Pumphrey Law Florida Panama City Criminal Defense Lawyer

Panama City Criminal Defense Lawyer

Located along the Emerald Coast in Florida’s northwest region lies Panama City. Known as the “Spring Break Capital of the World,” the city attracts locals and tourists for its serene beaches, exciting nightlife, and massive fishing fleets. While the city brings in all types of fun, it is also familiar with crime.

Unfortunately, being the bustling hot spot for beach vacations can come at a price. Far too often individuals are accused of committing criminal offenses in Panama City and its surrounding areas. Whether you are a local or a visitor, getting arrested for a violation of Florida law can come with severe consequences. Depending on what you have been accused of you could be required to pay expensive fines and be sentenced to time in a jail or prison.

This is obviously not the outcome any person would want when spending their time in Panama City. However, you can get ahead of the allegations by securing reliable criminal defense. The defense attorneys with Pumphrey Law Firm have the knowledge and expertise to represent your case and challenge the grounds of a conviction.

Criminal Defense Attorney in Panama City, Florida

Have you recently been accused of a crime in Panama City, Florida? After the arrest, consider consulting with a defense attorney in the area. When faced with criminal charges, it helps immensely to have a knowledgeable legal expert on your side. The law office of Pumphrey Law Firm provides individuals throughout Leon County and the surrounding North Florida region in need of legal representation. Call us today to receive a free consultation to go over your circumstances and to get started on your case.

Pumphrey Law’s Practice Areas in Panama City

Getting arrested in Bay County should not be taken lightly. After you’ve been handcuffed and transported to the arresting law enforcement agency, it’s important that you understand the charge(s) against you and the potential outcome of a criminal conviction.

The defense attorneys with Pumphrey Law Firm represent locals and visitors of Panama City who have been charged with the following:

• Serious Traffic Violations – Individuals in Panama City who are caught driving with their license suspended or without a valid driver’s license can face criminal prosecution. Let an experienced attorney with Pumphrey Law represent you for any serious traffic violation, including fleeing and eluding a police officer.
• Driving Under the Influence (DUI) – Accusations of drunk driving should be taken seriously. A person who lives in or is visiting Panama City and is accused of operating a motor vehicle while impaired can face strict penalties if they are convicted of DUI. The experienced DUI defense attorneys with Pumphrey Law can represent your case involving DUI with Property Damage, DUI with Serious Bodily Injury, and DUI Manslaughter.
• Drug Charges – Panama City and the rest of Florida follow the state’s Drug Schedule when there are allegations of a drug offense. Hire a defense attorney with Pumphrey if you have been arrested for a drug offense such as unlawful possession, possession with the intent to sell, or drug trafficking.
• Marijuana Charges – Given the legislation changes in recent years regarding the legalization of medical marijuana and hemp, marijuana offenses should be represented by a defense attorney well versed in Florida’s marijuana laws. Pumphrey Law can represent you if you are facing possession of marijuana in Panama City.
• Domestic Violence – Family members, household members, or individuals in a romantic relationship in Panama City who are accused of violent acts can face criminal prosecution for domestic violence. A common domestic violence charge is domestic battery by strangulation. An attorney with Pumphrey Law can help challenge these allegations and argue against a temporary injunction for protective order.
• Violent Offenses – A person accused of any violent crime in Panama City should secure legal representation, as these cases will be prosecuted harshly. Common violent offenses include assault, battery, robbery, or murder.
• Weapons Charges – Individuals who are caught in the possession of a weapon or firearm on Panama City Beach or the surrounding areas can face criminal punishment. Pumphrey Law Firm can represent your case for charges such as possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, improper exhibition of a firearm, or improper discharge of a firearm.
• Theft & Property Crimes – An individual in Panama City accused of stealing from another person or party can be charged with a theft or property crime. Offenses include shoplifting, grand theft, and grand theft auto.
• Sexual Offenses – When a person is accused of a criminal act that is sexual in its nature, they can be charged with a sex crime. The state of Florida has an extensive list of sexual offenses, all of which can have detrimental outcomes if it results in a conviction. Example crimes include indecent exposure, lewd and lascivious acts, and sexual battery. Sexual offenses committed against or in the presence of minors can result in additional penalties, such as registering as a Florida Sex Offender.
• Resisting an Officer – When the party gets out of hand on the beach or in other areas of Panama City, the police may be called. It’s important to point out that a person who resists a law enforcement officer that is trying to apprehend them can face additional charges. A defense attorney with Pumphrey Law can challenge the details of the alleged offense.
• Juvenile Offenses – Given that Panama City is a popular spot for Spring Break and Summer break, the area attracts visitors of all ages. When minors are accused of violating Florida law, they typically go through the juvenile justice system. Despite juvenile sanctions being less severe than those of adult court, it can still seriously impact the child’s future. Contact Pumphrey Law to represent your child for their alleged juvenile offense.
• College Disciplinary Hearings – When a college student is accused of violating Florida law, they can face punishment from law enforcement and their educational institution. That means in addition to paying fines or facing a sentence under Florida law, a college student could also face suspension or even expulsion from their school. The official hearing to go over allegations of criminal acts are called college disciplinary hearings. Pumphrey Law can help you or your child prepare for the hearing and represent you during this challenging time.
• White-Collar Crimes – A lawyer with Pumphrey Law can represent you if you’ve been accused of a white-collar crime such as fraud, scheme to defraud, or identity theft.
• Violation of Probation (VOP) – In some cases, a criminal defendant will be sentenced to probation. There are specific rules and regulations for probation in Florida. A Pumphrey Law attorney can help you file a motion for the early termination of probation. If you have been accused of violating the terms of your probation, let a defense attorney with Pumphrey Law help challenge whether a violation occurred and if so, fight for the best possible outcome.
• Criminal Appeals – If you were convicted of a crime in Panama City and you wish to challenge the decision, you can file a criminal appeal. Keep in mind that an appeal is not the same thing as a retrial. A defense attorney with Pumphrey Law can assist in the appeal’s filing and representation during the hearing.

