Felony DUI in Panama City
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.
Panama City Felony DUI Attorney
When a DUI Becomes a Felony
Most DUI arrests in Florida are misdemeanours. But under certain circumstances, a DUI becomes a felony — and the consequences change dramatically. Felony DUI charges carry potential state prison sentences, permanent or long-term licence revocation, and a felony record that affects employment, professional licensing, firearm rights, and voting rights for life.
Rusty Shepard is a former Assistant State Attorney who has handled felony DUI cases on both sides of the courtroom in Bay County. He understands how prosecutors approach these cases — and exactly where they are vulnerable.
When Does a DUI Become a Felony in Florida?
A DUI charge is elevated to a felony under four circumstances:
- Third DUI within 10 years — a third conviction within 10 years of a prior DUI is charged as a Third Degree Felony
- Fourth or subsequent DUI — any fourth or subsequent DUI is a felony regardless of how much time has passed since the prior convictions
- DUI with serious bodily injury — when a DUI accident causes serious bodily injury to another person (defined as injury creating substantial risk of death, serious disfigurement, or protracted loss of function of a bodily member or organ)
- DUI Manslaughter — when a DUI accident causes the death of another person. Covered separately at /criminal-defense/violent-crimes/vehicular-manslaughter-homicide/
Felony DUI Penalties in Florida
Third DUI within 10 years (Third Degree Felony):
- Up to 5 years in state prison
- Fines up to $5,000
- Mandatory minimum 30 days in jail
- 10-year licence revocation
- Mandatory ignition interlock for 2 years upon reinstatement
Fourth or Subsequent DUI (Third Degree Felony, regardless of timing):
- Up to 5 years in state prison
- Fines up to $5,000
- Permanent licence revocation — no reinstatement
- Mandatory ignition interlock for 5 years if reinstatement is ever granted by court
DUI with Serious Bodily Injury (Third Degree Felony):
- Up to 5 years in state prison
- Fines up to $5,000
- Minimum 3-year licence revocation
The Critical Difference Between Felony and Misdemeanour DUI
Beyond the longer sentences, a felony DUI conviction carries consequences that permanently alter your life:
- Loss of the right to own or possess a firearm — permanently, under federal law
- Loss of the right to vote in Florida until rights are restored through the clemency process
- Professional licence suspension or revocation — nurses, teachers, lawyers, contractors, and others face reporting obligations and potential loss of licence
- Immigration consequences — non-citizens face potential deportation
- Permanent felony record on all background checks
- FR44 insurance requirements — significantly higher coverage requirements at dramatically increased premiums
Defending Felony DUI Charges
Every DUI case — including felony DUI — starts with the same fundamental question: can the State prove every element of the charge beyond a reasonable doubt? Rusty Shepard examines:
- The lawfulness of the traffic stop — an unlawful stop suppresses all subsequent evidence
- The validity of prior convictions — a prior DUI used to elevate the charge to felony level can be challenged if it was obtained without proper legal representation or in violation of constitutional rights
- Breathalyser and blood test procedures — calibration records, chain of custody, and administration protocols
- The accuracy of the BAC reading at the time of driving versus the time of testing
- Whether a charge reduction is achievable — from felony DUI to misdemeanour DUI, or from DUI to reckless driving
Facing felony DUI charges in Panama City or Bay County? Call Shepard Law at (850) 290-2505 immediately. Available 24/7. Free consultation. Felony DUI cases require immediate action.
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.
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.