Warrants
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find out if there is a warrant in my name in Bay County?
You can check with the Bay County Clerk of Court, but for privacy and to avoid triggering action, contact Shepard Law first. We can discreetly verify the status of any warrant and advise you on the safest next steps before you take any action.
What happens if I ignore an outstanding warrant?
Ignoring a warrant virtually guarantees a worse outcome. You may be arrested at an inconvenient time and place, face higher bail, and have the outstanding warrant used against you in negotiations and at sentencing. Address it proactively.
Can a warrant be cleared without turning myself in?
In some cases — particularly bench warrants based on administrative errors or missed court dates — we can petition the court to recall the warrant without requiring you to appear or be arrested. Most criminal warrants, however, require a court appearance. We make that process as smooth and discreet as possible.
Panama City Warrant Attorney
Address Your Warrant Before It Addresses You
An outstanding warrant does not go away on its own. It can result in an arrest at your home, at work, or during a routine traffic stop — at any time, without warning. The consequences extend beyond the arrest itself: loss of employment, impact on professional licenses, restrictions on travel, and in many cases, higher bail amounts when a judge views the outstanding warrant as evidence of flight risk.
The best time to deal with a warrant is before you are arrested. Rusty Shepard has worked with Bay County courts for over 25 years and knows how to address warrants strategically — often without the disruption of an unexpected arrest.
Types of Warrants in Florida
- Arrest Warrant — issued by a judge when law enforcement provides probable cause that a person has committed a crime. Law enforcement can execute this warrant at any time.
- Bench Warrant — issued when a person fails to appear for a court date or fails to comply with a court order. Can be issued for something as minor as a traffic ticket or as serious as a felony charge.
- Search Warrant — authorises law enforcement to search a property, vehicle, or person for evidence. Does not directly lead to arrest but frequently accompanies one.
- Probation Violation Warrant — issued when a person on probation is alleged to have violated the terms of their release. Often carries a no-bond hold — meaning you will not be released until you appear before a judge.
How Shepard Law Handles Warrant Cases
The approach depends on the type of warrant and the underlying charge. Rusty Shepard’s process:
- Investigation — we access court records and law enforcement information to understand exactly what the warrant involves and why it was issued
- Recall (bench warrants) — in many cases we can petition the court to recall a bench warrant without you needing to be arrested, particularly where the failure to appear was due to circumstances beyond your control
- Strategic surrender (arrest warrants) — where an arrest is required, we arrange a controlled and discreet surrender that protects your dignity and positions you for the best possible bond outcome
- Bond hearing — we appear with you and argue aggressively for the lowest possible bond or release on your own recognizance
- defense — once the warrant is resolved, we begin building your defense on the underlying charge
Why Addressing a Warrant Promptly Matters
Bay County courts view prompt, voluntary action on a warrant favorably. A person who voluntarily addresses an outstanding warrant — rather than being arrested unexpectedly — is viewed differently by judges when it comes to bond amounts, release conditions, and ultimately sentencing. Acting promptly is not just the right thing to do — it is strategically in your best interest.
Rusty Shepard’s relationships with Bay County judges, prosecutors, and court staff — built over 25 years — allow him to navigate warrant proceedings efficiently and with minimum disruption to your life.
Have an outstanding warrant in Panama City or Bay County? Call Shepard Law immediately at (850) 290-2505. Available 24/7. Do not wait for an unexpected arrest.
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
How can I find out if there is a warrant in my name in Bay County?
You can check with the Bay County Clerk of Court, but for privacy and to avoid triggering action, contact Shepard Law first. We can discreetly verify the status of any warrant and advise you on the safest next steps before you take any action.
What happens if I ignore an outstanding warrant?
Ignoring a warrant virtually guarantees a worse outcome. You may be arrested at an inconvenient time and place, face higher bail, and have the outstanding warrant used against you in negotiations and at sentencing. Address it proactively.
Can a warrant be cleared without turning myself in?
In some cases — particularly bench warrants based on administrative errors or missed court dates — we can petition the court to recall the warrant without requiring you to appear or be arrested. Most criminal warrants, however, require a court appearance. We make that process as smooth and discreet as possible.
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.