I've been a drug defense lawyer in Fort Walton Beach for over 20 years. First as an Okaloosa County prosecutor, now defending drug arrests throughout Northwest Florida. I see this scenario constantly. People get caught with prescription medications without a valid prescription and have no idea how … [Read more...] about Prescription Drug Charges in Florida: Penalties and Defenses
Q & A
What Happens When a Military Member Gets a DUI?
By Attorney Shawn Lupella, Managing Partner | Florida Bar Member Since 2004 | Former Okaloosa County Prosecutor | 10,000+ Court Appearances Last month, a staff sergeant from Eglin Air Force Base sat in my office, completely devastated. He'd been arrested for DUI on Highway 98 near Destin. First … [Read more...] about What Happens When a Military Member Gets a DUI?
Valentine’s Day and Domestic Violence: False Accusations, Real Consequences
By Attorney Shawn Lupella, Managing Partner | Florida Bar Member Since 2004 | Former Okaloosa County Prosecutor | 10,000+ Court Appearances Every February 14th, my phone rings off the hook. Half the calls come from people sitting in the Okaloosa County Jail, arrested after a Valentine's Day … [Read more...] about Valentine’s Day and Domestic Violence: False Accusations, Real Consequences
First Offense DUI: Can You Avoid Conviction in Florida?
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?
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