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Rusty Shepard
also known as Rudolph Carroll Shepard, Jr.
About Rusty
Biography
Mr. Shepard, practices in the areas of criminal defense and Social Security-Disability. Over the course of his career he has handled thousands of criminal cases ranging from Disorderly Conduct to First Degree Murder. Additionally, Mr. Shepard has helping hundreds of people receive the Social Security-Disability benefits they deserve.
- President, Bay County Criminal Defense Bar (2011-Present)
- President, Bay County Bar Association (2007-2010)
- Member, 14th Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee (2013)
- Member, Law Related Education Committee of the Florida Bar (2003-2009)
- Barrister, St. Andrews Bay Inns of Court
- Member, Criminal Justice Section, American Bar Association
- Member, Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
- Member, National Organization of Social Security Claimant's Representatives
- Recipient, Florida Bar President's Pro Bono Service Award (2011)
- Featured as “One to Watch” by Bay Life Magazine
- Featured as one of "The New Vanguard: The Smart & Savvy" by Panama City Living Magazine
- Member, Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels
- Legal Commentator:
- WMBB/News-13 (ABC)
- WJHG/News Channel 7 (NBC)
- Law Call, a live weekly call-in show
- Former Assistant State Attorney
- The Florida Bar, 2000
- United States District Court, Northern District of Florida, 2004
- United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, 2004.
- Juris Doctor, Florida State University College of Law, 2000
- Bachelor of Arts, University of Arizona, 1993
Prior to law school Mr. Shepard worked as a political consultant for a national political committee and respective United States Senate candidates in Washington, DC. Additionally, Mr. Shepard served in the Washington, DC based political affairs office of Astrum International, the parent company of Samsonite, Culligan International and the 500 Fashion Group.
Practice Areas
1
Practice Area
Criminal Defense
100%
25 years | 5,000 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Retainer
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Florida for 25 years
State: Florida
Acquired: 2000
No misconduct found
Location
Shepard Law
2612 West 15th Street, Panama City, FL, 32401
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Rusty Shepard's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
21 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 reviews | Compassion
Posted by Craig Edwards | October 03, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Family
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 hear...
Posted by anonymous | August 05, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Thank you Mr. Shepard
We hired Mr. Shepard to represent our son, who was in trouble. He handled everything for us. He went out of his way for our son. Thank you Mr. Shepard, we are very thankful and grateful.
Posted by Erica | February 19, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Thank you just isn't enough!
Thank you just isn’t enough. Rusty, you and your team really are the best there is! I am so grateful for the advocating you did on behalf of my Mom. You came through when other lawyers and legal professionals didn't. Our family is grateful beyond measure with how her entire case was handled. But more...
Posted by Ernie | December 17, 2013 | Lawsuits & Disputes
Awesome Attorney of Compassion and Respect
Mr. Rusty Shepard did a phenomenal job of representing my son in a complicated case involving two states. He started working and gathering information during my initial phone call. He kept me informed every step of the way, and encouraged me to call with any questions I might have. Mr. Shepard also h...
Rusty Shepard's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer. We worked together on a criminal matter where my non-citizen client needed a certain outcome in her criminal matter to avoid deportation from the US. Rusty came through!"
"Mr. Shepard and his staff truly care about the outcome of their clients' cases! Rusty works well with prosecutors to get the best plea offer! But that doesn't mean he is afraid to take a case to trial if the plea offer isn't acceptable. He's great with a jury, too! I'd hire him if I needed a criminal defense attorney."
"I met Mr. Shepard when I was a prosecutor in Panama City. Rusty is an outstanding attorney, who fights for his clients. In addition to being an excellent advocate, Rusty is a wonderful father and friend. He understands how criminal cases affect families and truly takes those concerns to heart."
"Rusty is an excellent attorney committed to providing the highest quality representation to clients. I endorse this attorney without reservation."
"I highly endorse Rusty Shepard. He is an professional and dedicated to being an advocate for his clients!"
"Rusty is a solid lawyer who cares about his clients."
