Thomas Shawn Lupella
- Fort Walton Beach, FL
- Licensed for 15 years
About Thomas
I have defended countless people charged with all types of criminal offenses, from DUIs and Domestic Violence charges--to the most serious and complex felony cases. I have had many jury trials and have represented those charged with capital offenses, including murder.
Born in Brainerd, Minnesota
Graduated Pine River-Backus High School, MN
University of North Dakota School of Law
Activities: CLS (President), Moot Court, Trial Competition
International and Comparative Law, Shanghai and Beijing,
Awards: Glen Gustafson Scholarship (2 years), Dean’s List
Bachelor of Science Education, Magna Cum Laude,
Certified Teacher (NDEA)
Awards: Air Force ROTC Award of Merit; Air Force ROTC
Certificate of Academic Excellence;
University of St. Thomas Dean’s Scholarship;
University of St. Thomas University Scholarship
Air Force ROTC Scholarship
Assistant Public Defender
State of Florida, First Circuit, Okaloosa County
Assistant District Legal Counsel
Florida Department of Children and Families
INTERNSHIPS
Zimney, Foster P.C., AV Rated, Insurance Defense, Commercial Law, Federal Criminal Defense
My firm focuses on assisting those that have been arrested for assault or battery, DUI and DUI Hearing to get your license back, Minor in Possession of Alcohol (MIP), Possession of Controlled Substance, Possession of Marijuana, Domestic Violence Battery, disorderly conduct, such as a bar fight, sex crimes, Shoplifting or Theft, traffic tickets such as hit and run or fleeing & eluding police, receiving stolen property, criminal mischief, Solicitation, BUI, Rape & Secual Assault, Hit & Run, Concealed Weapons, Public Intoxication, Resisting Arrest and Theft/Shoplifting.
Practice areas
- Criminal defense: 50%
17 years, 5,500 cases
- DUI and DWI: 30%
17 years, 750 cases
- Domestic violence: 10%
- White collar crime: 5%
Languages spoken
English
Photos and videos
Contact
Thomas Shawn Lupella, P.A.
2110 Lewis Turner Blvd.
Fort Walton Beach, FL, 32547
Thomas Shawn Lupella, P.A.
3997 Commons Drive West
Suite I
Destin, FL, 32541
Thomas Shawn Lupella P.A.
891 South Ferdon Blvd.
Crestview, FL, 32536
Thomas Shawn Lupella P.A.
1614-B U.S. Highway 90 West
DeFuniak Springs, FL, 32433
Resume
| State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| FL | Member in Good Standing | 2004 | 12/17/2019 |
| Legal answers | 16 |
| Legal guides | 0 |
| Award name | Grantor | Date granted |
|---|---|---|
| 10 Best Attorneys | American Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys | 2016 |
| Top 10% Criminal Defense Nomination | Lawyers of Distinction | 2016 |
| Glen Gustafson Scholarship | University of North Dakota Law School | 2001 |
| Award of Merit | Air Force ROTC | 1997 |
| Title | Company name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Criminal Defense Attorney | Thomas Shawn Lupella P.A. | 2014 - Present |
| Attorney | Private Criminal Defense Firm | 2011 - 2014 |
| Indigent Defense Counsel | State of Florida | 2005 - 2011 |
| District Legal Counsel | FL Dept of Children and Families | 2004 - 2005 |
| Legal Intern | Crew & Crew, PA | 2003 - 2003 |
| Legal Intern | Day and Meade | 2003 - 2003 |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Intern | Zimney Foster P.C. | 2001 - 2003 |
| Association name | Position name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| American Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys | Affilliate Member | 2015 - Present |
| United States District Court for the Northern District of Florida | Member | 2011 - Present |
| Okaloosa County Teen Court Program | Judge | 2011 - Present |
| Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers | Member | 2005 - Present |
| National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers | Member | 2005 - Present |
| Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (Okaloosa-Walton chapter) | Attorney Member | 2005 - Present |
|---|---|---|
| Okaloosa-Walton Bar Association | Member | 2004 - Present |
| Florida Bar | Member | 2004 - Present |
| American Bar Association | Member | 2004 - Present |
