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Spring Break Arrests

Spring Break Ordinances for 2024

March 6, 2024 • Dana Morris • Quote

Panama City Beach, Florida, is a spring break destination like no other, offering sun-drenched beaches, thrilling water sports, vibrant nightlife, and family-friendly fun. Whether you’re seeking relaxation or adventure, you’ll find it all on the shores of this thriving Gulf Coast beach town. So pack your sunscreen, grab your friends or family, and get ready for an unforgettable spring break experience on Panama City Beach.

However, with all the fun that is surely to be had during spring break, there are many things you need to know about the spring break ordinances in effect on Panama City Beach. For clarification, the ordinances in effect during spring break are local laws passed by Panama City Beach City Council.

  • The consumption or possession of alcohol is not allowed on the sandy beach during the month of March. According to Panama City Beach Ordinance 1353, “Sandy Gulf Beach” means all loose or uncompacted sandy areas, including sand dunes and vegetated areas, lying between the waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the seaward boundary of the seaward most public vehicular right of way.
  • Alcohol sales are not permitted after 2 a.m. and until 7 a.m. According to Panama City Beach Ordinance 1347, this is another of the beach alcohol laws during Panama City Beach spring break.
  • Loitering in parking lots or the shoulder of the roadway is strictly prohibited. The consumption of alcohol in parking lots and vehicles is not allowed. Panama City Beach spring break rules as they relate to parking lots, roadways, loitering and alcohol are found in Panama City Beach Ordinance 1348 and Panama City Beach Ordinance 1345-E.

In addition to the Panama City Beach Ordinances that are designed to be enforced during spring break on Panama City Beach, all laws are strictly enforced by our local law enforcement. Some of those include:

    • Must be 21 years or older to drink or possess alcohol.

    • Illegal drugs are prohibited.

    • Loud music which disturbs the peace is prohibited. Music which can be heard by someone more than 25 feet away is illegal.

    • Violence and fighting is strictly prohibited.

    • Climbing, jumping from, or throwing things from balconies is not allowed.

    • No metal shovels are allowed on the sandy beach, and digging holes deeper than two feet is prohibited. Any holes dug should be properly filled in for the safety of all.

As you plan your spring break getaway, it’s essential to prioritize safety and responsibility. Panama City Beach officials work tirelessly to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors! They have put ordinances in place to promote responsible behavior and prevent underage drinking.

Talk to a Defense Lawyer Who’s Helped Students Just Like You

If you or your child faces charges related to underage drinking, alcohol on the sandy beaches, drugs, theft, fighting or any other offense in Panama City, the best thing to do is contact a Panama City criminal defense attorney.  Do not hesitate to contact one of our attorneys at The Morris Law Firm.  We will be happy to offer a free initial consultation over the phone or in person. We have helped many college students avoid the serious consequences of a criminal record.  If you need a lawyer in Panama City or the surrounding areas, call our attorneys now, (850) 257-5680.  Once hired we will be there for you throughout the entire process including filing the paperwork that will allow us to appear on your behalf at all your court dates.  This will prevent the added trouble and expense of having to return to Panama City for each court date. 

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What are the Penalties for Underage Drinking on Panama City Beach during Spring Break?

March 21, 2023 • ryan

With all the fun things to see and do on Panama City Beach we really hope you will have a great time here! However, if an underage person (a minor, juvenile, or other person under 21) is caught with alcohol or alcoholic beverages, they could face a second-degree misdemeanor charge. 

In addition, some Panama City Spring Breakers and locals (regardless of age) are also being charged with consumption of alcohol on the sandy beach. According to the Panama City Beach ordinance, during the month of March “it shall be unlawful for any person to possess or consume any alcoholic beverage on the sandy Gulf beach of the Gulf of Mexico, within the City limits. For purposes of this section, ‘sandy Gulf beach‘ shall mean all loose or uncompacted sandy areas, including sand dunes and vegetated areas, lying between the waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the seaward boundary of the seaward most public vehicular right of way.” The penalty for this violation can be found here.

A question we often receive at our Panama City law office is; “My child has been charged with a minor in possession and alcohol on the beach charge. He/she is a good student and good kid who just made a mistake. Can you help?” The answer is yes! Our experienced Panama City attorneys have been helping visitors (and locals) with underage drinking charges and drinking alcohol on the sandy beach charges for many years.

It’s crucial to understand your legal options and consult with a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney. We have successfully defended many clients on these underage drinking and sandy beach charges and are here for you, your spring breaker, or a loved one. Please give our spring break defense lawyers in Panama City a call at (850) 257-5680 for a free consultation to discuss your best possible outcome to these alcohol related charges.

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What are the penalties for possession of marijuana oils or edibles in Florida?

