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Jonathan Wesley Dingus

Criminal defense Attorney at Panama City, FL

4.6   12 reviews
Message
  • Licensed for 34 years
    State FL
    Acquired 1989
    Status
    Member in Good Standing No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

I would highly recommend Johnathan Dingus.
anonymous
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired Attorney
Very educated, understanding person.
Lacey
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Consulted Attorney
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About Jonathan

Learn Jonathan’s areas of practice.

4
Practice areas
  1. Criminal defense
    40%
    I handle all different types of criminal matters. If it involves State or Federal Court, or trial or appellate issues, then I can help you.

    34 years, 2,500 cases

  2. Divorce and separation
    30%

    23 years, 100 cases

  3. Child custody
    20%

  4. DUI and DWI
    10%

When I graduated from law school in 1988, I decided that I wanted to be a trial lawyer.  Since then, I have tried more than 250 cases to a  jury, and more still to a judge.  I have been board certified by the Florida Bar as a specialist in Criminal Trial Law since 1999, and I have held a BV rating with Martindale Hubbell since 2003.  I serve as a special magistrate for code enforcement matters before the City of Panama City,  Florida, and as a special magistrate for animal cotrol matters for Bay County,  Florida.  I am certified by the Florida Supreme Court as a family law mediator.

 

In pursuing all of the jobs I detailed above, I have served as an assistant public defender (1989-1990) an assistant state attorney (1990-2000), and I have been in private practice for the past 16 years.

 

When I am not practicing law, I am spending time with my wife and our four daughters.

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Contact Jonathan

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Jonathan W. Dingus, Attorney at Law
527 Jenks Avenue
Panama City, FL, 32401
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Reviews

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4.6 / 5.0
  12 customer reviews
5 Star
 
