By Attorney Shawn Lupella, Managing Partner | Florida Bar Member Since 2004 | Former Okaloosa County Prosecutor | 10,000+ Court Appearances I've defended hundreds of first-time DUI cases in Northwest Florida over the past 20 years. A DUI arrest doesn't have to mean a DUI conviction. That teacher I … [Read more...] about First Offense DUI: Can You Avoid Conviction in Florida?
Q & A
Florida Drug Trafficking vs. Possession: What’s the Difference?
By Attorney Shawn Lupella, Managing Partner | Florida Bar Member Since 2004 | Former Okaloosa County Prosecutor | 10,000+ Court Appearances Last month, I sat across from a client at the Okaloosa County Jail. He couldn't understand why he was facing a mandatory three-year prison sentence. He'd never … [Read more...] about Florida Drug Trafficking vs. Possession: What’s the Difference?
Military Arrested in Florida? Career Impact & Defense Options
By Attorney Shawn Lupella, Managing Partner | Florida Bar Member Since 2004 | 10,000+ Court Appearances | Former Okaloosa County Prosecutor You're a service member at Eglin Air Force Base or Hurlburt Field. You just got arrested in Florida. Now you're facing something most civilians never deal … [Read more...] about Military Arrested in Florida? Career Impact & Defense Options
Resisting Arrest Charges in Okaloosa County: Understanding Your Rights and Legal Options
Resisting arrest charges occur in approximately 8% of all arrests nationwide according to a 2019 University of Pennsylvania Law Review study, with these charges frequently appearing as add-on offenses to primary criminal charges. In Florida, resisting arrest carries serious consequences ranging from … [Read more...] about Resisting Arrest Charges in Okaloosa County: Understanding Your Rights and Legal Options
Evolving Drug Laws in Florida: What You Need to Know in 2025
Florida's approach to drug-related offenses is undergoing significant transformation. The state is moving away from a purely punitive model toward a more nuanced system that balances accountability with rehabilitation, particularly for individuals struggling with addiction. While harsh penalties … [Read more...] about Evolving Drug Laws in Florida: What You Need to Know in 2025
Resisting Arrest in Florida: Charges and Legal Defenses
Being charged with resisting arrest can happen faster than you might think. What starts as a routine traffic stop, a misunderstanding with law enforcement, or even a tense moment during a lawful arrest can quickly escalate into a separate criminal charge—one that carries serious penalties and … [Read more...] about Resisting Arrest in Florida: Charges and Legal Defenses