Juvenile 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are The Most Common Juvenile Crimes In Panama City?
In Panama City, common juvenile crimes typically involve property offenses such as theft and vandalism, as well as drug-related charges. Data from local law enforcement and court reports highlight these as prevalent issues affecting the youth. The approach to handling these cases often involves various interventions aimed at rehabilitation, which may include community service, counseling, or probation rather than incarceration. Understanding these common offenses allows Shepard Law to tailor defense strategies that address underlying issues contributing to juvenile delinquency and present comprehensive solutions to the courts.
Can a Juvenile Record Be Expunged in Florida?
Yes — in most cases. Florida law allows juvenile records to be expunged when the individual reaches adulthood, if they were not transferred to adult court and have completed all court requirements. Expungement removes the record from public access and, in most circumstances, allows the person to legally deny the arrest. Shepard Law handles juvenile record expungement as a natural extension of juvenile defense representation.
When Should You Call a Lawyer?
Immediately — before your child speaks to law enforcement, before the DJJ intake interview, and before any statement is made. Early legal involvement can influence whether charges are filed at all, whether diversion is offered, and how the case is characterised from the outset. Do not wait until a hearing date is set.
Panama City Juvenile Defense Attorney
Protecting Your Child's Future
When a child is arrested, the decisions made in the first hours and days can shape the rest of their life. The juvenile justice system in Florida is different from the adult system — the focus is on rehabilitation rather than punishment — but that does not mean the consequences are minor. A juvenile record can affect college applications, military service, employment, and professional licensing well into adulthood.
Rusty Shepard spent years as an Assistant State Attorney prosecuting cases in Florida’s 14th Judicial Circuit, including juvenile matters, before building a criminal defense practice that regularly handles juvenile cases in Bay County courts. He understands how prosecutors approach juvenile cases — and how to defend them effectively.
How Florida's Juvenile Justice System Works
Florida’s juvenile system is designed for children under 18. Key differences from the adult system include:
- Rehabilitation focus — the system aims to address the underlying causes of the behavior, not simply punish it
- No jury trial — juvenile cases are decided by a judge, not a jury
- Juvenile records — in most cases, juvenile records are not publicly accessible and may be eligible for expungement or sealing upon reaching adulthood
- Diversion options — first-time offenders may be eligible for civil citation, informal adjustment, or pre-trial diversion, which can resolve the case without a formal adjudication
- Transfer to adult court — for serious offenses or repeat offenders, the State Attorney can request transfer to adult court, where the child would be tried and sentenced as an adult. This is the most serious risk in any juvenile case.
Common Juvenile Charges in Bay County
- Theft and shoplifting
- Disorderly conduct and disorderly intoxication
- Drug possession — marijuana and prescription pills most common
- Battery — fights at school or in public
- Trespassing
- Vandalism and criminal mischief
- Resisting an officer without violence
- Minor in Possession (MIP) — alcohol or tobacco
- DUI
- Sexting — a specific juvenile offense in Florida with serious consequences
The Juvenile Court Process in Bay County
After a juvenile is taken into custody in Bay County, the case moves through several stages:
- Intake — a Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) intake officer assesses the case and makes a recommendation to the State Attorney
- State Attorney review — the State Attorney decides whether to divert the case, file a petition (formal charges), or decline to prosecute
- Detention hearing — if the juvenile is held in detention, a hearing must occur within 24 hours
- Arraignment — the juvenile is formally advised of the charges and enters a plea
- Adjudicatory hearing — the equivalent of a trial, heard by a judge. If the judge finds the juvenile committed the offense, they are adjudicated delinquent
- Disposition hearing — the judge determines the appropriate consequence: probation, community service, residential programme, or commitment to the Department of Juvenile Justice
Is your child facing criminal charges in Panama City or Bay County? Call Shepard Law at (850) 290-2505 immediately. Available 24/7. Free consultation.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are The Most Common Juvenile Crimes In Panama City?
In Panama City, common juvenile crimes typically involve property offenses such as theft and vandalism, as well as drug-related charges. Data from local law enforcement and court reports highlight these as prevalent issues affecting the youth. The approach to handling these cases often involves various interventions aimed at rehabilitation, which may include community service, counseling, or probation rather than incarceration. Understanding these common offenses allows Shepard Law to tailor defense strategies that address underlying issues contributing to juvenile delinquency and present comprehensive solutions to the courts.
Can a Juvenile Record Be Expunged in Florida?
Yes — in most cases. Florida law allows juvenile records to be expunged when the individual reaches adulthood, if they were not transferred to adult court and have completed all court requirements. Expungement removes the record from public access and, in most circumstances, allows the person to legally deny the arrest. Shepard Law handles juvenile record expungement as a natural extension of juvenile defense representation.
When Should You Call a Lawyer?
Immediately — before your child speaks to law enforcement, before the DJJ intake interview, and before any statement is made. Early legal involvement can influence whether charges are filed at all, whether diversion is offered, and how the case is characterised from the outset. Do not wait until a hearing date is set.
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.