When you're facing criminal charges in Pensacola, every decision matters—from your first interaction with law enforcement to the final resolution in court. You need a defense attorney who understands local prosecutors, court procedures, and the constitutional protections you're entitled to at every stage. Panhandle Defense Firm provides comprehensive criminal defense representation covering Violent Crimes, Drug Crimes, Property Crimes Defense, Firearms & Weapons Charges, DUI & Traffic Offenses, Probation & Post-Conviction, and Juvenile & White-Collar Crimes across the Florida Panhandle.

The firm is led by an experienced trial attorney with decades of courtroom work, including felony, misdemeanor, and high-stakes cases requiring aggressive investigation, strategic motion practice, and skilled negotiation.

Whether you're under investigation, facing imminent arrest, or already charged, early-stage intervention can reduce long-term consequences and preserve critical legal options.



Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation for criminal defense in Pensacola.

Effective criminal defense begins the moment you retain counsel. The firm focuses on protecting constitutional rights at every stage—arrest, bond hearings, pre-trial conferences, plea discussions, and jury trial—while challenging evidence, police conduct, and prosecutorial claims. You'll receive direct attorney access and personalized defense strategies tailored to the unique facts, charges, and local court processes in Pensacola and surrounding counties.

From analyzing police reports and witness statements to filing suppression motions and negotiating charge reductions, each case is built around a fact-driven approach designed to create reasonable doubt or secure favorable outcomes. Panhandle Defense Firm also guides you through related issues tied to criminal cases, including license impacts, firearm possession restrictions, probation compliance, and opportunities for record sealing or expungement. The humid Gulf Coast environment and close-knit Pensacola neighborhoods often play a role in how cases unfold, especially when disputes involve conflicting accounts or unclear circumstances.

You can expect clear next-step guidance during one of the most stressful times you and your family may face, with a focus on minimizing disruptions to work, family life, and your future.



Reach out now for immediate criminal defense representation in Pensacola.

Decades of trial experience in Escambia, Santa Rosa, and Okaloosa Counties provide deep knowledge of how local prosecutors pursue cases and what defense strategies work best in Florida Panhandle courtrooms.

• How do we ensure quality? Through aggressive investigation, independent witness interviews, and strategic motion practice designed to challenge weak evidence and constitutional violations.
• What experience do we bring? Decades of courtroom work handling felony, misdemeanor, and high-stakes cases, with a proven track record in both negotiation and jury trial.
• Why choose local? Familiarity with Pensacola neighborhoods—downtown, Ferry Pass, Brent, Warrington—and knowledge of how local courts, judges, and prosecutors operate provides a significant tactical advantage.
• What's our approach? Personalized defense strategies that reflect the unique facts of your case, coupled with direct attorney access and transparent communication throughout the process.
• How do we protect your investment? By providing early-stage intervention to preserve evidence, reduce charges, and position your case for the best possible outcome, whether through dismissal, diversion, or favorable plea terms.

Your constitutional rights and your future deserve experienced, dedicated defense. Get in touch today to schedule your criminal defense consultation in Pensacola.

A misdemeanor is a crime that is less severe than a felony. It is the least serious category of crime that a person can be charged with in The Sunshine State. Misdemeanors are classified into two degrees:

First-Degree Misdemeanor: Punishable by up to one year in jail and a maximum fine of $1,000. Examples include:

• Simple battery
• Driving while Under the Influence (DUI) (unless there are “aggravating factors”)
• Violating a protection or restraining order
• Violation of probation
• Marijuana possession
• Cyberstalking
• Shoplifting
• Indecent exposure

Second-Degree Misdemeanor: Punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a maximum fine of $500. Examples include:

• Prostitution
• Simple assault
• Disorderly intoxication
• Driving on a Suspended License
• Disorderly conduct

A felony is a serious crime that attracts more severe punishments. Felonies are classified into the following:

Capital Felony: Punishable by the death penalty or life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. Examples include:

• First-degree murder
• Armed kidnapping
• Capital drug trafficking

Life Felony: Punishable by life imprisonment and a maximum fine of $15,000. Examples include:

• Human trafficking involving minors
• Kidnapping a minor under 13 years of age and committing s sexual offense
• Sexual battery where the victim is a minor under 12 years of age and causes serious injuries
• Crimes involving a weapon of mass destruction
• Robbery with a deadly weapon
• Unpremeditated murder

