Butler v. State — Florida appeals court affirmed without a written explanation

Case
Joseph Butler v. State of Florida
Court
Florida Second District Court of Appeal
Judge
Khouzam; Black; Smith
Date Decided
September 23, 2026
Docket No.
2D2025-0035
Topics
Criminal Appeal, Summary Affirmance, Postconviction Procedure
Source
Read the full opinion

Background

Joseph Butler appealed from the Circuit Court for Pinellas County, where Circuit Judge Chris Thom Helinger presided.

The appeal proceeded under Florida Rule of Appellate Procedure 9.141(b)(2). The opinion does not describe Butler’s claims, the underlying facts, or the circuit court’s reasoning.

The Court’s Holding

The Florida Second District Court of Appeal affirmed the circuit court’s decision.

The court issued a per curiam disposition consisting only of the word “Affirmed.” It provided no explanation of its reasoning and announced no express rule of law. Judges Khouzam, Black, and Smith concurred.

Key Takeaways

  • The Second District affirmed the circuit court’s decision.
  • The appeal was considered under Florida Rule of Appellate Procedure 9.141(b)(2).
  • Because the court supplied no reasoning, the opinion does not disclose the issues presented or the basis for affirmance.

Why It Matters

The decision leaves the circuit court’s ruling in place but offers no written analysis for attorneys or lower courts to apply in other cases.

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