White Collar 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.
Panama City White Collar Crime Attorney
Experienced. Discreet. Decisive.
White collar criminal investigations move slowly — but they move. By the time law enforcement makes contact, they have often been building a paper trail for months. If you are being investigated for a financial crime, or if you have been arrested, the actions you take right now will shape every outcome that follows.
Rusty Shepard is a former Assistant State Attorney and served as President of the Bay County Criminal Defense Bar from 2011 to 2015. He has handled white collar and financial crime cases at both the state and federal level — representing professionals, business owners, and community figures whose careers and reputations are on the line alongside their freedom. Shepard Law engages forensic accountants and investigators where needed to match the prosecution’s resources.
White Collar Crimes We Defend in Florida
- Fraud — insurance fraud, bank fraud, mortgage fraud, credit card fraud, wire fraud, healthcare fraud
- Embezzlement — misappropriation of funds entrusted to an employee or official
- Money laundering — concealing the origins of criminally obtained funds
- Tax evasion — underreporting income, inflating deductions, or failing to file returns
- Identity theft — using another person’s identifying information for financial gain
- Counterfeiting — producing or distributing counterfeit currency or documents
- Forgery — falsifying documents, signatures, or records
- Bribery and corruption — offering or receiving improper payments to influence official conduct
- Securities fraud — insider trading, Ponzi schemes, or misrepresentation to investors
- Prescription fraud — obtaining controlled substances by fraudulent means
State vs Federal Prosecution — A Critical Distinction
Many white collar cases are prosecuted at the federal level, particularly when they involve interstate commerce, federal agencies, federal programmes, or financial institutions. Federal prosecution means:
- FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation, or Secret Service involvement — these agencies dedicate far more resources than state law enforcement
- Federal sentencing guidelines — typically longer sentences than equivalent state charges, with less judicial discretion
- No parole — federal prisoners serve at least 85% of their sentence
- Greater financial penalties — federal fines can far exceed state equivalents
Shepard Law handles both state and federal white collar defence. Whether the case is before the Bay County Circuit Court or the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida, Rusty Shepard’s experience and preparation are the same.
Protecting Your Professional Licence
For many white collar defendants — nurses, teachers, accountants, contractors, real estate agents, financial advisers — the professional licence is as important as the criminal outcome. A conviction can trigger mandatory reporting requirements and licence suspension or revocation proceedings before the relevant Florida licensing board.
Rusty Shepard regularly works with administrative lawyers in Tallahassee to develop defence strategies that protect professional licences in parallel with the criminal case. The goal is not just to minimise the criminal penalty — it is to preserve your ability to continue working in your profession.
The Paper Trail — Why Early Action Matters
White collar cases are built on documents — bank records, emails, accounting records, tax filings, and electronic communications. The prosecution’s case is assembled from this paper trail over months or years before charges are filed. By the time an arrest is made, the State already knows what the documents show.
Early legal intervention allows Rusty Shepard to review the same documents the prosecution has, identify what the paper trail actually shows and does not show, and begin building a defence before the prosecution has fully constructed its narrative. In many white collar cases, the difference between a conviction and an acquittal is found in the documents — not in witness testimony or physical evidence.
Key Defence Strategies
- Lack of criminal intent — many white collar offences require proof of specific intent to defraud. Business decisions made in good faith, accounting errors, and reliance on professional advice can all negate the intent element
- Insufficient evidence — the prosecution must prove every element beyond a reasonable doubt. Financial records are frequently ambiguous and open to interpretation
- Fourth Amendment — unlawful searches of business premises, computers, or financial records can result in evidence suppression
- Entrapment — government agents induced you to commit an offence you would not otherwise have committed
- Statute of limitations — white collar charges often have specific limitation periods; charges filed outside those periods are barred
- Forensic accounting analysis — challenging the prosecution’s financial expert with independent forensic analysis
Under investigation or charged with a white collar crime in Panama City or Bay County? Call Shepard Law at (850) 290-2505 for a confidential consultation. 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.
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.