| Christian Legal Society | Member | 2001 - Present |
| Florida Public Defender Association | Member | 2005 - 2011 |
| University of North Dakota School of Law Trial Team | Member | 2002 - 2003 |
| UND Christian Legal Society | President | 2001 - 2003 |
| UND Moot Court | Member | 2001 - 2002 |
| Publication name | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Northwest Florida Daily News | Rep. Gaetz, Take Another Look at EPA | 2017 |
| Northwest Florida Daily News | Do deputies have the right to bust open house parties? | 2017 |
| Northwest Florida Daily News | The Rise of the Status Quo Conservative | 2016 |
| Northwest Florida Daily News | Rethinking our region's Confederate memorials | 2015 |
| TSLPA Blog | Penalties & Fines For Various Drug Possession Convictions | 2015 |
| School name | Degree | Graduated |
|---|---|---|
| University of North Dakota School of Law | JD - Juris Doctor | 2003 |
| University of North Dakota | BS - Bachelor of Science | 2000 |
| Conference name | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Northwest Florida State College | A Defense Attorney's Viewpoint on Traffic Stops and DUI Investigations | 2017 |
| Institutes for Acheivement of Human Potential | Special Needs Awareness | 2017 |
| Classical Conversations Niceville | Trial Procedure 101 | 2017 |
| BNI Luncheon | Business Networking | 2014 |
| Okaloosa County Teen Court | Stories of Troubled Youths | 2013 |
| Okaloosa County Teen Court | Choosing the Right Path | 2013 |
|---|---|---|
| Kiwanis | 2010 FL Amendments | 2010 |
| Case name | Outcome |
|---|---|
| State v. K.M., Okaloosa County: 16-MM-4709 | Case Dismissed |
| State v. S.W., Okaloosa County: 2015-CF-2423 | Motion to Suppress Conceded, Case Dismissed |
| Okaloosa County Felony Burglary 2015-CF-2421 | Dismissed |
| Okaloosa County Case 2015-CT-2337: DUI | Case Dismissed |
| Santa Rosa County Case 2015-CF-1607: Felony Battery | Dismissal |
| State v. E.S., Walton County Felony: 2008-CF-692 | Restitution Deleted, Probation Terminated |
|---|---|
| State v. G.C.V., Okaloosa County Case: 2015-CT-1498 | Motion Granted, Case Dismissed |
| Okaloosa County DUI 2015-CT-1498 | Dismissed |
| State v. A.D.T., Okaloosa County: 2015-MM-1985 | Case Dismissed. |
| State v. JH | Complete Dismissal. |
| State v. L.O., Okaloosa County: 2014-CF-2895 | Complete Dismissal. |
| State v. D.S., Okaloosa County: 2014-CT-2308 | Case Dismissed |
| State v. WB, DUI Dismissed 2014-CT-1202 | Dismissal |
| Okaloosa County DV Battery | Dismissed and Expunged |
| State v. J.L., Okaloosa County Felony 2008-CF-2168 | Case Dismissed after Motion to Suppress Courtroom Identitification Granted |
| State v. V.W., Okaloosa County Felony Drug Sale, Manufacture, Possession Case 2007-CF-1489 | Motion to Suppress Granted, Case Dismised |
| State v. M.R., Okaloosa County Felony Drug Possession 2006-CF-2464 | Motion to Suppress Granted, Case Dismissed |
| State v. M.W., Okaloosa County Felony Drug Possession 2006-CF-3104 | Motion to Suppress Granted, Case Dismissed |
| State v. J.S., Okaloosa County Battery 2006-MM-2689 AC | Not Guilty Verdict |
| State v. A.G., Okaloosa County, Case No. 2015-MM-2106 | The case was dropped by the prosecution on October 8, 2015. |
| State v. C.W., Okaloosa County, Case No. 2015-MM-2990 | The case was disposed of via pre-trial diversion on September 25, 2015, and the state dropped the charges on February 2, 2016 following the defendant’s completion of all conditions. |
| State v. R.S., Okaloosa County, Case No. 2015-MM-2109 | The case was dropped by the state on September 18, 2015. |
| State v. M.L., Okaloosa County, Case No. 2014-CF-2863 | The case was dismissed on June 18, 2015, following the defense’s successful motion to suppress. |
| State v. K.S., Walton County, Case No. 2014-MM-831 | The client, realizing that it was a criminal charge, not an infraction, contacted our office to try to preserve their clean criminal record. The case was dismissed through diversion on June 3, 2014, and is proceeding towards expungement. |