First-Degree Felony: Punishable by up to 30 years of imprisonment and a maximum fine of $10,000. Examples include:

• Carjacking
• Aggravated battery on a peace officer
• Burglary with battery or assault
• DUI manslaughter
• Trafficking a substantial amount of illegal drugs
• Human trafficking
• Sexual battery

Second-Degree Felony: Punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a maximum fine of $10,000. Examples include

• Extortion
• Child Abuse
• Some domestic violence offenses
• Vehicular homicide
• Felon in possession of firearms
• Possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell
• Sale of marijuana to a minor
• Some drug charges

Third-Degree Felony: Punishable by up to 5 years of imprisonment and a maximum fine of $5,000. Examples include:

• Aggravated stalking
• Driving as a habitual traffic offender
• Some domestic violence offenses
• Theft of a car or firearm
• Trespass while armed
• Burglary
• Illegal drug possession
• Resisting arrest with violence

If you or someone you know has recently been arrested or indicted for a crime, you need to act quickly and retain a highly-skilled Florida criminal defense attorney. Your legal representative can help uphold your rights, explain what to expect from the criminal process, and help build your defense.

The criminal court process in Florida involves the following phases:

Arrest or Notice to Appear: Law enforcement officers in Florida can make an arrest for allegedly committing a crime or violating the law. Alternatively, the alleged defendant can receive a notice to appear in court in lieu of arrest.

First Appearance: Within 24 to 48 hours after the arrest, the defendant will have their first court appearance. The judge will decide whether to release without charges, charge the person, and determine the bail amount. The defendant isn’t required to speak at the first appearance.

Arraignment: Following the arrest, the defendant will be arraigned in front of a judge. During the arraignment, the judge will read the charges and advise the defendant of their rights to an attorney. The defendant may plead “not guilty,” “guilty,” or “no contest.”

Preliminary Hearing: During the preliminary hearing, the offender will hear the prosecutor’s case against them. This is the opportunity to review and dispute the prosecutor’s evidence and establish that the defendant is innocent. If successful, the charges may be reduced or ultimately dropped.

Plea Negotiation: If the case isn’t dismissed, the prosecution attorney and the defense counsel will work to possibly reach a plea bargain. If a plea agreement isn’t reached, the case will proceed to trial.

Trial: In Florida, trials may either be trial by judge or trial by jury.

Judge Trial: In a trial by a judge, both sides will have the opportunity to present their case. The judge will review the available evidence and make a final decision.

Jury Trial: A jury consisting of 12 members (for capital cases) or 6 members (for other criminal cases) will hear the evidence against the defendant and the defendant’s defense. The jury will deliberate on the case and decide whether the defendant is guilty or not. For a guilty verdict, the judge will determine the appropriate punishment.

Sentencing: If the defendant is found guilty of the charges, a sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date to determine the right punishment for the crime or charges.

Appeal: A defendant who believes that they were wrongly convicted or sentenced unjustly may be eligible to file an appeal to a higher court within 30 days from the date the trial court issued its final judgment.

A skilled Florida criminal defense lawyer can represent you vigorously in every phase of the criminal court process, dispute the accusations against you with factual evidence, and help you achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

Defending your criminal allegations without experienced guidance and representation can increase your possibility of getting convicted and suffering the maximum penalties. Unfortunately, a criminal conviction could jeopardize your personal reputation, freedom, quality of life, eligibility for public benefits, career, as well as professional opportunities. Therefore, when under criminal investigation, you need to retain a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney to help strategize your defense and protect your legal rights.

With over 35 years of extensive experience, Attorney Tom McGuire has the diligence, expertise, and resources to guide and represent clients in their criminal cases. As your legal counsel, he will evaluate and investigate all of the facts of your unique situation and outline a strong defense to help fight your charges. In addition, Attorney Tom McGuire will help you navigate the Florida criminal justice system and make sure you’re given fair and just treatment in every phase of the legal process.

If you’re facing criminal charges, don’t face them alone. Contact Panhandle Defense Firm today to schedule a simple case assessment. Attorney Tom McGuire can offer you the reliable representation, skilled legal guidance, and advocacy you need to fight your criminal accusations. The firm is proud to serve clients across Pensacola, Florida, and surrounding areas throughout Santa Rosa and Escambia Counties, including Milton, Crestview, and Fort Walton Beach.