Stephen Mathew Whyte

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.

Stetson University

MBA (2004) | Business Administration

2004

Stetson University College of Law

J.D. (1998) | Law

1996 - 1998

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).

University of Central Florida

B.S. (1993) | Business Administration- Marketing

1989 - 1993

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).

Shareholder

Kirk Pinkerton, P.A.

2013 - Current

Partner

Lavely & Whyte, P.A.

2002 - 2013

Assistant State Attorney

State Attorney's Office

1998 - 2002

Associate Attorney

Dickinson & Gibbons

1999 - 2000

Criminal Trial Law

The Florida Bar

Top Brass volunteer

Friends of the NRA

2013

National Rifle Association

Life Member

Current

Friends of the NRA

volunteer

Current

Activities: 2013 Top Brass volunteer

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

Moose Lodge (2188)

member

Current

Glock

Certified Armorer

Current

Florida

Since 1998

11th Circuit

Since 1999

U.S. Supreme Court

Since 2002

US District Court- Middle District of Florida

Since 1999

• 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.