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4 Star
 
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Posted by anonymous | December 17, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
I would highly recommend Johnathan Dingus.
He knows what he is doing. He knows how the system works. He will fight to get you the best deal. I will be using him in all future issues that I need a lawyer for. I was very pleased in his work for me.
Posted by Lacey | July 18, 2019
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Very educated, understanding person.
Although I am not able to use his services as of this moment, he will be my go to if needed in the future. His consultation was very reassuring and he worked with me with the best to his ability with my givin situation. He is definitely a good person with a caring heart. He was avle to give me plenty of advice on what was best for my options. I highly recommend him over anyone else I have spoken to in Panama City Florida.
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Posted by Trent | October 24, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
A Trustworthy and Honorable Attorney
I would recommend Mr. Dingus very highly. He handled my case, which was somewhat complex in nature, with great professionalism, expertise, and compassion. He and his staff were always very friendly and readily available to help with any questions I had, which put me at great ease in a difficult time. Through his excellent counsel, he was able to effect the outcome I desired at the conclusion of my case, and very efficiently as well. I couldn't be happier with the decision to hire him as my attorney, and wouldn't hesitate to retain him again in the future should the need arise. I would recommend him to anyone.
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Posted by anonymous | May 22, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Jonathan W. Dingus
There are many attorneys who push for the easy plea, not Jonathan. He took the case ready to spend the time to prepare and then verosiously fight my accusors. Jonathan also keep me informed every step of the way leading up to the trial. Jonathan worked hard preparing for trial. During the trial he had a calm, confident, stern demeanor. Jonathan presented evidence and made points that proved the acusations had no validity and wasn't reasonable to believe. A life altering catastrophy was avoided because of Jonathan's representation. My family and I are eternally greatful.
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Response from Jonathan Dingus June 10, 2017
Thanks so much. i do appreciate the review.
Posted by anonymous | December 14, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Awesome Defense Lawyer
I went to Mr Dingus, feeling about as low as someone can get . I'd made a mistake, but felt I was going to be railroaded. Finding it hard to tell my problem, he told me "sometimes bad things happen to good people "..., so I was able to explain my scenario. I have never forgotten that . With professionalism, experience and genuine concern, he handled my case beyond expectation and I consider him a personal hero . But beyond that , I think the straight talk and respect he showed me are what I remember most from the experience ..... I could not recommend anyone better to treat you fairly and give you his best effort .
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Posted by Jennifer | December 14, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Mr.Dingus is a Wonderful Attorney and Person in General
Mr. Dingus has been my lawyer in several criminal cases as well as in my custody case in family law. John is always prepared and has a plan. He explains each situation and possible outcomes in laymen terms so I can understand what is taking place. He and his team stay connected with me and help in every area of my life. I will never use anyone else, I trust John with my life. He not only helped me but my entire family as well. He makes me very comfortable and in some of the most difficult times in my life he provided the guidance I needed to get through it. I would whole heartedly recommend Mr. Dingus in your criminal case or family law case if you need someone who will fight for your rights and your freedom. He will be there for everything you need legally and will have your back and see it all the way to the end. I have a lot of respect for his practices and appreciate his careful attention to detail in the multiple cases he worked through with me and my family.
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Posted by Randy | December 13, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Courteous, efficient and knowledgeable
I am out of state and Mr Dingus and staff could not have made my divorce process any easier for me! Even helped me after the final trial to help me resolve everything that was outstanding. If you need an attorney that cares about you and treats you like a person that matters, Mr Dingus is the perfect fit!
Posted by anonymous | November 28, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Wonderful attorney
I'm incredibly thankful to Jonathan and his staff for providing me with the best legal service and advice. I would recommend him to anyone deserving of his skill and professionalism.
Response from Jonathan Dingus December 10, 2016
Thanks so much. It really means a lot to get such a good review. I strive to meet and surpass expectations
Posted by benjamin | June 27, 2013
Helped me in the worst of times
I have had Mr. Dingus handle a criminal matter as well as a child custody matter for me. When I met him, things were looking bleak. Somehow, he was able to get ahold of my problems and turn them around so that things were much better. He helped me get the criminal charges dismissed, and what was looking like me losing custody of my child wound up for me getting majority timesharing with my son. I truly cannot describe with words how much Mr. Dingus has done, and what he was able to do for me, both short term and long term. I would say it is nothing short of miraculous.
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Posted by anonymous | June 27, 2010
Great lawyer
He is the best ever! Got me everything I wanted.
Posted by Bob | June 18, 2013
Great lawyer
Went to court with him. I was scared and he took good care of me. I highly recommend him.
Posted by Robert | March 22, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
STAY AWAY - He Does A Half-Butt Job
I served half my probation with no violations and both him and his secretary LIED, and said I would be finished with probation after the hearing. Of Course that was their way to lied to get more business and be unprepared for my hearing. His secretary never sent me anything Jonathan Dingus wrote in my brief, never sent me anything the state wrote up in their brief, and really did a half butt job. I guess that is how he hooks in us suckers, by lairing and doing a half butt job
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Cost

Rates
  • Retainer Sometimes
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 9.6 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Attorney
  • Jonathan Dingus, Attorney At Law
  • 2000 - Present
  • Special Magistrate for Animal Control Hearings
  • Bay County Florida
  • 2015 - 2016
  • Special Magistrate for Code Enforcment
  • City of Panama City
  • 2005 - 2016
  • Assistant State Attorney
  • State Attorneys Office, Panama City, Florida
  • 1990 - 2000
  • Assistant Public Defender
  • Public Defender's Office, Lake City Florida (Third Judicial Circuit)
  • 1989 - 1990
  • Certified Legal Intern
  • Public Defender Office Gainesville, Fl
  • 1988 - 1989
View all work experience

Education

  • University of Florida, Fredric G. Levin College of Law
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 1988
  • Florida State University
  • BS - Bachelor of Science
  • 1984

Legal Cases

  • USA v. Lee
  • not guilty
  • State v. Pittman
  • not guilty
  • State of Florida v. McFadden
  • acquitted by a jury of their peers

