Stephen Mathew Whyte

Stephen Mathew Whyte

Kirk Pinkerton, P.A.
  • Personal Injury, Criminal Law, Insurance Claims ...
  • Florida
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Biography

Born in Kentucky and raised in Ohio, Matt graduated Magna Cum Laude and with University Honors from the University of Central Florida with a B.S. in Business Administration (Marketing). He received his law degree, Cum Laude, and his Masters in Business Administration (M.B.A.) from Stetson University. While in law school, Matt completed internships with the Chief Judge for the US District Court, Middle District of Florida, the US Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida, and the 12th Judicial Circuit's Office of the State Attorney in Florida. Matt also earned Book Awards in Evidence, Criminal Procedure II, and Federal Taxation I. Matt started his legal career as a prosecutor in Bradenton and Sarasota. As a prosecutor and criminal defense lawyer, Matt has handled thousands of criminal cases, from simple misdemeanors and traffic offenses to serious felonies, including: DUI; Battery; Domestic Violence; Possession of Marijuana, Cocaine and other Controlled Substances; Elder Exploitation; Grand Theft; White Collar Fraud; Drug Trafficking; and Murder, Manslaughter, and other Homicides. Since 2007, Matt has been certified by the Florida Bar Board of Legal Specialization and Education as a Board Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer. As an insurance company lawyer and a plaintiff's personal injury attorney, Matt has handled automobile accident, medical malpractice, dog bite, slip and fall, and other personal injury cases. Matt has recovered millions of dollars in compensation for his clients. Matt is Certified by the National Rifle Association (NRA) to teach Basic Pistol (Florida CCW class), Basic Rifle, Basic Shotgun, Refuse to be a Victim, Personal Protection Inside the Home, and Personal Protection Outside the Home. Matt is also a Certified Glock Armorer and lectures around the State of Florida on self-defense and use of force, including Florida's Stand Your Ground and "Warning Shot" laws.

Education
Stetson University
MBA (2004) | Business Administration
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Stetson University College of Law
J.D. (1998) | Law
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Honors: Graduated Cum Laude and earned three (3) Book Awards (for the top grade in the class) in Evidence, Criminal Procedure II and Federal Income Taxation I.
Activities: Member of: Phi Alpha Delta (David Brewer Chapter); Phi Delta Phi (Cardozo Inn); Honor Court; Judge John M. Scheb American Inn of Court (pupil); and Certified Legal Intern (12th Judicial Circuit State Attorney's Office).
Stetson University College of Law Logo
University of Central Florida
B.S. (1993) | Business Administration- Marketing
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Honors: Graduated Magna Cum Laude and with University Honors for the University Honors Program; Recipient of the J.C. Aspley Scholarship and the Gordon Paul Scholarship for Excellence in Marketing; Named Marketing Student of the Year by teh Central Florida American Marketing Association; member of Beta Gamma Sigma, Phi Kappa Phi, Mu Kappa Tau and Alpha Mu Alpha honor societies; and Member of the Golden Key National Honor Society.
Activities: Member of: Pi Sigma Epsilon (Service Project Director); Student Government; Student Wellness Advocate Team; and Entrepreneurship Club (president).
University of Central Florida Logo
Professional Experience
Shareholder
Kirk Pinkerton, P.A.
- Current
Partner
Lavely & Whyte, P.A.
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Assistant State Attorney
State Attorney's Office
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Associate Attorney
Dickinson & Gibbons
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Certifications
Criminal Trial Law
The Florida Bar
Awards
Top Brass volunteer
Friends of the NRA
Professional Associations
National Rifle Association
Life Member
Current
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Friends of the NRA
volunteer
Current
Activities: 2013 Top Brass volunteer
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National Rifle Association
Certified Instructor
Current
Activities: Basic Pistol (CCW), Refuse to be a Victim, Personal Protection Inside the Home, Personal Protection Outside the Home
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Moose Lodge (2188)
member
Current
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Glock
Certified Armorer
Current
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Tiger Bay of Manatee County
member
- Current
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Manatee County Chamber of Commerce
member
- Current
Activities: Better Business Council member
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Manatee County Bar Association
member
- Current
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Sarasota County Bar Association
member
- Current
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Manatee Area Youth Soccer Organization
Coach, Board Member, President, Secretary
- Current
Activities: Florida E Licensed coach
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Judge John M. Scheb American Inn of Court
Pupil, Associate, Barrister, and Master
- Current
Activities: Served as Treasurer from 2006-2009
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St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church
member
- Current
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Leadership Manatee
participant
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Hernando Desoto Historical Society
member
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Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
Florida
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11th Circuit
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U.S. Supreme Court
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US District Court- Middle District of Florida
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Fees
  • Free Consultation
  • Credit Cards Accepted
  • Contingent Fees
  • Rates, Retainers and Additional Information
    Most Personal Injury cases are accepted on a contingency fee basis. Criminal cases are accepted on a flat fee or hourly basis. Other civil litigation matters are accepted on a contingency, hourly or flat fee basis, depending on the facts and circumstances of each case.
Practice Areas
Personal Injury
Animal & Dog Bites, Brain Injury, Car Accidents, Construction Accidents, Motorcycle Accidents, Premises Liability, Truck Accidents, Wrongful Death
Criminal Law
Criminal Appeals, Drug Crimes, Expungement, Fraud, Gun Crimes, Internet Crimes, Sex Crimes, Theft, Violent Crimes
Insurance Claims
Bad Faith Insurance, Business Insurance, Disability Insurance, Health Insurance, Life Insurance, Motor Vehicle Insurance, Property Insurance
Medical Malpractice
Birth Injury, Medical Misdiagnosis, Pharmacy Errors, Surgical Errors
Products Liability
Drugs & Medical Devices, Motor Vehicle Defects, Toxic Torts
DUI & DWI
Juvenile Law
Traffic Tickets
Suspended License
White Collar Crime
Languages
  • English: Spoken, Written
  • Greek: Spoken
Websites & Blogs
Website
Kirk Pinkerton, P.A.
Contact & Map
1310 4th Avenue West
Bradenton, FL 34205
Kirk Pinkerton, P.A.
240 South Pineapple Avenue
6th Floor
Sarasota, FL 34236