The sudden flash of red and blue lights in your rearview mirror. The cold feel of handcuffs. The confusion and fear of being placed in the back of a police car.
Being arrested is a terrifying experience.
Your mind races with questions. What happens next? Can I go to jail? How will this affect my family, my job, and my future?
In this moment, you feel alone and powerless. The weight of the entire legal system feels like it is crashing down on you.
You are not alone, and you are not powerless. At Gross Law Group, our Panama City Beach criminal defense lawyers are here to stand with you and fight for you. We provide the support you need right here in Bay County.
Our job is to protect your rights and give you a voice when no one listens. We offer straight talk and take strong action to defend your freedom. You have rights, and we are here to ensure they are respected.
Call us at (888) 858-1505 to discuss your case.
Why Choose a Gross Law Group Criminal Defense Lawyer in Panama City Beach?
When facing criminal charges, your chosen lawyer can make all the difference. You need a team that understands the local courts, knows how prosecutors think, and has the experience to fight for the best possible outcome.
At Gross Law Group, we are not your typical stuffy law firm. Our dedicated team provides "Big Firm Results, Small Firm Attention." This means you get a powerful defense team with the personal care and focus you deserve.
Our firm's strength in Panama City Beach comes from our deep local roots and experience. Our attorneys understand the community because they are part of it.
Our team’s past work as prosecutors in the State Attorney's Office gives us a special edge. This means our lawyers have seen cases from the other side. They know the strategies prosecutors use, how they build their cases, and where their weaknesses are. We use this inside knowledge to build a stronger defense for you.
An attorney's combination of a law degree and a Master's in Business Administration (M.B.A.) also means they understand the financial strain and career problems a criminal charge can cause.
Our entire firm fights for people who are in tough spots. Founder Keith Gross is not just an attorney but an entrepreneur who built his businesses from nothing. He knows what it is like to have everything on the line. He also served as a prosecutor, so he knows his way around a courtroom.
This background created our firm’s mission: to provide every client with strong, clear, and effective legal help.
When you hire Gross Law Group, you get a team of experienced fighters in your corner.
Common Criminal Charges We Defend in Panama City Beach
A criminal charge can range from a minor mistake to a life-altering accusation. Our lawyers have experience defending people against all charges in Bay County. We are prepared to handle your case with the seriousness and attention required.
Here are some of the common types of cases we handle:
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI): A DUI charge is one of the most common offenses in Florida. You face this charge when you drive or have actual physical control of a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs. Florida's law sets the legal limit for blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at 0.08 percent. The penalties for even a first-time DUI can include jail time, large fines, a driver's license suspension, and mandatory classes. A DUI lawyer in Panama City Beach can challenge the traffic stop, the breathalyzer test results, and the police officer's report to protect your rights and license.
- Domestic Violence: An accusation of domestic violence can tear a family apart. Under Florida law, domestic violence is any assault, battery, stalking, or other criminal offense that results in injury or death of a family or household member. A charge can lead to an injunction (a no-contact order), loss of your right to own a firearm, and jail time. One person often accuses, and the other defends—these cases frequently come down to one word against another. A skilled attorney can question the accuser's story and defend you against false or exaggerated claims.
- Theft Crimes: Theft involves knowingly taking someone else's property to deprive them of it. The seriousness of the charge depends on the value of the property taken. Petit theft (under $750) is a misdemeanor, while grand theft (over $750) is a felony. A theft conviction can make it very hard to find a job in the future. A defense lawyer can argue that you did not intend to steal, believed the property was yours, or that the value is incorrect.
- Drug Offenses: Florida has very strict drug laws. A charge can range from simple possession of a small amount of marijuana to trafficking large quantities of cocaine or opioids. The penalties depend on the type of drug and the amount. Florida law details the many drug-related crimes. A felony drug conviction can mean years or even decades in prison. An experienced criminal defense attorney can challenge how the police found the drugs. The court might throw out the evidence if the search was illegal.
No matter your charge, you have the right to a legal defense. According to the state's rules, every person charged with a crime has a right to a lawyer at every step. A rule known as the Right to Counsel protects this. Hiring your private attorney ensures a dedicated advocate focused solely on your case.
Handling Criminal Cases in Panama City Beach and Bay County
If police arrest you in Panama City Beach or elsewhere in Bay County, the Bay County Courthouse in Panama City will likely hear your case. This is the county's main criminal courthouse.
Navigating this courthouse and its procedures requires local knowledge. You need a lawyer who is there regularly and knows the judges and prosecutors.
The number of arrests in Florida is significant. According to a report from the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS), state and local law enforcement agencies in the U.S. make millions of arrests yearly. In Florida, thousands of people face the criminal justice system. Knowing you are one of many can feel overwhelming, but it also shows the importance of having a lawyer who can make your case stand out.
The State Attorney's Office for the 14th Judicial Circuit, which covers Bay County, will handle your case. They will have a team of lawyers working to get a conviction.
The police officers who arrested you, whether from the Panama City Beach Police Department or the Bay County Sheriff's Office, will be witnesses for the state. They are all working for the other side. This is why you need a professional on your side. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) stresses that you have rights when dealing with police, and a lawyer is your best bet to ensure those rights are protected.
