What did the court decide?

The appeals court affirmed the lower court's criminal judgment, meaning it found no reversible error in the matters raised on appeal.

Who is affected by this decision?

Appellant Gary W. Lucas, Jr. is affected because his appeal was denied; the State of Florida remains the prevailing party.

Does this opinion explain the court's reasoning?

No. The decision is a short per curiam affirmation and does not include detailed reasoning or analysis.

Can this be appealed further?

Potential further review may be available by filing a motion for rehearing in the Fifth District or seeking discretionary review by the Florida Supreme Court if jurisdictional criteria are met.

Gary W. Lucas, Jr. v. State of Florida

Docket 5D2025-0394

Court of record · Indexed in NoticeRegistry archive · AI-enriched for research

Criminal AppealAffirmed

Filed: Apr 21, 2026 · 1 week ago
Jurisdiction: Florida
Court: District Court of Appeal of Florida
Type: Opinion
Case type: Criminal Appeal
Disposition: Affirmed
Docket: 5D2025-0394

Appeal from a criminal judgment entered in the Circuit Court for Duval County

Summary

The Fifth District Court of Appeal reviewed Gary W. Lucas, Jr.'s appeal from a Duval County circuit court criminal case. The panel issued a per curiam decision on April 21, 2026, and concluded the appeal lacked merit, affirming the judgment below. No published opinion or extended reasoning accompanied the single-line disposition; the court simply announced AFFIRMED and recorded concurrence by the three judges. The decision is subject to any timely post‑opinion motions under Florida appellate rules.

Issue Decided

Whether the circuit court's criminal judgment or ruling being appealed should be reversed

Court's Reasoning

The opinion is per curiam and provides no substantive reasoning beyond the court's conclusion. The panel affirmed the lower court's judgment, indicating it found no reversible error in the matters presented on appeal. The brief disposition suggests the court determined the record and arguments did not warrant reversal.

Parties

Appellant: Gary W. Lucas, Jr.
Appellee: State of Florida
Judge: R. Anthony Salem
Attorney: Matthew J. Metz, Public Defender
Attorney: Natalie R. Gossett, Assistant Public Defender
Attorney: James Uthmeier, Attorney General
Attorney: Michael Schaub, Assistant Attorney General

Key Dates

Decision date: 2026-04-21

What You Should Do Next

1
Consider post-opinion motions
If the appellant believes there are grounds, file a timely motion for rehearing or for certification under Florida Rule of Appellate Procedure 9.330 or 9.331.
2
Evaluate discretionary review
Consult counsel about whether to seek review by the Florida Supreme Court and whether the case raises a question of great public importance or a conflict with other appellate decisions.
3
Proceed with sentencing or judgment enforcement
If no further appellate relief is sought or successful, comply with the circuit court's sentence or other enforcement steps directed by the lower court.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did the court decide?: The appeals court affirmed the lower court's criminal judgment, meaning it found no reversible error in the matters raised on appeal.
Who is affected by this decision?: Appellant Gary W. Lucas, Jr. is affected because his appeal was denied; the State of Florida remains the prevailing party.
Does this opinion explain the court's reasoning?: No. The decision is a short per curiam affirmation and does not include detailed reasoning or analysis.
Can this be appealed further?: Potential further review may be available by filing a motion for rehearing in the Fifth District or seeking discretionary review by the Florida Supreme Court if jurisdictional criteria are met.

The above suggestions and answers are AI-generated for informational purposes only. They may contain errors. NoticeRegistry assumes no responsibility for their accuracy. Consult a qualified attorney before relying on them.

Full Filing Text

FIFTH DISTRICT COURT OF APPEAL
                STATE OF FLORIDA
                 _____________________________

                     Case No. 5D2025-0394
                 LT Case No. 2024-CF-006037-A
                 _____________________________

GARY W. LUCAS, JR.,

    Appellant,

    v.

STATE OF FLORIDA,

    Appellee.
                 _____________________________


On appeal from the Circuit Court for Duval County.
R. Anthony Salem, Judge.

Matthew J. Metz, Public Defender, and Natalie R. Gossett,
Assistant Public Defender, Daytona Beach, for Appellant.

James Uthmeier, Attorney General, and Michael Schaub,
Assistant Attorney General, Tallahassee, for Appellee.

                         April 21, 2026


PER CURIAM.

    AFFIRMED.


JAY, C.J., and EDWARDS and HARRIS, JJ., concur.
          _____________________________

Not final until disposition of any timely and
authorized motion under Fla. R. App. P. 9.330 or
9.331.
           _____________________________




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