| State v. B.D., Walton County, Case No. 2014-MM-773 | The case was dismissed via deferred prosecution agreement on May 9, 2014. |
| State v. E.F., Walton County, Case No. 2014-MM-812 | The case was dismissed on April 29, 2014, pursuant to a negotiated deferred prosecution agreement |
| State v. K.K., Okaloosa County, Case No. 2014-MM-563 | The case was disposed of on April 24, 2014 by pre-trial diversion. |
| State v. G.R., Okaloosa County, Case No. 2015-MM-1497 | The case was disposed of on June 5, 2015 by pre-trial diversion. |
| State v. S.W., Okaloosa County, Case No. 2015-CF-2423 | The case was dropped by the state on May 2, 2016, following the defense’s filing of a motion to suppress evidence. |
| State v. J.B., Okaloosa County, Case No. 2015-MM-1104 | The case was resolved with pre-trial diversion and deferred prosecution on June 15, 2015. |
| State v. Z.L., Okaloosa County, Case No. 2014-MM-1056 | The case was dismissed on July 22, 2014. |
| State v. B.T., Okaloosa County, Case No. 2014-MM-910 | Once we were retained on the case, we worked quickly and were able to achieve a dismissal on July 22, 2014. |
| State v. K.S., Okaloosa County, Case No. 2016-MM-2723 | The case was dismissed after it was set for jury trial. The state filed no prosecution on August 25, 2016. |
| State v. E.E., Okaloosa County, Case No. 2015-CF-1929 | The charges were disposed of with a no contest plea on May 27, 2016, and the defendant was placed in the Okaloosa County veterans court program. The case against the defendant was later dropped on August 12, 2016. |
| State v. B.H., Okaloosa County, Case No. 2015-MM-3635 | The case against the defendant was dropped on May 31, 2016, following the defendant’s failure to comply with pre-trial diversion. |
| State v. J.F., Santa Rosa County, Case No. 2015-CF-1607 | The case was dropped by the state on February 24, 2016, after depositions and discovery |
| State v. J.W., Walton County, Case No. 2015-MM-1427 | The case was disposed of via pre-trial diversion on February 19, 2016. |
| State v. Y.N., Okaloosa County, Case No. 2015-MM-2821 | Prosecution was deferred on the charge on September 3, 2015, and the charge was dropped on January 20, 2016, following the defendant’s completion of domestic violence education. |
| State v. J.B., Santa Rosa County, Case No. 2015-MM-1360 | The case was dropped by the state on November 10, 2015. |
| State v. J.F., Okaloosa County, Case No. 2015-MM-1561 | The charge was dropped by the state on June 18, 2015. |
| State v. L.O., Okaloosa County, Case No. 2014-CF-2895 | The case was dropped by the state on April 25, 2015. |
| State v. K.O., Okaloosa County, Case No. 2014-CF-2496 | The case against the defendant was dropped on December 9, 2014. |
| State v. D.L., Okaloosa County, Case No. 2014-MM-2808 | The case was dropped on November 3, 2014, following the defense’s filing of a motion to dismiss information. |
| State v. M.S., Okaloosa County, Case No. 2014-CF-1932 | The case was dropped by the prosecution on September 8, 2014. |
| State v. M.U., Okaloosa County, Case No. 2014-CT-1546 | The case was disposed of on August 13, 2014, with a $50 cost of prosecution. |
| State v. F.C., Walton County, Case No. 2016-CF-106 | The case was disposed of on May 19, 2016, with pre-trial diversion. |
| State v. S.P., Okaloosa County, Case No. 2014-1318 | The case was disposed of via pre-trial diversion on July 21, 2014. The state dropped the charges against the defendant on February 9, 2015. |
| State v. S.M., Okaloosa County, Case No. 2015-MM-497 | Disposed of on May 6, 2015, via pre-trial diversion. The case was dropped by the state on March 9, 2016. |
| State v. J.L., Okaloosa County, Case No. 2010-CF-505 | The case was disposed of on November 24, 2014, via plea agreement and the defendant was sentenced to time-served. |
| State v. E.B., Okaloosa County, Case No. 2001-CF-1386 | The defendant was sentenced to time-served after absconding from probation for 8½ years. |
| State v. J.P., Okaloosa County, Case No. 2016-MM-2284 | BUI dismissed on September 2, 2016 just prior to jury trial. |
