Background
Jonathan Nikos Butler appealed from a judgment or order of the Circuit Court for Walton County, where Circuit Judge J. Ryan Love presided. Butler was the appellant, and the State of Florida was the appellee.
The First District Court of Appeal’s opinion does not describe the underlying criminal case, Butler’s appellate arguments, or the circuit court’s reasoning. The opinion identifies Butler as proceeding pro se and also lists public-defender counsel for him.
The Court’s Holding
The First District Court of Appeal affirmed the circuit court’s decision. The ruling was issued per curiam, with Judges Roberts, Rowe, and Kelsey concurring.
The court provided no written reasoning or discussion of the issues. The opinion states only “AFFIRMED,” so it establishes that the challenged decision remains in effect but does not disclose the panel’s rationale.
Key Takeaways
- The First District affirmed the Walton County circuit court’s decision.
- The three-judge panel consisted of Judges Roberts, Rowe, and Kelsey.
- The per curiam affirmance contains no facts, legal analysis, or explanation of the appellate issues.
Why It Matters
The decision ends the appeal at the panel stage while leaving the lower court’s ruling intact. Because the court issued an unexplained per curiam affirmance, the opinion offers no substantive guidance on the governing law or the reasons the appellant did not obtain relief.
The decision was designated nonfinal until disposition of any timely and authorized motion under Florida Rules of Appellate Procedure 9.330 or 9.331.