Sex Crimes
AGGRESSIVE DEFENSE & DEDICATED REPRESENTATION
Our Panama City Firm Has Much to Offer. Learn Why People Choose Shepard Law.
Criminal Defense
Sex Crimes
- Lewd Conduct
- Sex Offender Registration
- Child Pornography
- Sexual Assault & Battery
- Sexual Exploitation
- Statutory Rape
- Prostitution
- Rape
- Indecent Exposure
- Child Molestation
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 Sex Crimes Attorney
Experienced, Discreet, and Aggressive
Being accused of a sex crime is one of the most devastating experiences a person can face. The social stigma, the impact on your family and career, and the risk of mandatory Sex Offender registration follow an accusation — not just a conviction. Acting immediately and retaining the right attorney from the first moment is not optional. It is the most important decision you will make.
Rusty Shepard is a former Assistant State Attorney who has both prosecuted and defended sex crimes throughout his career. Nearly three-quarters of his caseload consists of serious felonies. He has handled more than 10,000 criminal cases in Florida’s 14th Judicial Circuit — and he understands that behind every sex crime accusation, there is a story that deserves to be fully investigated before a life is destroyed.
Sex Crimes We Defend
- Sexual battery and sexual assault
- Rape
- Statutory rape
- Child molestation
- Child pornography — possession, distribution, and production
- Lewd and lascivious behaviour
- Indecent exposure
- Sexual exploitation
- Prostitution and solicitation
- Internet sex crimes and online offences
- Sex Offender registration violations
Field Sobriety Tests: What Law Enforcement Doesn't Tell You
Florida officers use three standardised field sobriety tests — the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus, the Walk-and-Turn, and the One-Leg Stand. Each test has specific administration protocols. When those protocols are not followed precisely, the results can be challenged and potentially suppressed.
Rusty Shepard knows these tests inside and out. As a former prosecutor who relied on them to build cases, he knows exactly where the weaknesses are.
The Consequences of a Sex Crime Conviction in Florida
Florida treats sex crime convictions with extreme severity. Consequences include:
- Lengthy prison sentences — sexual battery can carry up to life in prison
- Mandatory Sex Offender registration — a lifetime requirement with strict residential, employment, and reporting conditions
- Fines and court costs
- Probation with strict conditions
- Permanent loss of firearm rights
- Civil lawsuits from the alleged victim
- Permanent damage to employment, professional licences, housing, and relationships
In Florida, most sex crime convictions cannot be expunged or sealed. The record is permanent. The registration is for life. This is why fighting the charge — not accepting a plea without exhausting every defence — is the priority.
Key Defence Strategies
Rusty Shepard’s experience as a former prosecutor means he understands how sex crime investigations are conducted, where evidence is gathered, and how cases are built. His defence approach includes:
- Investigating the accuser’s motive — custody disputes, financial conflicts, personal animus, and influence by third parties are all relevant
- Examining the timeline — delayed reporting, inconsistencies in the account, and changes in the victim’s story are powerful defence tools
- Physical evidence analysis — the presence or absence of physical injury, DNA evidence, and forensic evidence
- Digital evidence — in child pornography cases, identifying who had access to the device, whether images were viewed or downloaded intentionally, and whether they were deleted
- Consent — in adult sex crime cases, consent is a complete defence when properly established
- Constitutional challenges — unlawful searches of devices, coerced confessions, and Miranda violations
What to Do If You Are Accused of a Sex Crime
Do not speak to law enforcement without an attorney present. Do not contact the alleged victim. Do not discuss the case with anyone. Call Shepard Law immediately — early intervention before charges are even filed can sometimes prevent prosecution entirely.
Accused of a sex crime in Panama City or Bay County? Call Shepard Law immediately at (850) 290-2505 for a confidential consultation. Available 24/7.
Criminal Defense
Sex Crimes
- Lewd Conduct
- Sex Offender Registration
- Child Pornography
- Sexual Assault & Battery
- Sexual Exploitation
- Statutory Rape
- Prostitution
- Rape
- Indecent Exposure
- Child Molestation
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.
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.
FOLLOW US