| State v. J.S., Okaloosa County, Case No. 2016-CF-417C | The charges were disposed of on July 7, 2016, with pleas to the lesser charges of reckless driving and carrying a concealed weapon or device. |
| State v. D.L., Okaloosa County, Case No. 2016-CT-518 | DUI dismissed on July 6, 2016 after prosecution conceded Motion to Suppress. |
| State v. D.P., Okaloosa County, Case No. 2016-CT-1251 | The defendant’s DUI was disposed of with a plea to the lesser charge of reckless driving on June 30, 2016. |
| State v. J.A., Okaloosa County, Case No. 2015-CT-2337 | The case against the defendant was dropped on April 21, 2016, following the granting of the defense’s motion to suppress. |
| State v. L.C., Okaloosa County, Case No. 2015-CT-2960 | The case was disposed of via pre-trial diversion on February 4, 2016. The state dropped all charges against the defendant following his successful completion of driver improvement school. |
| State v. Y.G., Okaloosa County, Case No. 2015-CT-2713 | The case was dismissed on January 25, 2016, following a successful judge trial. |
| State v. D.C., Walton County, Case No. 2015-MM-1461 | The charges were disposed of by a plea and deferred prosecution on January 19, 2016. |
| State v. C.C., Okaloosa County, Case No. 2015-CF-2525 | The charge was disposed of by pre-trial diversion contract on January 16, 2016. The case was dropped by the state on August 30, 2016. |
| State v. A.D., Okaloosa County, Case No. 2015-CT-1286 | The charges were disposed of with a plea to the lesser charge of reckless driving on December 11, 2015. |
| State v. L.S., Okaloosa County, Case No. 2015-CT-2003 | The case was disposed of with a plea to the lesser charge of reckless driving on December 3, 2015. |
| State v. G.V., Okaloosa County, Case No. 2015-CT-1498 | The case was dropped on November 18, 2015, following an order granting the defense’s motion to suppress evidence. |
| State v. J.H., Okaloosa County, Case No. 2015-CT-267 | The case was dismissed by the state on April 30, 2015, after the filing of a motion to dismiss. |
| State v. T.J., Okaloosa County, Case No. 2015-CT-1815 | Prosecution was deferred on the charge on September 10, 2015. The case was dropped by the state on April 27, 2016, following the defendant’s completion of driver improvement school. |
| State v. K.J., Okaloosa County, Case No. 2015-CT-1816 | Prosecution was deferred on the charge on September 10, 2015. The case was dropped by the state on April 26, 2016, following the defendant’s completion of driver improvement school. |
| State v. L.M., Okaloosa County, Case No. 2015-CT-975 | The case was disposed of via plea agreement on August 7, 2015. |
| State v. A.T., Okaloosa County, Case No. 2015-MM-1985 | The case was dropped by the state on August 4, 2015, following the defense’s filing of a motion to dismiss. |
| State v. G.C., Okaloosa County, Case No. 2015-CT-848 | The charge was disposed via a deferred prosecution agreement on June 4, 2015. The charge was dropped on June 11, 2015, following the defendant’s completion of a driver improvement school. |
| State v. A.W., Okaloosa County, Case No. 2014-TR-10518 | The charge was dismissed on January 16, 2015. |
| State v. C.B., Okaloosa County, Case No. 2014-CT-2919 | The case was disposed of on December 19, 2014, via a plea agreement with adjudication withheld. |
| State v. D.S., Okaloosa County, Case No. 2014-CT-2308 | The case was disposed of on December 10, 2014 via pre-trial diversion. |
| State v. W.B., Okaloosa County, Case No. 2014-CT-1202 | The case against the defendant was dropped on November 17, 2014, following a successful defense motion to suppress. |
| State v. J.F., Okaloosa County, Case No. 2014-CT-2148 | The case was disposed of on November 6, 2014, with a plea to the lesser charge of reckless driving. |
| State v. D.P., Okaloosa County, Case No. 2014-CT-2314 | The case was disposed of on October 13, 2014, via plea agreement. |
| State v. R.M., Okaloosa County, Case No. 2014-CT-1870 | The case was disposed of on September 10, 2014, with a plea to the lesser charge of reckless driving. |