February 21, 2023 • ryan

Florida lawmakers implemented Florida Statute § 381.986 in response to the passage of the medical marijuana constitutional amendment on the November, 2016 ballot. 

What are the laws in Florida for edibles containing marijuana for medical use? There are many restrictions outlined in the Florida Statute referenced above which relate specifically to edibles for medical marijuana use. Those restrictions include the specification that edibles may not be attractive to children or “bear any reasonable resemblance to products available for consumption as commercially available candy.” Under this law, edibles, such as pot gummies, that look like candy or are attractive to children are illegal even for medical marijuana use.

Is it a felony in Florida to possess marijuana edibles or oils without a prescription? Yes, a person caught without a prescription in possession of marijuana in the form of an edible or a vape is at risk of being charged with a felony offense pursuant to Florida Statute § 893.13(6)(a) and §893.03(1)(b)(190).

Due to the greater availability of marijuana vapes, oils and edibles, we have seen a number of felony charges for the possession of marijuana oils and edibles by clients who did not have a medical marijuana card at the time of the possession of the marijuana vapes, oils and edibles.

The penalties for a felony offense in the state of Florida are significant.  A third degree felony is punishable by up to five years incarceration and/or probation.  If you find yourself charged in Bay County or the surrounding areas with felony possession of marijuana oils and/or edibles, it is extremely important that you contact a good Panama City criminal defense attorney to assist you in your case. 

If you have been arrested and need legal assistance from a criminal defense attorney with a possession of marijuana oil or marijuana edible charge in Panama City or Panama City Beach, contact The Morris Law Firm for a free consultation.

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Planning a trip to Panama City Beach during Spring Break? 9 laws you need to now.

February 10, 2023 • ryan

I’m Dana Morris, a criminal defense attorney in Panama City, Florida, and it’s that time again for me to warn you about some of our unique spring break laws passed by the local PCB City Council and Bay County Commission.

We hope that you and your family will plan your spring break vacation here in Panama City and enjoy all that these beautiful beaches have to offer.

Many of the best things to do on Panama City Beach include pontoon boat rentals, parasailing, fishing, off-shore fishing, shopping at Pier Park, eating at seafood restaurants, golf, night clubs, Shell Island dolphin tours, go-karts, putt-putt golf and so much more.  However, there are some unusual spring break laws that you need to know about.   

Here are some of the Spring Break rules in place on Panama City Beach during Spring Break:

1. During the month of March, no possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages on the sandy beach of Panama City Beach. You must leave the alcohol in the room during March.

2. No alcohol possession or consumption in commercial parking lots.

3. During the month of March, all alcohol sales on Panama City Beach end at 2 a.m.

4. No open house parties.

5. Parking in a closed business parking lot is not allowed.

6. Overnight scooter rental is not allowed.

7. It is illegal to climb, jump from or throw things from balconies of hotel or condominiums on Panama City Beach.

8. Parking is prohibited on unmarked or unpaved portions of the road after dark.

9. Metal shovels are not permitted on Panama City Beach, and any holes dug in the sand should not be deeper than 2 feet.

I am a criminal defense attorney at the Morris Law Firm in Panama City, Florida, and have helped with countless spring break arrests of wonderful people who were in violation of these 9 spring break laws.  I want you to be informed and avoid the hassle of having to hire a Panama City attorney to help you navigate through the legal process.  If you do find yourself in need of an experienced attorney in Panama City, I am experienced in defending spring break law violations and will work hard to get your charges dropped or minimized.  Call me, Dana Morris, for a free consultation, (850) 257-5680.

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Spring Break ordinances in place on Panama City Beach during Spring Break

March 7, 2018 • ryan

9 of the best things to know before you party on Panama City Beach during Spring Break in March

I’m a criminal defense attorney in Panama City, Florida, and it’s that time again for me to try to do my best to warn you about our unique spring break laws passed by the local PCB City Council or Bay County Commission.

On Panama City Beach, Florida, each year we have our own version of March Madness; it’s called Spring Break!  The weather is typically sunny and beautiful and college students and families flock to our beautiful beaches for rest, relaxation and a great time.   We hope that you will plan your spring break vacation here and enjoy all that these beautiful beaches have to offer.

Here you will find many of the best things to do on Panama City Beach like pontoon boat rentals, parasailing, night clubs, Shell Island dolphin tours, go-karts, putt-putt golf and so much more.  However, you will also find some unusual spring break laws that you need to know about.

Here are the Spring Break ordinances in place on Panama City Beach during Spring Break:

1. During the month of March, no possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages on the sandy beach of Panama City Beach, so leave the alcohol in the room.