Understanding your options after an arrest, like the possibility of pretrial release or bail, is also key. Florida law sets the conditions for pretrial release. An attorney can argue for your release on fair terms at your first appearance hearing, so you don't have to wait in jail while your case is pending.
Why You Need a Panama City Beach Criminal Defense Attorney for Your Case
Trying to handle a criminal charge by yourself is a huge risk. The legal system is confusing and has many hidden traps. The prosecutor is a trained professional whose only job is to prove you are guilty. Without your lawyer, you are at a serious disadvantage.
Here are some of the reasons why you need a Panama City Beach criminal defense lawyer:
- To Protect Your Rights: You have rights, like the right to remain silent and be free from unreasonable searches. But it's easy to accidentally give up those rights if you don't know the law. A lawyer will protect you from the very beginning. They will make sure police and prosecutors follow the rules.
- To Challenge the Evidence: A good attorney does not just accept the police report as fact. They will look closely at all the evidence. Was the traffic stop legal? Was the breathalyzer machine working right? Was the search of your home or car done with a proper warrant? When you spot errors in the state’s case, you can have evidence thrown out—or even get the charges dismissed. For example, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) sets standards for police training on DUI stops, and a lawyer can see if the officer followed them.
- To Negotiate with the Prosecutor: Your lawyer can talk to the prosecutor on your behalf. Because our lawyers have experience as prosecutors, they know how to have these conversations. They can negotiate for a lesser charge or a more lenient sentence, like probation instead of jail. This is often called a plea bargain and can be a good option sometimes.
- To Represent You in Court: If your case goes to trial, you need an experienced trial attorney. Your lawyer will select a fair jury, question witnesses, and present your side of the story to the judge. They will fight to show that the state has not proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt. Many people do not realize that choosing a jury is a technical process. An attorney knows how to question potential jurors and can ask the judge to remove people who may be biased, protecting your right to a fair trial.
A criminal conviction can follow you for the rest of your life. It can affect your ability to get a job, rent an apartment, or even get a loan. Hiring a skilled Panama City Beach criminal defense attorney gives you the best chance to avoid these long-term problems.
First Steps to Take After a Bay County Arrest
What you do in the first few hours after an arrest is very important. The wrong actions can hurt your case badly. If police have arrested you or a loved one, take these steps right away:
- Use Your Right to Remain Silent: You have the right not to answer questions from the police. You should clearly and calmly say, "I will remain silent. I want to speak with a lawyer." Do not try to explain your side of the story. Do not be chatty. Anything you say can and will be used against you.
- Be Polite and Do Not Resist: Even if the arrest is unfair, do not argue with the police or physically resist. Resisting arrest is a separate crime that only adds to your legal troubles. Stay calm and follow instructions.
- Do Not Consent to Searches: Police may ask permission to search your car, phone, or home. You do not have to permit them. You can say, "I do not consent to a search." You cannot stop them if they have a warrant, but you should not volunteer to let them search.
- Write Down Everything You Remember: Write down every detail of the arrest as soon as possible. What time was it? Where were you? Who was with you? What did the officers say to you? What did you say? These details can be very important later on.
- Call a Criminal Defense Lawyer Immediately: This is the most important step. Before you talk to anyone else, call an attorney. Do not talk to the police or the prosecutor without your lawyer present. Call Gross Law Group. We can start protecting you right away.
Panama City Beach Criminal Defense FAQs
What happens at a first appearance in Bay County?
Your first appearance hearing happens within 24 hours of your arrest. At this hearing, the judge will inform you of the charges against you, advise you of your right to counsel, and determine the conditions for your pretrial release, such as bail. An attorney present at this stage can argue for your release on the most favorable terms possible.
Can I get my record sealed or expunged in Florida?
Florida law allows for the sealing or expungement of certain criminal records, but not all offenses qualify. Generally, you may be eligible if you were not convicted of the crime (adjudication was withheld) or if the charges were dropped. Many serious offenses, including certain violent crimes and DUIs, are not eligible. The process is technical, and an attorney can determine your eligibility and manage the petition process.
What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony in Florida?
A misdemeanor is a less serious crime, punishable by up to one year in county jail. Examples include petit theft, simple assault, and first-offense DUI. A felony is a much more serious crime, punishable by more than a year in state prison. Felonies are categorized by degree (third, second, and first), with penalties increasing based on the severity of the offense.
Do I need a lawyer if I plan to plead guilty?
Yes, you should still have a lawyer. An attorney can review the evidence against you to ensure the charge is valid and that your rights were not violated. Even if you plead guilty, a lawyer can negotiate with the prosecutor for a reduced charge or a lighter sentence, a process known as plea bargaining, which may significantly improve the outcome of your case.
Contact a Panama City Beach Criminal Defense Attorney
A criminal charge does not have to ruin your life. You have a chance to fight back, and the team at Gross Law Group is ready to lead that fight. We provide the "Straight talk, strong action" to face the legal system confidently.
We will be by your side, explaining your options and working hard to protect your future. The sooner you call us, the sooner we can build your defense.
Contact a Panama City Beach criminal defense attorney at Gross Law Group for a confidential consultation. Let's talk about your case and make a plan.
Call us now at (888) 858-1505 or visit our contact page to message us. We are ready to help.