violent crime cases on both sides of the courtroom in Florida’s 14th Judicial Circuit. He knows how prosecutors build assault cases — and he knows exactly where to look for weaknesses.
Assault vs Aggravated Assault — What Is the Difference?
Under Florida Statute § 784.011, assault is defined as an intentional, unlawful threat by word or act to do violence to another person, combined with the apparent ability to carry out that threat and an action that places the victim in reasonable fear of imminent harm. Importantly, no physical contact is required — assault is the threat, not the act.
- Simple Assault — Second degree misdemeanour: up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine
- Aggravated Assault (Florida Statute § 784.021) — assault committed with a deadly weapon OR with intent to commit a felony (such as robbery or rape): Third degree felony, up to 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine
Assault is distinct from battery — battery is the unlawful touching or striking of another person. The two charges frequently appear together but are legally separate offences.
Assault Charges and Florida's 10-20-Life Law
If a firearm was involved in the assault, Florida’s 10-20-Life mandatory minimum sentencing law may apply. Displaying a firearm during an aggravated assault triggers a mandatory 3-year minimum sentence. Discharging a firearm triggers a 20-year minimum. These mandatory sentences cannot be waived by the judge — which is why early, aggressive legal intervention is essential.
Common Assault Defence Strategies
- Self-defence — Florida’s Stand Your Ground law allows the use of force to prevent imminent harm without a duty to retreat
- Defence of others — using force to protect a third party from imminent harm
- Lack of intent — assault requires intentional conduct; accidental or misinterpreted actions can be challenged
- Insufficient evidence — no independent witnesses, no physical evidence, inconsistent victim account
- Mutual combat — both parties were engaged in a confrontation
- False accusation — establishing the accuser’s motive, inconsistencies in their account, and lack of corroborating evidence
- Constitutional challenges — unlawful arrest, Miranda violations, improper identification procedures
Assault Involving Domestic Situations
Many assault charges arise in domestic contexts — arguments between partners, family members, or roommates. These cases are prosecuted aggressively in Florida, even when the alleged victim does not want to proceed. If your assault charge involves a household or family member, it may carry domestic violence enhancements with additional consequences including mandatory counselling, no-contact orders, and permanent inability to expunge the record.
Charged with assault or aggravated assault in Panama City or Bay County? Call Shepard Law at (850) 290-2505. Free consultation. Available 24/7.
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.
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