Stephen Mathew Whyte
Helping You with All Your Legal Needs
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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.
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
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.
Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
Languages
Professional Experience
Partner Lavely & Whyte, P.A.
Year: 2002 - 2013
Description:
Assistant State Attorney State Attorney's Office
Year: 1998 - 2002
Description:
Shareholder Kirk Pinkerton, P.A.
Year: 2013 - Current
Description:
Associate Attorney Dickinson & Gibbons
Year: 1999 - 2000
Description:
Professional Associations
Manatee County Bar Association member (2013 - Current)
Manatee County Chamber of Commerce member (2013 - Current)
Judge John M. Scheb American Inn of Court Pupil, Associate, Barrister, and Master (1997 - Current)
Manatee Area Youth Soccer Organization Coach, Board Member, President, Secretary (2004 - Current)
St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church member (1995 - Current)
Leadership Manatee participant (2013 - 2014)
Hernando Desoto Historical Society member (2001 - 2004)
Tiger Bay of Manatee County member (2013 - Current)
Moose Lodge (2188) member (Current)
National Rifle Association Certified Instructor (Current)
Friends of the NRA volunteer (Current)
National Rifle Association Life Member (Current)
Sarasota County Bar Association member (2013 - Current)
Glock Certified Armorer (Current)
Awards
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Top Brass volunteer
Friends of the NRA 2013.0
Education
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Stetson University MBA (2004) | Business Administration
Year: 2004
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Stetson University College of Law J.D. (1998) | Law
Year: 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).
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University of Central Florida B.S. (1993) | Business Administration- Marketing
Year: 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).
Certifications
- Criminal Trial Law: The Florida Bar
Websites
http://www.kirkpinkerton.com/
Kirk Pinkerton, P.A.
1310 4th Avenue West, Bradenton, FL 34205
Kirk Pinkerton, P.A.
240 South Pineapple Avenue, 6th Floor, Sarasota, FL 34236