Mike Stone, Defender.

Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer in Panama City and Panama City Beach, Florida

Spring Break in Panama City Beach.

Over 100,000 college and high school students visit Panama City’s beautiful beaches for a month-long party. It’s a blast!

But it’s easier than you might think for innocent partying to result in criminal charges, possible jail time, and a record that will follow you for life.

If you find yourself in trouble or arrested during Spring Break, call Mike Stone.

He’s a Harvard-educated, highly experienced criminal defense advocate, standing up for students and

tourists in Panama City Beach, Florida.   850.785.7272

Know the Crimes.

Spring Breakers beware!  Activities that may be legal where you live may be against the law in Florida.

For example, possession of marijuana, even in small amounts, still isn’t legal in Florida.

And it’s against the law to have an open container of an alcoholic beverage even if you are just a passenger in a vehicle.

There are also local ordinances, like prohibiting drinking alcohol on a right of way.

There are some crimes, such as possession of alcohol by a minor, which have penalties you wouldn’t expect, like revocation of your driver’s license (even if the possession had nothing to do with a car).

And DUI, although it is a misdemeanor in Florida, can carry harsher penalties than a lot of felonies.

Some of the criminal charges we’ve defended Spring Breakers for:

• DUI/DWI, reckless driving, driving without a license, open container violations
• Public intoxication and disorderly conduct
• Possession of alcohol by a minor and consumption of alcohol on a right of way
• Possession of illegal drugs and possession of drug paraphernalia
• Possession of a controlled substance without a legal prescription
• Theft, shoplifting, burglary of a vehicle, robbery
• Assault and battery, aggravated assault
• Sexual battery

Arrested?  Call Mike Stone, Defender.   850.785.7272

Know the Consequences.

Not every offense is equally serious.  But even minor crimes can result in major consequences.

You’re arrested. You’re scared, tired, embarrassed, freaked out. You just want to get it over with. It’s

tempting to take a quick plea deal, so you can return to normal life as quickly as possible.

But wait!

Are you thinking of applying to law school or med school?  Do you want a job that requires a security

clearance?  Will your next employer tell you that what happened in Panama City doesn’t stay in Panama City?

Any criminal record can be a life sentence, because it will be out there on a searchable data base or a mugshot website, or you will be required to disclose it on a job or school application.

Even renting an apartment may become a problem once you have a criminal conviction.

So don’t rush into a plea deal.  First talk to a lawyer with vast experience in criminal litigation.

Call Mike Stone for a FREE and confidential consultation. 850.785.7272

Know your Rights.

You may find that the first deal offered is not the best deal you can get.  Better yet, you may find that your case can be successfully defended.

For example, Mike Stone has successfully defended DUI charges where the driver was given a roofie drug. He has had evidence and cases thrown out for illegal search and seizure.

Don’t let a moment’s bad judgment ruin the rest of your life.

Protecting your future is worth it.

Know what rights you have before you give them up.

Talk to a lawyer who has been protecting the rights of young people in Panama City for many years.

Arrested?  Call Mike Stone, Defender.  850.785.7272