Henry Perry
Personal injury lawyer
Adam Ellis
Criminal defense lawyer
Jean Downing
Criminal defense lawyer
Lisa Anderson
Criminal defense lawyer
Gerard Virga
Litigation lawyer
Experience
Honors
2016
Top 100 DUI Attorneys - North Florida, National Advocacy for DUI Defense
2016
Top 100 Trial Lawyers (Criminal Law - North Florida), The National Trial Lawyers
2015
Top 100 DUI Attorneys - North Florida, National Advocacy for DUI Defense
2015
Top 100 Trial Lawyers (Criminal Law - North Florida), The National Trial Lawyers
2015
10.0 "Superb" Rated, Avvo
2015
Nationally Ranked Superior DUI Attorney, The National Advocacy for DUI Defense
2014
Top 100 DUI Attorneys - North Florida, National Advocacy for DUI Defense
2014
Top 100 Trial Lawyers (Criminal Law - North Florida), The National Trial Lawyers
2014
10.0 "Superb" Rated, Avvo
2014
Nationally Ranked Superior DUI Attorney, The National Advocacy for DUI Defense
2013
Top 100 Trial Lawyers (Criminal Law - North Florida), The National Trial Lawyers
2013
10.0 "Superb" Rated, Avvo
2011
Florida Bar President's Pro Bono Service Award, The Florida Bar
Work Experience
2011 - Present
Managing Member, Shepard Law
2004 - 2011
Partner, Appleman, Shepard & Trucks Law Offices, P.A.
2000 - 2004
Assistant State Attorney, Office of the State Attorney, 14th Judicial Circuit of Florida
Associations
2015 - Present
Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (14th Judicial Circuit)Chapter Representative
2012 - Present
Bay County Chamber of CommerceMember
2012 - Present
Panama City Beach Chamber of CommerceMember
2006 - Present
St. Andrews Bay American Inn of CourtBarrister
2006 - Present
Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (Bay County chapter)Member
2005 - Present
Bay County Bar AssociationMember
2002 - Present
American Bar Association, Criminal Justice SectionMember
Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels (Commissioned 1990)
Member
2013 - 2013
Fourteenth Judicial Circuit, Indigent Services CommitteeMember
2011 - 2015
Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (Bay County Chapter)President
2010 - 2011
Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (Bay County chapter)Vice President
2007 - 2010
Bay County Bar AssociationPresident
2006 - 2007
Bay County Bar AssociationTreasurer
2003 - 2009
Florida Bar, Law Related Education CommitteeMember
2003 - 2009
Law Related Education Committee of the Florida BarMember
Sample of Legal Cases
State v. LB
Not Guilty
State v. BD
Life Felony reduced to misdemeanor
State v. MB
Not Guilty of Sale of Cocaine
Education
2000
The Florida State University College of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1993
University of Arizona
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2015
News 13 Law Call - Live television call-in show
DUI Defense
2015
News 13 Law Call - Live television call-in show
Ask Us Anything
2015
News 13 Law Call - Live television call-in show
Social Security Disability
2014
News 13 Law Call - Live television call-in show
Crime and Punishment
2014
Florida State University; Communication Planning and Dispute Resolution
Communcation and Conflict Resolution in Florida Courts
2013
News 13 Law Call - Live television call-in show
Crime & Punishment
2013
Florida State University; Communication Planning and Dispute Resolution
Managing Conflict Through Communication
2013
Domestic Violence Task Force Committee, Meeting
Community Impact of Domestic Violence
2012
News 13 Law Call - Live television call-in show
Ask Us Anything
2011
Practicing with Professionalism, The Florida Bar
Professionalism in Practice Panel Discussion
2010
Practicing with Professionalism, The Florida Bar
Professionalism in Practice Panel Discussion
2009
Practicing with Professionalism, The Florida Bar
The Importance of Local Bar Membership
2003
Evidence Collection for Medical Professionals in Sex Cases
Sex Case Evidence Collection
2002
Search and Seizure Update
Search and Seizure
2002
"Behind Closed Doors" - Rural Domestic Violence Conference
Evidence Collection in a Domestic Violence Case
2001
Search and Seizure Update
Search and Seizure
2001
"Behind Closed Doors" - Rural Domestic Violence Conference
Evidence Collection in a Domestic Violence Case
Publications
2008
Bay Life Magazine
One to Watch
2008
Panama City Living
The New Vanguard: Smart, Savvy and Bay County's Very Own
Languages
English