2. No alcohol possession or consumption in commercial parking lots.

3. During the month of March, all alcohol sales on Panama City Beach end at 2 a.m.

4. No open house parties.

5. Parking in a closed business parking lot is not allowed.

6. Overnight scooter rental is not allowed.

7. It is illegal to climb, jump from or throw things from balconies of hotel or condominiums on Panama City Beach.

8. Parking is prohibited on unmarked or unpaved portions of the road after dark.

9. Metal shovels are not permitted on Panama City Beach, and any holes dug in the sand should not be deeper than 2 feet.

I am a criminal defense attorney at the Morris Law Firm in Panama City, Florida, and have helped with countless spring break arrests of wonderful people who were in violation of one or more of these 9 spring break laws.  I want you to be informed and avoid the hassle of having to hire a Panama City attorney to help you navigate through the legal process.  If you do find yourself in need of an experienced attorney in Panama City, I am experienced in defending spring break law violations and will work hard to try to get your charges dropped or minimized.  Call me, Dana Morris, for a free consultation, (850) 257-5680.

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Want a Guarantee that I’ll Win Your Case?

April 27, 2016 • Dana Morris

Would you hire me if I said, “I’ll win your criminal case, guaranteed”?

I have potential new clients call my criminal defense firm all the time. Sometimes they ask me, in no uncertain terms, if I can guarantee that I will win their criminal case and get their criminal charges dropped. An actual call can go something like this, “Mr. Morris, I’ve read the great reviews that other clients have posted about you.  I want to hire you if you can guarantee that you will win my case, too.”

Why can’t a criminal defense lawyer give a client a guarantee that he(she) will win his (her) criminal case?

Ok, there are several reasons. First of all, it’s illegal. Did you know that rules from the Florida Bar on ethics strictly prohibit a lawyer from making a guarantee as to any outcome in any criminal case? There are no guarantees as to any outcome for any criminal case. Lawyers who give a guarantee as to a result could get sanctioned, suspended or worse, disbarred. However, some unscrupulous lawyers give people guarantees as to an end result all the time.

Besides being illegal, it’s just plain wrong. Having handled thousands of criminal cases in Florida, I counsel my clients about possible ways to beat their cases and probable outcomes. This comes from years of experience, as both a prosecutor and a defense attorney, not from a crystal ball that allows me to see into the future.

Everyone wants a guarantee. But when we are working with an officer, a prosecutor, a judge and a jury, there simply are no guarantees on the outcome.

Here is a list of guarantees that I can make:

  • I guarantee to stay in touch with you as your case progresses. In fact, I strive to return all of my phone calls within one hour. When my day is packed with back-to-back court appearances, it may take longer than an hour, but I guarantee that I’ll call you back as soon as possible.
  • As your criminal defense attorney, I guarantee to work extremely hard and to stay focused on my top priority; to win your case and get you the best possible outcome for your charges.
  • As a father, I guarantee you that I will keep your child’s best interest foremost in my defense efforts.  I try to treat each client as if they were my own child and work as hard for them as I would for my own son and daughter.
  • I can also guarantee that if you don’t trust the lawyer that you hire, you’re not going to be happy. Trust your instincts; it’s important that you get along from the beginning.
  • I guarantee that any lawyer that gives you a guarantee as to an outcome in your criminal case is one that you should want to run, not walk, away from. Most likely, this same attorney will tell you anything you want to hear just to get your money. I’d rather not get your business than be dishonest with you.

If you’re looking for a lawyer that you can trust to work hard for you, guaranteed, I’m available 24/7, so call now, (850) 257-5680.

 Criminal Defense Lawyer in Panama City Beach, FL  Best Law Firm in Panama City, FL

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How to hire the best attorney in Panama City

March 21, 2016 • Dana Morris

“Who is the best attorney in Panama City to handle my case?”

If you have found yourself or a friend in legal trouble, I am sure you have wondered or asked others, maybe even Siri, this very question.  Perhaps you’ve even wanted the answers to similar questions like:

  • “Which lawyer gets the best results in Panama City, Florida?”
  • “How do I know which attorney to hire for my criminal case?”
  • “Who is the best attorney to call for a DUI in Panama City?”
  • “Which attorney should I call to get me out of the Panama City jail?”
  • “My son/daughter has been arrested, who is the best attorney to hire in Panama City, Florida?”

We suggest that you do your homework and check the results of the attorney(s) that you are considering.  In a time like this, you don’t want to leave the future of your defense to chance.  You want someone who will work hard to learn the details of your case and strongly defend you.  You want someone who will fight for your rights every step of the way.

Dana Morris is a Panama City criminal defense lawyer who others trust, too.

