Panama City Felony Attorney
Bay County's 14th Judicial Circuit
A felony conviction in Florida carries consequences that extend far beyond the sentence imposed at trial. Permanent criminal record. Loss of civil rights — including the right to vote and the right to possess firearms. Professional license revocation. Immigration consequences for non-citizens. Collateral effects on employment, housing, and family that persist for decades. When you are charged with a felony in Bay County, the quality of your representation at every stage — from arraignment through trial or plea — determines the outcome.
Rusty Shepard is a former Assistant State Attorney for Florida’s 14th Judicial Circuit who has handled felony cases in Bay County courts for over 25 years. As former FACDL 14th Circuit Chapter President and former President of the Bay County Criminal Defense Bar, he has defended felony charges ranging from Third Degree Felony drug possession through capital murder. He approaches every felony case as if it is going to trial — because that preparation is what creates real leverage.
Florida's Felony Structure — What You're Facing
- Third Degree Felony: up to 5 years state prison, $5,000 fine. Common charges: drug possession above misdemeanor threshold, grand theft ($750+), DUI (third offense or prior 10 years), aggravated assault, reckless driving with serious bodily injury.
- Second Degree Felony: up to 15 years state prison, $10,000 fine. Common charges: aggravated battery, armed robbery, burglary of a dwelling, DUI with serious bodily injury, vehicular homicide.
- First Degree Felony: up to 30 years state prison, $10,000 fine. Common charges: robbery with a firearm, sexual battery with force, home invasion, trafficking above threshold quantities.
- Life Felony and Capital Felony: life imprisonment or death. Murder, sexual battery on a child, kidnapping with specific circumstances.
- 10-20-Life mandatory minimums (§ 775.087): when a firearm is present during a qualifying felony, mandatory minimum sentences of 10, 20, or 25 years to life apply regardless of the defendant’s history or the judge’s discretion.
Our Services
Expertise in a wide range of criminal defense areas.
- First offense through felony DUI
- NADD-certified defense; formal review hearings
- Intoxilyzer 8000 challenges
- Possession through federal trafficking
- (§ 893.13) charges
- Northern District of Florida federal court
- Injunction hearings, firearm disqualification, no-drop prosecution defense
- Sexual Battery (§ 794.011)
- Sex offender registration consequences
- Consent and false accusation defenses
- Assault, battery, robbery, manslaughter and murder
- 10-20-Life firearm minimums under § 775.087
- Self-defense and Stand Your Ground
- Fraud, money laundering
- Forensic accountants engaged
- Direct-file risk
- Civil citation program
- 14th Circuit diversion
- FDLE eligibility review
- Bay County court petitions
The Florida Criminal Punishment Code — Why Felony Level Matters
Florida’s Criminal Punishment Code (CPC) uses a scoresheet system that calculates a minimum sentence based on the primary charge, prior record, and aggravating factors. Once the CPC minimum sentence exceeds 44 points — the non-state-prison threshold — the judge must impose a state prison sentence unless they find substantial and compelling reasons to depart downward. Understanding where a particular felony charge falls on the scoresheet, and whether departure arguments are available, is one of the first strategic questions in every Bay County felony case.
First Steps After a Felony Arrest in Bay County
- Do not make statements to law enforcement — invoke your right to remain silent and request an attorney immediately
- Call Shepard Law’s 24/7 hotline — the earlier representation begins, the more options exist
- The 10-day DHSMV deadline applies in DUI felony cases — license protection requires immediate action
- Evidence preservation — surveillance footage, witness contacts, and digital evidence can disappear within days of an arrest
Charged with a felony in Bay County? Call Shepard Law at (850) 290-2505. Former ASA. FACDL Chapter President. 10,000+ cases. Free consultation. Available 24/7.
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.
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.
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.