Cawthon v. State — Fifth District affirmed without a written explanation

Case
Steven Allen Cawthon v. State of Florida
Court
Florida Fifth District Court of Appeal
Judge
MAKAR; WALLIS; EISNAUGLE
Date Decided
September 24, 2026
Docket No.
5D2025-0715
Topics
Criminal Appeals; Per Curiam Affirmance
Source
Read the full opinion

Background

Steven Allen Cawthon brought an appeal involving the State of Florida from the Circuit Court for Clay County, where Judge Steven B. Whittington presided. The appellate proceeding was docketed as Case No. 5D2025-0715, with lower-tribunal Case No. 2018-CF-000541-A.

The Fifth District’s opinion does not describe the underlying facts, the issues Cawthon raised, or the reasoning of the circuit court.

The Court’s Holding

The Florida Fifth District Court of Appeal affirmed. Its disposition consisted solely of “AFFIRMED.”

The court issued the decision per curiam, with Judges MAKAR, WALLIS, and EISNAUGLE concurring. Because the opinion provides no analysis, it does not state the legal grounds for the affirmance.

Key Takeaways

  • The Fifth District affirmed in a per curiam decision.
  • The opinion identifies no facts, appellate issues, or supporting legal analysis.
  • The decision was not final until disposition of any timely and authorized motion under Florida Rules of Appellate Procedure 9.330 or 9.331.

Why It Matters

The decision resolves Cawthon’s appeal at the Fifth District but offers no written reasoning for attorneys to apply in other cases. Its value as guidance is therefore limited to the disposition and procedural information appearing in the opinion.

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