Why Clients Choose Bob Sombathy
- Board Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer
- 33 Years of Experience In Criminal Law
- Former Homicide Prosecutor
- Over 150 Felony Jury Trials
- Featured On The Iron Gavel Podcast, Discussing Flawed Police Investigations
Our Florida Criminal Defense Services
The Sombathy Law Firm defends clients against a wide range of criminal charges in Panama City. Every case is different, and the right defense strategy depends on the charge, the facts, the available evidence, and the potential consequences.
DUI Defense
DUI charges can lead to jail time, fines, probation, license suspension, and other lasting consequences. A strong defense may involve challenging the traffic stop, field sobriety testing, chemical testing procedures, and the overall reliability of the state’s evidence.
Drug Possession And Drug Crime Defense
Drug charges can involve possession, trafficking, intent to sell, prescription fraud, or related offenses. These cases often depend on search and seizure issues, control of the substance, laboratory testing, and whether law enforcement followed proper procedures.
Assault And Battery Defense
Assault and battery charges often arise from heated disputes, self-defense claims, or conflicting witness accounts. A defense may focus on intent, credibility, injuries, inconsistencies, and whether the state can prove each legal element beyond a reasonable doubt.
Domestic Violence Defense
Domestic violence accusations can lead to criminal charges, no-contact orders, removal from the home, and damage to your personal and professional life. These cases require a careful and immediate response because the consequences often begin before the case is resolved.
Theft, Burglary, And Robbery Defense
Property crime allegations can range from misdemeanor theft charges to serious felony accusations. These cases may turn on mistaken identity, surveillance footage, witness statements, ownership issues, and questions about intent.
Weapons Charges
Weapons offenses may involve unlawful possession, carrying violations, use of a firearm during another offense, or possession by a prohibited person. These charges often require close analysis of the stop, search, and the surrounding facts.
Sex Crime Allegations
Sex crime charges can carry severe penalties and long-term consequences that reach far beyond the courtroom. Defending these cases may involve reviewing digital evidence, witness credibility, forensic issues, and inconsistencies in the allegations.
Manslaughter And Homicide Defense
Serious felony charges require immediate, detailed, and strategic legal work. Bob Sombathy’s background as a former homicide prosecutor and veteran trial lawyer can be especially valuable when the case involves high-stakes allegations and complex evidence.
Charged With A Serious Felony?
What Should You Do After An Arrest?
- Stay calm and avoid resisting.
- Do not answer police questions without your lawyer.
- Do not discuss the case with anyone else.
- Preserve texts, documents, photos, and witness names.
- Contact a criminal defense attorney right away.
Even a simple attempt to explain yourself can become evidence the prosecution uses against you later.
What Happens In A Florida Criminal Case?
A Florida criminal case usually moves through arrest or formal charging, first appearance, arraignment, discovery, motions, negotiation, and sometimes trial. The timing depends on the charge and the court.
- Arrest Or Investigation– Law enforcement makes an arrest or refers the case for filing.
- First Appearance and Bond Review– The court addresses release conditions and initial procedural issues.
- Arraignment– The accused is formally advised of the charges and enters a plea.
- Discovery and Evidence Review– The defense reviews reports, videos, statements, and physical evidence.
- Motions and Negotiations– The defense may challenge evidence or negotiate toward a favorable resolution.
- Trial or Other Resolution– If the case does not resolve earlier, it proceeds toward trial.
Why Does Trial Experience Matter In A Criminal Case?
Trial experience matters because it affects how a lawyer prepares the case and how the prosecution evaluates the defense. A lawyer with substantial jury trial experience understands how evidence holds up in court, how witnesses perform under questioning, and where prosecutors may have weaknesses.
Not every criminal case goes to trial, but being prepared for trial can still influence negotiations, motions, and case strategy. When the state knows defense counsel is ready to take the case to a jury, that can change the dynamic.
Talk To Our Expert Panama City Criminal Defense Attorney Today
If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges in Panama City or Panama City Beach, trust Bob Sombathy to provide the experienced legal representation you deserve. We will stand by your side with the expertise and commitment that your case demands. Contact us now to get started.
Hear From Our Clients
“Let me just say Mr. Sombathy is excellent at what he does! Not only were all my charges dropped but he was far cheaper then anybody else I called by pretty much half. I won’t go into details on the money but I had more then one attorney quote me 15-20k for my case. I had one very severe charge that was punishable by life in prison and even if it went to trial, he was not going to charge me any extra, which speaks volumes on the kind of person he is. 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! Highly recommend him over anybody in the area!” – Anthony G.
FAQs
Can charges be filed even if the alleged victim does not want to press charges?
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.
What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony in Florida?
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.
Can I be arrested later even if the police did not arrest me at the scene?
Yes. In some cases, law enforcement investigates first and an arrest warrant or formal charges come later. That is one reason it is smart to speak with a criminal defense lawyer as soon as you learn you may be under investigation.
Will a criminal conviction stay on my record forever?
It can, depending on the charge and outcome. Some records may qualify for sealing or expungement, while others may not. The long-term impact depends on Florida law and the specific facts of the case.
