Drug Crimes
AGGRESSIVE DEFENSE & DEDICATED REPRESENTATION
Our Panama City Firm Has Much to Offer. Learn Why People Choose Shepard Law.
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 Drug Crime Attorney
Former Prosecutor Fighting for You
Drug charges in Florida range from a misdemeanor marijuana possession to serious trafficking offenses carrying mandatory minimum sentences. Whatever the charge, the consequences — a criminal record, license suspension, and potential imprisonment — are real and lasting.
Rusty Shepard is a former Assistant State Attorney in Florida’s 14th Judicial Circuit who built drug cases for the prosecution. He uses that knowledge every day to challenge drug charges and protect the rights of people in Bay County and across the Florida Panhandle.
Drug Charges We Defend
- Possession of a controlled substance — marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, prescription pills
- Possession with intent to distribute
- Drug trafficking — Florida’s most serious drug offense, carrying mandatory minimum sentences
- Drug manufacturing
- Drug distribution
- Drug paraphernalia possession
- Prescription fraud — obtaining controlled substances by fraudulent means
Florida Drug Schedules and Penalties
Florida classifies controlled substances under a schedule system — Schedule I through Schedule V — based on their potential for abuse and accepted medical use. Schedule I drugs carry the most severe penalties. The quantity of the drug involved also determines the severity of the charge:
- Fewer than 20 grams of marijuana — first degree misdemeanor, up to 1 year in jail and $1,000 fine
- More than 20 grams of marijuana — third degree felony, up to 5 years in prison and $5,000 fine
- Possession of cocaine, methamphetamine, or prescription pills — third degree felony
- Drug trafficking (based on weight thresholds) — mandatory minimum prison sentences of 3, 7, 15, or 25 years depending on quantity and substance
A conviction for possession, sale, or trafficking of any controlled substance — including misdemeanor marijuana possession — also results in a six-month driver’s license suspension under Florida Statute § 322.055, or until you are evaluated and complete any required drug treatment program. The court can allow a license restricted to business or employment purposes in limited circumstances.
Defending Drug Charges — Where We Look First
Every drug case starts with the same question: how did the drugs come to be in your possession, and was that discovery lawful? Rusty Shepard examines:
- Was the traffic stop lawful? An unlawful stop can result in all evidence from that stop being suppressed
- Was there a valid search warrant, or did law enforcement conduct a warrantless search? Fourth Amendment violations are the most common basis for suppressing drug evidence
- Did you have knowledge the drugs were present? Knowledge and intent are elements the State must prove
- Was the chain of custody of the evidence maintained properly?
- Are there diversion program options — Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI), drug court — that could result in dismissal upon completion?
Drug Trafficking and Mandatory Minimum Sentences
Florida’s drug trafficking laws impose mandatory minimum sentences that judges cannot reduce unless the State asks the court to, for example in exchange for substantial assistance. A conviction for trafficking in cocaine, methamphetamine, or opioids can mean years in state prison with no possibility of early release. Avoiding a trafficking conviction — or reducing a trafficking charge to simple possession — is the difference between years of freedom and years of incarceration. This is where Rusty Shepard’s prosecutorial experience is most valuable.
Arrested for a drug crime in Panama City or Bay County? Call Shepard Law at (850) 290-2505 for a 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.
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 Shepard 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.