Domestic Violence
AGGRESSIVE DEFENSE & DEDICATED REPRESENTATION
Our Panama City Firm Has Much to Offer. Learn Why People Choose Shepard Law.
Criminal Defense
No Charges Filed
Aggravated Assault
Charge: Aggravated assault arising from an alleged drive-by shooting
Court: Bay County
Outcome: The client faced the possibility of a lengthy mandatory prison sentence. Following discussions with prosecutors and law enforcement, no charges were filed.
Negotiated Plea
DUI Manslaughter
Charge: DUI manslaughter
Court: Bay County
Outcome: The client faced up to 15 years in prison and permanent loss of driving privileges. The matter was resolved by negotiated plea to probation, with eligibility for a hardship license.
Not Convicted
Sexual Battery
Charge: Sexual battery
Court: Bay County
Outcome: The client, who holds a professional license in Florida, faced up to 15 years in prison and mandatory sex offender designation. The charge was reduced, over the objection of the complainant, to simple battery, a misdemeanor. The client was not convicted of any criminal offense, was not designated a sex offender, and returned to work with their professional license intact.
Not Convicted
Violation of Probation
Charge: Violation of probation, second violation. Alleged failure to report, a new battery offense, failure to complete DUI school, and failure to complete court ordered community service.
Court: Bay County
Outcome: The client was not convicted.
Not Convicted
Violation of Probation
Charge: Violation of probation. Alleged failure to report and a new felony offense of obtaining a controlled substance by forgery, while serving probation for multiple counts of obtaining a controlled substance by fraud, forgery, and criminal use of personal identification.
Court: Bay County
Outcome: The client was not convicted.
Panama City Domestic Violence Attorney
Defending the Accused With Precision and Care
Domestic violence charges are among the most sensitive and consequential charges in Florida’s criminal system. They are also among the most frequently based on false or exaggerated accusations made in the heat of a family conflict — and prosecuted aggressively regardless.
If you have been charged with domestic violence in Bay County, you need a defense attorney who understands the complexity of these cases from both sides. Rusty Shepard spent years as an Assistant State Attorney, prosecuting domestic violence cases in Florida’s 14th Judicial Circuit. He knows precisely how the State builds these cases — and he knows exactly where they are vulnerable.
What Is Domestic Violence Under Florida Law?
Under Florida Statute § 741.28, domestic violence is defined as any criminal offense resulting in the physical injury or death of one family or household member by another. Family and household members include:
- Current and former spouses
- Individuals related by blood or marriage
- Individuals currently or formerly living together as a family
- Individuals who share a child — regardless of whether they have ever lived together or married
Florida Domestic Violence Charges
Domestic violence can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the severity of the incident, prior history, and whether weapons, injuries, or children were involved. Charges covered under Florida’s domestic violence laws include assault, battery, sexual assault, stalking, and false imprisonment.
Potential consequences of a domestic violence charge include:
- Jail time — minimum 10 days for a first conviction involving physical harm
- Fines and court costs
- Mandatory completion of a Batterers’ Intervention Program
- Probation
- No-contact order — potentially prohibiting you from returning to your own home
- Loss of firearm ownership rights under federal law
- Permanent criminal record — domestic violence convictions cannot be expunged in Florida
False Accusations and Heat-of-the-Moment Charges
With increased media exposure and political pressure, domestic violence is prosecuted aggressively — even when the accusation is exaggerated, retaliatory, or made in the middle of a custody dispute or divorce. Florida law allows prosecution to proceed even if the alleged victim does not wish to press charges.
Rusty Shepard’s experience as a former prosecutor makes him uniquely equipped to identify the motives behind a false or inflated accusation, challenge the credibility of the alleged victim’s account, and expose weaknesses in the State’s evidence that a less experienced defense attorney might miss.
What Happens After a Domestic Violence Arrest in Florida?
Florida law requires a minimum 8-hour hold after a domestic violence arrest, even if the alleged victim does not want charges filed. Once released, a no-contact order is typically in place immediately. Violating that order — even to retrieve belongings or speak to your children — can result in additional charges.
Moving quickly after an arrest is essential. Evidence, witness accounts, and the circumstances of the alleged incident are all time-sensitive. Early legal intervention can make the difference between charges being filed, reduced, or dismissed.
Defense Strategies Rusty Shepard Uses
- Challenging the credibility of the allegation — identifying motive, inconsistency, and prior history of false reports
- Self-defense — Florida law permits the use of force to defend yourself or others from harm
- Lack of evidence — no physical injuries, no independent witnesses, no corroborating evidence
- Mutual combat — both parties were involved in a physical altercation
- Violation of your constitutional rights during the arrest or investigation
Frequently Asked Questions
Can domestic violence charges be dropped if the victim doesn't want to proceed?
Not automatically. Florida’s State Attorney’s Office can proceed with prosecution regardless of whether the alleged victim wishes to drop charges. However, an uncooperative victim significantly weakens the State’s case and is a factor your attorney can leverage.
Will a domestic violence conviction affect my custody rights?
Yes — significantly. A domestic violence conviction is taken into account in Florida family court proceedings and can affect custody arrangements, visitation rights, and parental responsibility determinations. This makes fighting the charge — not just minimizing the sentence — the priority.
Can a domestic violence conviction be expunged?
No. Under Florida law, domestic violence convictions cannot be expunged or sealed. A conviction is permanent. This is why the quality of your legal representation at the outset is critical.
Charged with domestic violence in Panama City or Bay County? Call Shepard Law at (850) 290-2505 immediately. Available 24/7. Free consultation.
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.
Highly Recommended
“This firm got my case dismissed and I didn’t have to spend a single day in court.”
– King R.
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.