Info on Panama City, FL Crime

The County and Municipal Offense Report by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) provided the following data from Panama City relating to criminal offense from January – December 2021:

• Bay County Sheriff’s Office Total Crime Index: 1,709
• Panama City Police Department Total Crime Index: 1,437
• Panama City Beach Police Total Crime Index:

Additionally, the following table provides insight to individual offenses charged by each Panama City law enforcement organization between January – December 2021:

Example Criminal Case in Panama City

• January 2024 – The Bay County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of six individuals following a suspected burglary in the Treasure Circle area of Panama City Beach. According to the press release, the area was damaged by a strong storm that hit Bay County, resulting in officers placing a curfew from 9pm to 6am to lower the risk of looting. However, four men were spotted leaving one of the damaged homes with items carried in their hands. Deputies who spoke with the men arrested and charged them with burglary. Two additional individuals were charged with principal to burglary. “Looting will not be tolerated,” said Sheriff Tommy Ford. “Anyone who tries to victimize someone who has already lost so much will be caught and prosecuted.”
• February 2024 – The Panama City Police Department (PCPD) arrested three individuals for various drug charges. According to the news release, PCPD’s Street Crimes Unit spotted a suspicious vehicle behind a local business at 1100 Bayview Avenue. The three arrests included:
  • 24-year-old Aubrey Mitchell – Charged with possession of ketamine and possession of drug paraphernalia;
  • 21-year-old Shellie Delauder – Charged with possession of a prescription drug (Adderall) without a valid prescription; and
  • 26-year-old Bryan Brannon – Charged with possession of ketamine with the intent to distribute and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Additional Panama City, FL Legal Resources

The following lists helpful resources in the Panama City area:

Panama City Beach Police – Chief Eusebio Talamantez was sworn in as the sixth Chief of Police for the city of Panama City Beach. The agency has several specialized units for maintaining public safety, including entities for walking beats, bicycle patrols, all-terrain vehicles, and prisoner transport. Their office is located at:

• 17115 Panama City Beach Parkway
• Panama City Beach, FL 32413
• (850) 233-5000

Panama City Police Department – The largest municipal law enforcement agency in Bay County, Florida. The department employs over 100 individuals who respond to an average of 70,000 calls per year. Their office is located at:

• 1209 15^th St
• Panama City, FL 32405
• (850) 872-3112

Bay County Sheriff’s Office – Sheriff Tommy Ford is the appointed Sheriff representing Bay County. Their Field Services Division patrols over 1.7 million miles and responds to over 100,000 calls each year. Their office is located at:

• 3421 N Highway 77
• Panama City, FL 32405
• (850) 747-4700

Bay County Clerk of Court – The department in charge of managing the local justice system’s information, including the maintaining and filing of public records. This is Bay County’s first and only courthouse. Located at:

• 300 E 4^th St
• Panama City, FL 32401

Pumphrey Law | Panama City Criminal Defense Attorney

While it is understandable that facing criminal prosecution is a stressful experience, you should know that you don’t have to go it alone. By hiring a defense attorney, you can rest assured that your case is well cared for. An attorney can help establish defense strategies to help challenge the charges against you. If the case goes to trial, you will want an attorney experienced in criminal court proceedings. For any person charged with a crime in Panama City, consider hiring a defense attorney with Pumphrey Law Firm.

Our lawyers have a deep understanding of the justice system in Florida. We can help review the evidence against you and conduct a cross-examination of any potential witnesses. When you’re in need of criminal defense, Pumphrey Law is here to help. Let us fight on your behalf to win you the most ideal outcome. Our office provides free case consultations when you call (850) 681-7777 or fill out our online form.