Dana Morris – Panama City Criminal Defense and Estate Planning Attorney
Dana Morris is a criminal defense and estate planning attorney based in Panama City serving clients throughout Bay County and Northwest Florida. With more than 25 years of legal experience — including 11 years as a Florida prosecutor — he represents individuals facing felony charges, DUI offenses, Spring Break arrests, juvenile crimes, white collar investigations, and other criminal matters.
After serving as a prosecutor with the Florida Attorney General’s Office in Pensacola and State Attorney’s Offices in Bay County and Santa Rosa County, Attorney Morris transitioned into criminal defense and founded The Morris Law Firm in Panama City. His background as a former prosecutor gives him unique insight into how the state evaluates and builds criminal cases.
He offers a free confidential consultation, either in person or remotely, to anyone in need of an attorney’s assistance to pursue the best possible outcome in your case. He is highly rated by clients throughout Bay County and Northwest Florida.
Attorney Morris draws on his experience as a former Florida prosecutor to anticipate how the state builds criminal cases and develop strategic, trial-ready defenses tailored to each client. He is known for his preparation, professionalism, and ability to navigate negotiations with prosecutors, judges, and law enforcement while aggressively protecting his clients’ rights and futures.
The majority of Dana’s cases are Florida felonies, but he also handles Panama City misdemeanor charges of all kinds, especially for students and out-of-towner visitors who find themselves in trouble with the law while on spring break or vacation. As both a former juvenile prosecutor and a parent, he brings a practical understanding of how criminal charges affect families and young people. Dana is also well-qualified to handle white collar criminal cases, having spent seven years prosecuting Medicaid Fraud for the Florida Attorney General in Pensacola, FL.
The Morris Law Firm Represents Clients Throughout Northwest Florida
Mr. Morris’ criminal defense and estate planning law firm is based in Panama City and regularly handles cases throughout Bay County (Panama City Beach, Lynn Haven, Callaway, Mexico Beach, Tyndall), Calhoun County (Blountstown, Altha), Franklin County (Apalachicola, Carrabelle, St. George Island), Gulf County (Port St. Joe, Cape San Blas, Wewahitchka), Holmes County (Bonifay, Ponce de Leon, Westville, Esto, Noma), Jackson County (Marianna, Grand Ridge, Graceville, Sneads, Greenwood), Walton County (Seaside, 30A, DeFuniak Springs, Freeport, Paxton) and Washington County (Chipley, Vernon, Wausau, Caryville, Ebro).
Dana earned his law degree from Cumberland School of Law at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama. He was admitted to the Florida State Bar in 2000, and has since been a member of the Florida Bar Association. Over the course of his career, Dana Morris has handled thousands of criminal and legal matters throughout Northwest Florida.
Mr. Morris resides in Panama City, FL, where he is active in several civic and professional organizations with the desire to give back to the community.
Education
- Samford University, Birmingham, AL, Cumberland School of Law, Juris Doctor, 2000
- Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, College of Social Science, B.S. Political Science, 1996
Admissions
- Admitted to practice law in Florida
- Admitted to practice law in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida
Public Service
- Mexico Beach Code Enforcement Special Master, 2021 to current
- Commissioner, Judicial Nominating Commission for the 14th Judicial Circuit of Florida, Appointed by Governor Rick Scott, October 2013
- Councilman, City of Gulf Breeze, Florida, August 2009 to March 2012
Civic and Professional Associations
- Florida State Bar, Member, 2000-Current
- Bay County Bar Association, Member
- Panama City Beach Rotary Club, Member
- Rotary International, Assistant District Governor
- Bay County Chamber of Commerce, Member
- Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce, Member
- Panhandle Strategic Alliance, Member
- Junior Achievement, Northwest Florida, Eastern Region, Former Member
