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.