| State v. R.R., Okaloosa County, Case No. 2014-CT-1869 | The case was disposed of on September 10, 2014, with a plea to the lesser charge of reckless driving. |
| State v. S.C., Okaloosa County, Case No. 2014-CT-1351 | On September 9, 2014, our client entered a plea to the lesser charge of reckless driving. |
| State v. JRY | Case Dismissed |
| State v. J.T., Okaloosa County, Case No. 2014-CF-2481 | The case was dropped by the state on January 26, 2016. |
| State v. J.C., Okaloosa County, Case No. 2015-CF-2583 | The charges were disposed of via a plea to the lesser-included charge of possession of a controlled substance and driving while license suspended on March 7, 2016. Adjudication was withheld and the defendant was sentenced to probation. |
Highly recommed!
Posted by anonymous
Sat Jan 20 2018
Highly Recommend
Posted by anonymous
Thu Aug 17 2017
Attorney endorsements
(13)Clark Henderson, Divorce and separation Attorney on Jun 12, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Shawn is a dedicated and ambitious attorney who tirelessly advocates for his clients. He is devoted to the law and is a credit to the legal profession. I would highly recommend his legal services for anyone looking for a skilled attorney.
Aaron Wentz, Family Attorney on Jul 16, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Shawn is one of the most dedicated criminal defense attorneys in town. We routinely refer our serious criminal matters to Shawn's office without any hesitations.
Michael Crew, Construction and development Attorney on Mar 21, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Thomas is an experienced lawyer with a quality reputation among attorneys and clients in our community. I endorse this lawyer.
Nathan Hansen, Bankruptcy and debt Attorney on Mar 19, 2013
Relationship: Other
Shawn is a great lawyer. The state of Florida benefits from his presence.
Charles Haug, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 18, 2013
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I endorse this lawyer. I have known Mr. Lupella for several years. He is a diligent lawyer who always puts his client's interest first and has a knack for getting good results.
Robert Collins, Criminal defense Attorney on Feb 28, 2013
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I endorse this lawyer. Hard worker, Honest.
Ryan Tabor, Criminal defense Attorney on Feb 1, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Tonya Holman, Family Attorney on Jan 26, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. He is an outstanding lawyer. He listens to his clients. Thomas is skilled, experience and has a high level of integrity.
Jennifer Taylor, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 17, 2013
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
While working as a prosecutor, I handled numerous cases with Shawn being opposing counsel. He was very dedicated to his work and passionate about his client's rights.
Donald Kilpatrick, Family Attorney on Nov 16, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. I have had the pleasure to work with Shawn at both the Public Defender's Office and in Private Practice. During my tenure at the Public Defender's office I noticed that Shawn had excelled at establishing positive, productive relationships with clients, experts and opposing counsel. His demeanor was always professional and friendly. Shawn has the experience in the court room and extensive knowledge in his legal field and I would have no reservations in recommending his services.
Stephen Cobb, DUI and DWI Attorney on Oct 15, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Shawn is rising star in the criminal defense Bar. He is always professional and treats everyone with dignity, honor and respect.
Isaac Newlin, Criminal defense Attorney on Oct 3, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. I have worked with Shawn on cases in the past and he is a passionate advocate for his clients.
Tim Flaherty, Criminal defense Attorney on Nov 2, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Shawn is a dedicated advocate for his clients. I would not hesitate to recommend his services.