Recent Blog Posts
First Appearances in Florida State Courts
Once you have been arrested in Florida, you will be brought before a judge or magistrate within 24 hours for a First Appearance. At the First Appearance, the judge will tell you what you are charged with and advise you of your Constitutional rights. If you are entitled to be released, the judge will… Read More »
What to do when encountering a police officer- some general guidelines.
While it is almost impossible to discuss all the different ways you can come into contact with a police officer, there are some very general guidelines to follow when you find yourself face-to-face with an officer. 1. First and foremost, stay calm. Take some deep breaths and relax (although I know this is easier… Read More »
Misleading Advertisements
Well, they’re at it again. The high volume advertisers are using a minuscule disclaimer ( fine print) to avoid misleading the public. Have you recently seen an advertisement on television where the lawyers are on the courthouse steps and reporters are clamoring for the lawyers’ attention? It could be misleading; according to the Florida… Read More »
Should I speak with the other insurance company?
Many times, very soon after an accident, the other driver’s insurance company will call you and ask you to give a recorded statement. Don’t do it without first speaking with an attorney at Lavely & Whyte, P.A. Unlike the lawyers at Lavely & Whyte, P.A., the other insurance company does not have your best… Read More »
What are Preemptory Challenges
Fortunately for our client’s we are Board Certified Trial Lawyers. As many of you know this is the highest achievement a Florida Laywer may obtain. Although thankfully for our clients they have rarely personally experienced a jury trial, Matt and Steve are experts. One of the things we discuss with client’s are preemptory challenges…. Read More »
Lawyer Suspension
Did you know there is a great resource to determine if your lawyer is or has been suspended? Visit Floridabar.org. and click on the find a lawyer icon. We @ Lavely & Whyte are proud of our reputation for ethical conduct. Others in our community cannot be so proud. Check us out or any… Read More »
We’ve Moved
Hopefully when traveling in Bradenton you’ve noticed the new building going up @ 527 Manatee Ave East. We’re just a couple of blocks east of Manatee Memorial Hospital on Manatee Ave. East. It’s a beautiful building with all the latest features to allow us to provide the best in legal services. We still have… Read More »
Experienced Trial Counsel
I regularly read the publication which is a compilation of new case law as released by the Supreme Court of Florida or the District Courts of Appeal. This week there was an opinion posted wherein the CME doctor ( the doctor hired by the insurance company to examine you) who was too much an… Read More »
Our heroes in Blue
We all suffered a tremendous loss on January 24th with the death of two police officers in St. Petersburg. The loss hit particularly close as the scene of this senseless murder is within a long walk from my home. The school in “lockout” is attended by my middle schooler. She expressed sadness over the… Read More »
Why it’s important to retain a Board Certified Trial Specialist
Very few lawyers in Florida have the privilege to identify themselves as Board Certified by the Florida Bar, and therefore as an expert. However, Matt Whyte and Steve Lavely have earned this distinction. A recent case from the legal files illustrates the importance of choosing the right lawyer. An expert as opposed to somebody… Read More »