If you need to hire an attorney, a great place to start is by looking at the reviews that others have left.  A great review site I recommend is Yelp.  The Morris Law Firm has excellent reviews on Yelp.  I also suggest that you check out a firm’s Google+ page. The Morris Law Firm also has really great reviews on Google+ that can be found here. Lots of people share their experience  with lawyers on Facebook, too.  I encourage you to read our Facebook reviews to see what people are saying about the Morris Law Firm.

At the Morris Law Firm, Dana Morris goes the extra mile to make sure that he handles each of our client’s cases as if they were his own.  Don’t just take our word for it, check out what others have said about us.  Take the time to read the reviews and hire the attorney that you think will do the best job with your defense.

I’ll leave you with a great review that a mother recently left for us after we defended her daughter.  Reviews like this one and countless others mean the world to us. This truly is why we do what we do at the Morris Law Firm.  Results matter:

best-review-panama-city-attorney

Give us a call to talk to our attorney, (850) 257-5680.  We are available 24 hours a day, so can now if you need us.

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Questions asked of a Criminal Defense Attorney

March 10, 2016 • Dana Morris

New laws are in place on Panama City Beach this Spring Break leading to more arrests. If  your student has been arrested, you likely need answers to legal questions that you have never even thought of.

As a parent of a college students you probably have questions you are used to asking. Questions like:

  1. What is a typical workload of homework, papers, and tests in your classes?
  2. How much is tuition?
  3. How many credit hours will it take to graduate?
  4. What are some of the reasons students leave or transfer?

The best questions to ask a criminal defense attorney after an arrest are much different than the questions you are accustomed to asking.

Criminal Defense Attorney Dana Morris, at the Morris Law Firm, can counsel you through the entire legal process, from arrest to resolution, answering your questions and easing your confusion and fears.

Panama City criminal defense lawyer, Dana Morris, will help you answer questions like:

  1. What is pretrial diversion (PTD) and is my son/daughter eligible to receive that?
  2. What is a first appearance and when will my son/daughter receive one?
  3. Will you be present for first appearance if I hire you as our criminal defense attorney?
  4. How much is bail and how can I find a bail bondsman?
  5. When is an arraignment and what is it?
  6. Where is the jail and how will my son/daughter get home from there?
  7. How often will we have to travel back to Panama City for court dates or can this be avoided?
  8. How can we get the record sealed or expunged?
  9. What are your legal fees and do you charge by the hour or flat fee?
  10. Do you take payments or do we have to pay all up front?

Dana Morris has extensive experience in criminal law charges and has helped many students and parents in situations just like yours. Keep in mind that the sooner you hire an attorney after an arrest, the better.  

Call our office 24 hours a day at (850) 257-5680.

 

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Panama City Beach Prepares for Spring Break

February 4, 2016 • ryan

Well, it’s official; Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow and Captain Anderson’s Restaurant opened tonight. What does this mean for Spring Break on Panama City Beach?  Winter is coming to an end and Spring Break is upon us.

Spring Break certainly brings a lot of fun to our 27 miles of sugar white sands located right here in the Florida Panhandle. Some fun things to do while on Spring Break on Panama City Beach should include:

  • Parasailing
  • Pontoon Boat Rental for a Dolphin Tour
  • Jet Ski Rental
  • Shopping at Pier Park
  • Putt-Putt Golf
  • Shipwreck Island Water Park
  • Shell Island
  • Spring Break Concert Series
  • St. Andrew’s State Park

Sadly, Spring Break on Panama City Beach can also bring legal troubles.  Some of the most common Spring Break arrests on Panama City Beach include:

  • Possession of Alcohol by a Minor; Underage Drinking
  • Possession of a Controlled Substance
  • Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
  • Public Intoxication
  • Traffic Tickets

Talk to a Panama City Beach Attorney Who’s Helped Students Just Like You

If you or your child gets pulled over, involved in a wreck or into a situation where the police are involved, our best initial advice is to stay calm, provide the basic information required, but make sure you contact a Panama City Beach attorney immediately to guide you through the legal process from arraignment to expungement, and every step along the way.  With over 15 years  of practicing law, we’ve helped a lot of Spring Break students avoid the serious consequences of a criminal record and get on with their lives.

If you are from out of town and are arrested and charged with these or other common Spring Break offenses, you may be able to “waive” your appearance at court in Panama City by having a Panama City Beach attorney appear on your behalf.  This means that you would not have to incur the expense and headache of traveling back and forth to Panama City Beach for many court appearances.  Contact an attorney at the Morris Law Firm right away, (850) 257-5680, to determine if you or your loved one may be eligible for this.

An attorney at the Morris Law Firm is available when you need us, 24 hours a day, so call (850) 257-5680 now.  

Panama-City-Beach-Attorney Spring-Break-LawyerDana Morris Panama City Criminal Defense Attorney

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