Associations

  • Downtown Kiwanis Clube of Panama City
  • Kiwanis Club
  • 2015 - Present
  • Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • Member
  • 2000 - Present
  • Bay County Bar Association
  • 2000 - Present
  • Teen Court of Bay County
  • 2000 - Present
  • American Bar Association
  • 2000 - Present
  • Florida Bar
  • Member
  • 1989 - Present
  • Holy Nativity Episcopal School Board
  • Board President
  • 2005 - 2007
  • Holy Nativity Episcopal Church
  • Chancellor (Legal Counsel)
  • 1996 - 2002
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • Distinguished
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2019
  • Peer Review Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2017
  • Distinguished
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2016
  • BV Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2003
  • Best of Bay finalist-Attorney
  • Panama City Newsherald
  • 2002
  • Board Certification as a specialist in Criminal Trial Law
  • Florida Bar
  • 1999
View all awards

Publications

  • State Attorneys Office,14th Judicial Circuit of Florida
  • Ruminations of Prosecuting Sexual Battery Cases
  • 1998

Speaking Engagements

  • The Law Show; WMBB Panama City FL
  • Family Law
  • 2013
  • career day at a local school
  • The US Consitution
  • 2011
  • FADCL Bay County Chapter
  • Dog Sniffs and whether the dog is an expert
  • 2009
  • gulf Coast Community College
  • Consitutional Law
  • 2007
  • Bay County Sheriffs Office
  • Criminal Law Update
  • 1999
  • Legal issues regarding reporting of suspected child abuse
  • Legal issues regarding reporting of suspected child abuse
  • 1995
  • DUI prosecution
  • DUI prosecution
  • 1994
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (8)
Given (9)
Endorse Jonathan
Jason T. Johnson headshot
Jason Johnson
General practice Attorney | Jun 08
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
W. Michael Hunter headshot
W. Michael Hunter
Criminal defense Attorney | May 22
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Professional and courteous. Very smart attorney"
Robert Douglas Sale headshot
Robert Sale
Criminal defense Attorney | May 06
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"Smart attorney"
Carroll Lee McCauley III headshot
Carroll McCauley
Divorce and separation Attorney | Oct 31
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Very knowledgeable and respectable. He's great to work with."
Charles Bennett Bollinger III headshot
Charles Bollinger
Criminal defense Attorney | Feb 08
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I have known John for 20 years when he used to be an Assistant State Attorney. He was always fair and just when handling cases I was opposing him on. Since being in private practice I find John very dedicated to his profession, always on time and someone that knows the law very well. I highly recommend John."
Maria Ignacio Dykes headshot
Maria Dykes
Criminal defense Attorney | Jan 13
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Jonathan Dingus for over two decades. During this time, I have found Jonathan to be a knowledgeable and skilled attorney."
Stanley Eugene Peacock headshot
Stanley Peacock
Criminal defense Attorney | Aug 29
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Jonathan Dingus as an adversary years ago when I was a prosecutor. I have also known him in recent years as a colleague in the criminal defense community in North Florida. He has always been well prepared for his cases in hearings and in trial. I respects his talents and skills regarding any criminal defense matter"
Christopher Nida Patterson headshot
Christopher Patterson
Criminal defense Attorney | May 08
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Mr Dingus is a quality attorney. As a board certified attorney, Mr Dingus is well respected in Northwest Florida. He is always prepared and diligent in his representation. He handles the most serious of cases with skill and composure in most stressful situations. I highly recommend Mr Dingus as a talented criminal trial advocate."
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W. Michael Hunter headshot
W. Michael Hunter
Unknown
Robert Douglas Sale headshot
Robert Sale
Criminal defense
Michael Ray Goodson headshot
Michael Goodson
Family
Carroll Lee McCauley III headshot
Carroll McCauley
Divorce and separation
Maria Ignacio Dykes headshot
Maria Dykes
Criminal defense
Dustin Stephenson headshot
Dustin Stephenson
Criminal defense
Charles Bennett Bollinger III headshot
Charles Bollinger
Criminal defense
Charles William Lammers headshot
Charles Lammers
Criminal defense
Christopher Nida Patterson headshot
Christopher Patterson
Criminal defense
Panama City Criminal defense Lawyer Jonathan Wesley Dingus
Jonathan Wesley Dingus
Criminal defense Attorney
Panama City, FL
Licensed for 34 years
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