Misdemeanors
AGGRESSIVE DEFENSE & DEDICATED REPRESENTATION
Our Panama City Firm Has Much to Offer. Learn Why People Choose Shepard Law.
Criminal Defense
Misdemeanors
- Aggravated Assault
- Battery
- Bulgary
- Cyber Crimes
- Domestic Violence
- Drug Crimes
- DUI
- Expungement
- Juvenile Crimes
- Theft Crimes
- Robbery
- Sex Crimes
- Warrants
- 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
Will a misdemeanor stay on my record in Florida?
Yes — a conviction is permanent and cannot be expunged in most cases. A dismissal or acquittal may be eligible for sealing or expungement. This is why fighting the charge matters more than it may appear.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor charge?
Yes. The public defender’s office is overwhelmed and cannot provide the individualised attention that a dedicated defence attorney can. The consequences of a misdemeanour conviction are real and lasting — the quality of your representation at this stage determines what follows.
Can I avoid jail time for a first-time misdemeanour?
In most cases, yes — particularly for first-time offenders. Probation, community service, and diversion are all alternatives to incarceration that Shepard Law pursues aggressively when they are available and in the client’s best interest.
Panama City Misdemeanor Attorney
Every Charge Matters
A misdemeanour charge may seem minor compared to a felony. It is not. A misdemeanour conviction in Florida creates a permanent criminal record that appears on background checks, affects employment, housing, professional licensing, and in some cases immigration status — for life. And in Florida, most misdemeanour convictions cannot be expunged or sealed. The record is permanent.
Rusty Shepard spent years as an Assistant State Attorney prosecuting misdemeanour and felony cases in Bay County before dedicating his career to defence. He brings that same preparation to every misdemeanour case — because he knows what is at stake for his clients when a ‘minor’ charge follows them for decades.
Florida Misdemeanor Classifications
Florida classifies misdemeanours into two degrees under Chapter 775 of the Florida Statutes:
First Degree Misdemeanour — maximum penalties: 1 year in county jail, $1,000 fine, 1 year probation
- Simple battery
- Petit theft ($100–$750)
- First DUI (BAC below 0.15%)
- Possession of marijuana under 20 grams
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
- Resisting an officer without violence
- Disorderly conduct
- Criminal mischief ($200–$1,000)
- Driving under licence suspension
- Stalking
Second Degree Misdemeanour — maximum penalties: 60 days in county jail, $500 fine, 6 months probation
- Simple assault
- Disorderly intoxication
- Trespassing (first offence)
- Petit theft under $100
- Loitering or prowling
- No valid driver’s licence (first offence)
- Minor in possession of alcohol
Why a Misdemeanor Conviction Has Long-Term Consequences
The fine and jail time are only part of the picture. A misdemeanour conviction also means:
- Permanent criminal record — visible on all standard background checks indefinitely
- Employment barriers — many employers screen for any criminal record, not just felonies
- Professional licensing — nurses, teachers, real estate agents, contractors, and others face reporting obligations and potential licence issues even for misdemeanours
- Immigration — for non-citizens, even a misdemeanour conviction can trigger immigration consequences including deportation proceedings
- Enhanced future charges — a prior misdemeanour can elevate a subsequent charge. A second battery charge becomes a felony battery. A second DUI carries mandatory jail time. A second petit theft can become grand theft.
- Cannot be expunged — most misdemeanour convictions in Florida cannot be sealed or expunged. An acquittal or dismissal may be eligible — a conviction generally is not.
Can Misdemeanor Charges Be Dismissed or Reduced?
Yes — frequently. Rusty Shepard’s approach to every misdemeanour case is to investigate whether the charge can be dismissed, diverted, or reduced before accepting any outcome. Options include:
- Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) — for first-time offenders, completion of a programme results in dismissal and potential expungement eligibility
- Diversion programmes — for specific charges such as shoplifting, drug possession, and DUI, diversionary options may be available
- Charge reduction — negotiating a first-degree misdemeanour to a second-degree misdemeanour, or a misdemeanour to a civil infraction, based on weaknesses in the evidence
- Suppression motions — evidence obtained unlawfully can be excluded, often resulting in dismissal
- Trial — if the prosecution’s evidence is weak, an acquittal at trial results in a not guilty verdict and potential expungement eligibility
Facing misdemeanor charges in Panama City or Bay County? Call Shepard Law at (850) 290-2505. Free consultation. Available 24/7. Every charge deserves a real defence.
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.
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.
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