Domestic Violence
AGGRESSIVE DEFENSE & DEDICATED REPRESENTATION
Our Panama City Firm Has Much to Offer. Learn Why People Choose Shepard Law.
Criminal Defense
Domestic Violence
- Spousal Abuse
- Restraining Orders
- Assault
- Battery
- Bulgary
- Cyber Crimes
- Drug Crimes
- DUI
- Expungement
- Juvenile Crimes
- Misdemeanors
- Theft Crimes
- Robbery
- 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.
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 minimising 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.
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 misdemeanour 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
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.
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.
LINKS
Home
Our Team
Firm Overview
Criminal Defense
Reviews
Blog
Contact Us
FOLLOW US