Protecting Your Rights
AGGRESSIVE DEFENSE & DEDICATED REPRESENTATION
Our Panama City Firm Has Much to Offer. Learn Why People Choose Shepard Law.
Protecting Your Rights
Shepard Law, Panama City
If you have been arrested in Bay County, your rights are under immediate pressure. The State Attorney’s Office is building its case. Law enforcement has already documented its observations. The decisions you make in the next 24 to 72 hours — whether to speak, whether to consent to searches, what you say on the jail phone — will be used in court.
Rusty Shepard is a former Assistant State Attorney from Florida’s 14th Judicial Circuit, a NADD Nationally Ranked Superior DUI Attorney, FACDL 14th Circuit Chapter President, and former President of the Bay County Criminal Defense Bar. He has handled more than 10,000 criminal cases in Bay County, on both sides of the courtroom. That experience is what he brings to defending yours.
What Separates a Former Prosecutor in Your defense
Having prosecuted cases in the 14th Circuit, Rusty Shepard understands how Bay County prosecutors evaluate a case at intake: which facts they consider strong, which witnesses they’ll rely on, and which elements of an investigation are vulnerable to challenge. He prepares every defense as if it’s going to trial — because that preparation is also what creates leverage in negotiations that don’t go to trial.
Three-quarters of Shepard Law’s case load consists of felony charges. The firm handles cases from first-time misdemeanour DUI to federal drug trafficking and violent crime charges with 10-20-Life mandatory minimums. Whatever you’re facing, Rusty Shepard has most likely handled a similar case in Bay County courts.
Rusty Shepard
Shepard Law
- Former ASA — 14th Judicial Circuit
- FACDL 14th Circuit Chapter President
- President, Bay County Criminal Defense Bar 2011–2015
- 10,000+ Cases
Exercise Your Right to Remain Silent!!!
A Proven Track Record of Handling Criminal Cases in the Panama City Area
This may be your first arrest, but with a track record of handling thousands of criminal cases, our attorneys have most likely already represented someone in a similar situation with similar charges to the ones you now face. Shepard Law takes on cases ranging from minor shoplifting theft crimes and misdemeanor DUI, to serious violent crimes, and sexual offenses. In fact, three-quarters of Shepard Law’s case load consists of felony charges.
Seeking a Solution that Works, Both In and Out of the Courtroom
Mr. Shepard treats every case as if it is going to trial. They work with witnesses, experts, and Shepard Law’s paralegal staff to develop a successful defense strategy. Mr. Shepard works aggressively to defend clients and attain the best possible result. If the client does not wish to take the case to trial, our attorneys are often able to rely on relationships forged with prosecutors and judges through many years of handling criminal law cases to negotiate a favorable plea bargain.
Your Rights Don't Disappear at Arrest — They Need to Be Used
- Right to remain silent: invoke it clearly and immediately. ‘I am not answering questions and I want to speak to a lawyer.’ Then say nothing else.
- Right to counsel: once invoked, questioning must stop. This is a constitutional protection — use it before your first word to investigators.
- Right to be free from unreasonable searches: you can decline consent to a search. Refusing cannot be used as evidence of guilt.
- Right to a fair trial: the State must prove every element of the charge beyond a reasonable doubt. You don’t have to prove anything.
Arrested in Bay County? Call Shepard Law at (850) 290-2505. Former ASA. FACDL Chapter President. 10,000+ cases. Free consultation. Available 24/7.
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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