Robbery
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 Robbery Lawyer
Robbery Is Always a Felony in Florida
Robbery is one of the most serious criminal charges in Florida. Unlike theft, robbery involves the use of force, violence, or the threat of violence — which makes it a felony at every level. A robbery conviction carries state prison time, potentially a life sentence if a firearm was involved, and a permanent felony record.
Rusty Shepard is a former Assistant State Attorney who has prosecuted and defended robbery cases in Bay County courts. Robbery cases are built on witness identification, surveillance footage, and physical evidence — and all three can be challenged.
How Florida Law Defines Robbery
Under Florida Statute § 812.13, robbery is defined as the taking of money or property from another person, with their knowledge, by use of force, violence, assault, or putting them in fear. The critical distinction from theft is the element of force or intimidation — the victim must be present and aware.
Robbery vs Theft — The Key Difference
- Theft — taking property without the victim’s presence or awareness. No force required.
- Robbery — taking property from a present victim using force, violence, or threat. Always a felony.
- Carjacking — a specific form of robbery involving a motor vehicle. Always a first-degree felony.
Robbery Charges and Penalties in Florida
- Robbery by sudden snatching (§812.131) — snatching property the victim is aware of. Third Degree Felony: up to 5 years in state prison and a $5,000 fine. Second Degree Felony if a firearm or weapon is used.
- Robbery without a weapon (§812.13) — Second Degree Felony: up to 15 years in state prison and a $10,000 fine
- Robbery with a weapon other than a firearm — First Degree Felony: up to 30 years in state prison and a $10,000 fine
- Robbery with a firearm or deadly weapon (§812.13 + §775.087) — First Degree Felony punishable by life. If the firearm is discharged, Florida’s 10-20-Life mandatory minimum sentencing applies.
Home Invasion Robbery
Home invasion robbery — entering a dwelling with the intent to commit robbery — is a First Degree Felony punishable by life imprisonment. If a firearm is displayed or discharged, mandatory minimum sentencing under 10-20-Life applies. Home invasion robbery is treated as one of the most serious non-capital offences in Florida’s criminal code.
Key Defence Strategies
- Eyewitness identification challenges — robbery prosecutions frequently rely on victim or witness identification. Eyewitness testimony is among the least reliable forms of evidence. Cross-examination techniques, identification procedure challenges, and alternative suspect evidence are all powerful tools
- Alibi — establishing you were not present at the location at the time of the offence
- Lack of force element — where the facts show a theft rather than a robbery, a charge reduction may be achievable
- Surveillance footage analysis — video evidence can support or contradict the identification
- Fourth Amendment challenges — unlawful arrests or searches can result in physical evidence being suppressed
- Coerced confession — statements obtained without Miranda warnings or under duress may be suppressed
Facing robbery charges in Panama City or Bay County? Call Shepard Law at (850) 290-2505 immediately. Available 24/7. Free consultation. Robbery charges require immediate legal representation.
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.