

Our practice areas
we can help you with all criminal matters, including, but not limited to:
Panama City Criminal Defense Lawyer
Serving Clients Throughout Bay, Calhoun, Jackson, Walton, Washington, Okaloosa, and Holmes Counties
Being accused of a crime puts your job, freedom, and future at risk. As the defendant in any criminal charge, you could be facing jail or prison time, significant fines, a lengthy and restrictive probation, and more. The prosecutor’s job is to work to obtain a conviction; however, the U.S. Constitution provides you with certain rights. Among these are the right to an attorney and to due process. Your attorney’s job is to defend you against charges that must be proven “beyond a reasonable doubt.” This gives your criminal defense lawyer the opportunity to find ways to cast doubt on the state’s case and the evidence against you.
Your selection of an attorney, therefore, is a major decision that can have a huge impact on the outcome of your case. When fighting criminal charges, you want a professional you can trust, someone who has experience and integrity in working for your best interests. At Hinson Law Offices, our Panama City criminal defense attorneys bring honesty, commitment, care, and skill to your matter. Our firm defends all types of crimes, ranging from simple misdemeanors to the most serious felonies and capital crimes. If you are under investigation by law enforcement or have already been charged, we advise that you seek our help as early as possible. You could inadvertently undermine your own case by making mistakes when not protected by counsel.
An essential part of our approach includes understanding the unique legal landscape in Panama City and adapting defense strategies accordingly. This involves a thorough analysis of local legal precedents and a detailed understanding of how local courts operate. Additionally, we routinely collaborate with local resources, including investigators and forensic experts, to bolster our clients’ defense. Our goal is to ensure that your side of the story is compellingly presented in court.
Understanding Your Rights in Panama City and Surrounding Areas
In Panama City and the surrounding Bay County area, the stakes are high when facing criminal charges. Local law enforcement agencies, including the Panama City Police Department and the Bay County Sheriff's Office, are dedicated to maintaining public safety, but this can sometimes lead to aggressive prosecution of individuals accused of crimes. Residents of nearby communities such as Callaway, Lynn Haven, and Mexico Beach may also feel the pressure of these legal challenges, especially when it comes to understanding their rights and navigating the complexities of the legal system.
The Bay County Clerk of Court and the local Public Defender's Office are valuable resources for individuals seeking information about their legal rights and options. However, many people find themselves overwhelmed by the legal jargon and procedures involved in criminal cases. This is where our team at Hinson Law Offices can step in to help. We understand the unique challenges faced by residents in this area, from the fear of losing employment due to a criminal charge to the anxiety of potential jail time. Our attorneys are committed to providing personalized support, ensuring that you feel informed and empowered throughout the legal process.
We also recognize the significance of local connections and community involvement. Our engagement with Panama City's community allows us to understand not just the legal, but also the social nuances that may impact your defense. Our attorneys maintain strong relationships with various stakeholders in the justice system, which can be crucial when negotiating plea deals or seeking alternative sentencing options for our clients.


If you are charged with a crime, you will need an attorney.
WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT
WHY CHOOSE Hinson Law Offices?
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We believe in empowering our clients by providing them with transparent communication every step of the way.
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We take a hands-on approach and will even visit clients in jail on a monthly basis.
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We show the prosecution that we mean business by aggressively preparing your case from the minute you hire us.
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Hinson Law Offices leverages more than 25 years of legal experience.
Cases We Handle
Hinson Law Offices defends clients facing a wide range of criminal charges including, but not limited to:
- Domestic violence: These are serious charges under Florida law. Whether this is a first or subsequent offense, the consequences can be life-changing, which is why you need a strong defense. Understanding the psychological and social dynamics involved in such cases, our criminal defense lawyers approach these matters with sensitivity and a robust defense strategy to achieve the best possible outcome for our clients.
- Restraining orders: These orders can be issued in domestic violence cases as well as other situations where you can be subject to many restrictions and conditions. Our firm understands the impact these orders can have on your day-to-day life and uses comprehensive strategies to contest unwarranted restrictions and protect your rights.
- Violations of resolution and release agreements: These can include violations of Pre-Trial Release, Bond, Probation, Withheld Adjudication, Parole, and other similar arrangements. These violations can put your liberty at great risk. We meticulously examine the circumstances surrounding alleged violations and mount a defense aimed at minimizing penalties and protecting your freedom.
- Violent crimes: These can range from assault and battery to robbery, carjacking, manslaughter, rape, and murder with the risk of lengthy prison terms and heavy fines. Our experienced team navigates the intricacies of these serious charges to develop a defense that considers all possible legal defenses and mitigations.
- Drug crimes: Drug possession is one of the most common crimes heard in Florida courts. More serious drug-related crimes involve trafficking, manufacture, and cultivation. Our attorneys are adept at identifying discrepancies in search and seizure procedures, and other aspects of drug investigation protocols, which can be critical in reducing charges or achieving dismissals.
- DUI defense: Driving or boating under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol is a serious matter in Florida carrying various penalties, including the loss of your driver/operator license and jail time. Felony DUI can apply on the third conviction and includes up to 5 years in prison, large fines, and various other penalties and restrictions. Our firm provides a rigorous defense by scrutinizing field sobriety tests, breathalyzer accuracy, and the arresting officer's conduct to contest DUI charges effectively.
- Sex crimes: These crimes carry a heavy social stigma and can lead to heavy consequences, including long prison terms and sex offender registration. We take a comprehensive approach to defending these sensitive charges, giving attention to the accuracy of witness statements and the interpretation of forensic evidence to protect our clients' rights.
- Theft crimes: Whether you have been accused of shoplifting, fraud, robbery, or another type of theft offense, it is important to protect your rights and your future from a permanent criminal record. Our legal team is skilled at negotiating with prosecutors to reduce charges when possible while also preparing for a strong defense should charges progress to trial.
- Traffic violations: From tickets for moving violations to more serious charges involving damaged property or injury, traffic crimes can raise your insurance rates, restrict your driving privileges, and/or lead to large fines. Our attorneys strive to uncover any procedural errors or inaccuracies that can be used to contest unjust traffic charges, thereby securing your mobility and financial security.
