Warrants
AGGRESSIVE DEFENSE & DEDICATED REPRESENTATION
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Criminal Defense
Warrants
- Assault
- Battery
- Bulgary
- Cyber Crimes
- Domestic Violence
- Drug Crimes
- DUI
- Expungement
- Juvenile Crimes
- Misdemeanors
- Theft Crimes
- Robbery
- Violation of Probation
- Violent Crimes
- White Collar Crimes
No Charges Aggravated Assault
ALLEGATION: Client arrested for drive-by shooting and was facing the possibility of a minimum mandatory 15 year prison sentence under Florida’s 10-20-Life Law. RESULT: After consulting with with prosecutors and law enforcement NO CHARGES WERE FILED.
Negotiated Plea DUI Manslaughter
ALLEGATION: Client charged with DUI Manslaughter. Client faced up to 15 years prison and a permanent loss of his drivers’ license. RESULT: Client entered negotiated plea to probation and is eligible to drive with a hardship license.
Not Convicted Sexual Battery
ALLEGATION: Client who holds a professional certification and license with the State of Florida was accused of Sexual Battery with the possibility of 15 years prison and mandatory “Sexual Offender” designation. Arrest was reported in the Panama City News Herald. RESULT: Charge reduced without consent of victim to simple battery (misdemeanor). Client NOT CONVICTED of any criminal offense and not designated a Sexual Offender. Client able to return to work without loss of professional certification and license
Client NOT CONVICTED Violation of Probation
ALLEGATION: Client violated probation for a second time by failing to report (“absconding”), committing a new crime of Battery, not completing DUI school and failing to complete court ordered community service hours.
Not Convicted Violation of Probation
ALLEGATION: Client violated probation by failing to report (“absconding”) and committing a new felony of Obtaining a Controlled Substance by Forgery. Client was on probation for 7 counts of Obtaining a Controlled Substance by Fraud, 6 counts of Forgery, and 6 counts of Criminal Use of Personal Identification.
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.
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.
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