Drug Distribution
AGGRESSIVE DEFENSE & DEDICATED REPRESENTATION
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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.
Drug Distribution in Panama City
Charges, Penalties, and Defence
Drug distribution — also called sale of a controlled substance — is a felony charge in Florida regardless of the quantity involved or whether any money changed hands. Unlike possession, which requires only that you had a controlled substance, distribution requires the prosecution to prove you intended to sell, deliver, or transfer drugs to another person.
As a former Assistant State Attorney, Rusty Shepard has prosecuted drug distribution cases in Bay County. He knows the evidence the prosecution relies on — informant purchases, surveillance, text messages, marked bills — and where that evidence is vulnerable.
Florida Drug Distribution Law — Florida Statute § 893.13
Under Florida law, it is unlawful to sell, manufacture, or deliver, or to possess with intent to sell, manufacture, or deliver, a controlled substance. This means distribution charges can arise in two ways:
- Actual sale or transfer — directly handing over a controlled substance to another person, whether for money, goods, or even for free
- Possession with intent to distribute — possessing a quantity, packaging, or combination of items (scales, baggies, large amounts of cash) that the prosecution argues is inconsistent with personal use
Penalties for Drug Distribution in Florida
- Sale or delivery of marijuana — Third Degree Felony: up to 5 years in state prison and a $5,000 fine. If within 1,000 feet of a school, childcare facility, or park — Second Degree Felony: up to 15 years.
- Sale or delivery of cocaine, methamphetamine, or heroin — Second Degree Felony: up to 15 years in state prison and a $10,000 fine. If within 1,000 feet of a school or childcare facility — First Degree Felony: up to 30 years.
- Sale to a minor — the charge is elevated by one degree regardless of the substance
- Distribution charges that meet trafficking weight thresholds — automatically elevated to trafficking with mandatory minimum sentences
The School Zone Enhancement — A Critical Factor
Florida’s school zone drug law (§ 893.13(1)(c)) doubles the severity of a distribution charge if it occurred within 1,000 feet of a school, childcare facility, public park, or community centre. This enhancement is applied automatically upon conviction — it does not require the prosecution to prove you knew you were near a school. In urban areas of Panama City, the 1,000-foot radius covers a very large portion of the city. Challenging whether the alleged distribution actually occurred within the prohibited zone is an important line of defence.
Undercover Buys and Informant Testimony
Most drug distribution cases in Bay County are built on one of two evidence types: a controlled buy conducted by law enforcement using an undercover officer or confidential informant, or a traffic stop in which drugs and paraphernalia consistent with distribution are found. Both are challengeable.
- Controlled buy challenges — was the informant reliable? Was the buy properly monitored and recorded? Was the chain of custody of the drugs maintained? Was the informant acting independently or under entrapment?
- Possession with intent challenges — the prosecution must prove intent from circumstantial evidence. Quantity alone is not always sufficient. Alternative explanations for the packaging, quantity, and cash must be explored.
- Entrapment — law enforcement induced you to make a sale you would not otherwise have made. This is an affirmative defence that shifts the burden to the prosecution to disprove.
Charged with drug distribution or sale in Panama City or Bay County? Call Shepard Law at (850) 290-2505. Free consultation. Available 24/7.
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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.
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