What did the appeals court decide?

The court affirmed the lower court's judgment, meaning it found no reversible error in the trial court's ruling based on the materials before it.

Does the document explain why the court affirmed?

No; the decision is a short per curiam affirmance without an accompanying written opinion explaining the court's reasoning.

Who is affected by this decision?

The decision affects appellant James William Chaney and the State of Florida in the underlying criminal case from Lake County.

Can this be appealed further?

Potential further review (such as a petition to the Florida Supreme Court) may be available, subject to applicable deadlines and standards for review; consult counsel about next steps.

James William Chaney v. State of Florida

Docket 5D2025-1825

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

Criminal AppealAffirmed

Filed: Apr 30, 2026 · yesterday
Jurisdiction: Florida
Court: District Court of Appeal of Florida
Type: Opinion
Case type: Criminal Appeal
Disposition: Affirmed
Docket: 5D2025-1825

Appeal from the Circuit Court for Lake County in a criminal case (LT Case No. 35-2024-CF-1179-B).

Summary

The Fifth District Court of Appeal affirmed the trial court's judgment in a criminal case in which James William Chaney appealed his conviction or sentence. The appeal arose from the Circuit Court for Lake County before Judge Brian J. Welke. The appellate court issued a brief per curiam decision on April 30, 2026, simply stating 'AFFIRMED' with all judges concurring, and provided no published opinion or extended reasoning in the decision document provided.

Issue Decided

Whether the trial court's judgment in the underlying criminal proceedings should be reversed on appeal.

Court's Reasoning

The court issued a per curiam affirmance without separate written opinion in the provided document, indicating the panel found no reversible error in the trial court's proceedings sufficient to disturb the judgment. Because no opinion is included, the specific legal analysis and application to facts are not stated in this document.

Parties

Appellant: James William Chaney
Appellee: State of Florida
Judge: Brian J. Welke
Attorney: Matthew J. Metz, Public Defender
Attorney: Teresa D. Sutton, Assistant Public Defender
Attorney: James Uthmeier, Attorney General
Attorney: Kurt T. Koehler, Assistant Attorney General

Key Dates

Decision date: 2026-04-30

What You Should Do Next

1
Check deadlines for post-judgment motions
Because the opinion notes disposition of any timely motion under Fla. R. App. P. 9.330 or 9.331, counsel should determine whether to file a motion for rehearing or clarification within the rule deadlines.
2
Consider seeking discretionary review
If there are grounds, appellant should consult counsel about filing a petition for discretionary review to the Florida Supreme Court and verify filing deadlines and grounds for review.
3
Review trial record for preserved issues
Defense counsel should review the trial record to identify any preserved constitutional or legal errors that could support further appellate relief or postconviction proceedings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did the appeals court decide?: The court affirmed the lower court's judgment, meaning it found no reversible error in the trial court's ruling based on the materials before it.
Does the document explain why the court affirmed?: No; the decision is a short per curiam affirmance without an accompanying written opinion explaining the court's reasoning.
Who is affected by this decision?: The decision affects appellant James William Chaney and the State of Florida in the underlying criminal case from Lake County.
Can this be appealed further?: Potential further review (such as a petition to the Florida Supreme Court) may be available, subject to applicable deadlines and standards for review; consult counsel about next steps.

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. 5D2025-1825
                 LT Case No. 35-2024-CF-1179-B
                 _____________________________

JAMES WILLIAM CHANEY,

    Appellant,

    v.

STATE OF FLORIDA,

    Appellee.
                 _____________________________


On appeal from the Circuit Court for Lake County.
Hon. Brian J. Welke, Judge.

Matthew J. Metz, Public Defender, and Teresa D. Sutton,
Assistant Public Defender, Daytona Beach, for Appellant.

James Uthmeier, Attorney General, Tallahassee, and Kurt T.
Koehler, Assistant Attorney General, Daytona Beach, for
Appellee.

                         April 30, 2026


PER CURIAM.

    AFFIRMED.

JAY. C.J., and BOATWRIGHT and KILBANE, 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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