Panama City Criminal Defense Lawyer
Board Certified in Criminal Trial Law. Both Sides of a Homicide Case.
Some cases resolve early. Others are decided by a jury. Preparing properly for the second is what changes the shape of the first — which is why trial experience matters even in the cases that never reach trial.
- Board Certified in Criminal Trial Law by The Florida Bar
- Former Homicide Prosecutor
- 33 Years in Criminal Law
- 150+ Felony Jury Trials
Tell us what happened
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- Board CertifiedCriminal Trial Law, The Florida Bar
- 33 YearsPracticing criminal law
- 150+Felony jury trials
- Panama CityOffice on Magnolia Ave
We know how prosecutors think, because we were one
Bob Sombathy has sat on both sides of a homicide case. He spent years defending them, then nine years prosecuting them for the State — rising to Chief of Major Crimes — before returning to the defense side, where he has spent most of a 33-year career in Bay County courtrooms, defending people who were where you are right now.
- Board Certified in Criminal Trial Law by The Florida Bar
- Former homicide prosecutor
- Over 150 felony jury trials
- Featured on The Iron Gavel, discussing flawed police investigations
- Family firm — you deal with the lawyer, not a call center
Cases we take
Serious felonies, disputed facts, cases where trial is a real possibility — that is where trial experience changes the picture.
What to do right after an arrest
The hours after an arrest are the ones people most often regret. Almost nothing you say will help you — and a single sentence meant to clear things up can become the State’s best evidence.
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Stay calm and do not resist
Whatever the officers have wrong, the roadside is not where it gets fixed.
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Do not answer questions without your lawyer
You can say you want a lawyer, and then stop. That is not an admission of anything.
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Do not discuss the case with anyone else
Jail calls are recorded. So are the texts and messages you send afterwards.
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Preserve what you have
Texts, documents, photos, receipts and the names of anyone who was there.
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Call a criminal defense lawyer
Early is better. Some of the best defense work happens before charges are ever filed.
How a Florida criminal case moves
No two cases run on the same clock. Timing depends on the charge and the court — but the shape of it is usually this.
Arrest or investigation
Law enforcement makes an arrest, or refers the case for filing.
First appearance and bond
The court addresses release conditions and initial procedural issues.
Arraignment
You are formally advised of the charges and enter a plea.
Discovery and evidence review
We review reports, video, statements and physical evidence.
Motions and negotiation
Challenging evidence, or working toward a favorable resolution.
Trial or other resolution
If the case does not resolve earlier, it proceeds toward trial.
Rated 5 out of 5.
“He made no promises, but he did everything he said he was gonna do. From the first time I talked to him on the phone I knew he was the man for the job — he had so much confidence when we spoke, very professional and very knowledgeable. I can’t thank him and his team enough for going to battle on my behalf.”Anthony G. · Google review
The review above is an individual client’s experience and has been edited for length. A prospective client may not obtain the same or similar results. Every case is different and results depend on the specific facts and law involved. No result in any case is a guarantee or prediction of the outcome of any other matter, and nothing on this page should be taken as a promise about your case.
Answers before you call
As early as you can. Some of the most useful defense work happens before charges are formally filed, while evidence is still being gathered and before anything has been said on the record.
Yes. You are free to retain private counsel at any stage of a case, and you can ask another lawyer to review where things stand before you decide.
Yes. In Florida, the decision to file or continue criminal charges belongs to the state, not the alleged victim. Even if someone wants the case dropped, prosecutors may still move forward.
A misdemeanor is generally a less serious offense with lower maximum penalties, while a felony carries more severe punishment and longer-term consequences. Even so, either type of charge can seriously affect your record and future.
It depends on the disposition, not just the charge. If you were adjudicated guilty, Florida law does not permit that record to be sealed or expunged. If adjudication was withheld, or the charge was dropped or dismissed, the record may be eligible — subject to the eligibility requirements in Florida Statutes §§ 943.059 and 943.0585. Which category you fall into is one of the first things worth finding out.
Talk to a Panama City criminal defense lawyer
If you or someone you love has been arrested — or you have learned you are under investigation — the sooner you have a lawyer, the more there is to work with.
Mon–Fri, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
434 Magnolia Ave, Panama City, FL 32401
Request a case review
Submitting this form does not create an attorney–client relationship. Please do not send confidential or time-sensitive information through this form — call the office instead.