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561.671.5995 WWW.MATTHEWKONECKYPA.COM 110 SE 6th Street, Suite 1700, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 | 4440 PGA Blvd., Suite 204, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410 | 954.272.6187 | The Surprising Benefits of Practicing in 2 Areas of the Law MY SUPERPOWER
THE KONECKY JOURNAL
APRIL/MAY 2025
Concentrating in two different areas of the law may seem daunting or unusual to many people. But in my law practice, I have found that my ability to split my time between two strong professional specialties is my superpower.
in that area. However, many lack the experience required to drill down through defendants’ deceptions and evasions and expose the truth. I have sharpened my skills through long experience litigating criminal cases, including pre-trial discovery, filing motions, and cross-examining witnesses. If a defendant in a personal injury case makes evasive or misleading claims in an effort to shift part of the blame for an accident onto my client, I am well-equipped to pick apart their previous statements and paint them into a corner. Few young personal injury attorneys have been thrown into the fire in that same way. Having a solid reputation in one realm of the law carries over to the other. For example, judges in our court system periodically rotate between the criminal and civil divisions. If a judge who has presided over one or more of my criminal cases moves to the civil side, they recognize me as a familiar face when I appear on behalf of a personal injury plaintiff. That does not curry favor, as judges remain impartial. But it does give me a slight advantage, by freeing me from having to prove myself or figure out the judge’s preferences and approach. The bottom line: We are a small law practice that can handle both criminal and personal injury cases with just as much skill and experience as a large law firm. Our clients enjoy all the benefits of dealing with a small firm. Your case file will not be passed around among multiple associates, as often happens at big firms. Instead, a dedicated paralegal, an associate, and I will be handling your case from start to finish. We will take a personal interest in your situation, providing a thorough accounting of the evidence against you and how your case is progressing. Whether you are seeking compensation for harm you have suffered because of another person’s negligence, or you are in need of a strong, skilled defense against criminal charges, our firm is here for you. We promise to deliver a meticulous investigation and painstaking research on your behalf. Give us a call today!
I have more than 22 years of experience representing clients in both criminal and personal injury cases, and I have a strong winning track record in both. I embrace the challenge of switching gears and think of it almost like “cross training” in my profession.
Some people only know me as “the DUI criminal defense guy,”perhaps because of the three books I have written to help clients facing criminal charges. Others know me as “the PI lawyer.” In fact, I am both. I have equivalent experience in criminal and personal injury litigation. I have always struggled with the usual advice lawyers receive, that you have to brand yourself as having one specialization — as the DUI guy, or the criminal- defense king, or the personal injury prizewinner. I don’t disagree with the argument against claiming to be a jack of all trades. No one should try to be a general practitioner who handles everything. However, the notion that an attorney must be known for just one specialty is unfair. There is nothing wrong with focusing closely on two important areas of the law, as long as you are committed to both. I am a member of both the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the Florida Justice Association, a group dedicated to strengthening the state’s civil justice system. These organizations keep me abreast of changes in relevant statutes, recent developments in case law, and strategies for delivering the best results for clients. That mix of expertise and familiarity with both realms of the legal system gives me an advantage.
“The bottom line: We are a small law practice that can handle both criminal and personal injury cases with just as much skill and experience as a large law firm.”
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Some less-experienced attorneys and younger firms dabble in personal injury law, pretending to specialize
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‘So, What Is My Case Worth?’
Tips for Handling Conflict With Care Parenting Teens
As kids grow into teens and young adults, family dynamics often change. Gaining more independence naturally becomes their priority, which can lead to more conflicts at home. Whether disagreeing over curfews, arguing about responsibilities, or struggling with differing communication styles, these challenges can feel new to many parents.
Conflicts don’t have to create division, though. They can even strengthen your relationship if you handle them with care.
Key Strategies for Conflict Resolution Engage in active listening.
Sometimes, the best way to avoid or defuse conflict is just to listen. Active listening helps strengthen relationships by showing your teen you care and understand their perspective. Reflect on their feelings to show you’re paying attention (e.g., “It sounds like you’re upset because you feel misunderstood.”). This approach helps teens feel heard and makes it less likely they’ll get defensive. Collaborate on solutions. Instead of imposing rules or decisions on your teen, involve them in finding resolutions. Collaboration and negotiation show their input matters. Open discussions foster mutual respect and help build a foundation for long-term trust and understanding. When collaborating, ask open-ended questions like, “What do you think would be fair?” or “How can we make this better for everyone?” Set clear, respectful boundaries. Teens still need structure, but how you enforce boundaries matters. Respect their growing independence by explaining the reasoning behind rules and allowing room for compromise. You can also demonstrate the behavior you expect from your teen by setting and maintaining your boundaries. Modeling appropriate boundary-setting in your interactions shows them how to establish and respect limits in their relationships, which can benefit them long after they leave home.
“I was injured in a motor vehicle accident. I was rear-ended by a distracted motorist. My vehicle sustained a $5,000 repair cost. Mr. Konecky handled my case from the beginning to the end. He made sure my physical health was taken care of. Also, he made sure I was not tricked to sign any misleading statements by the other vehicle’s insurance company. He kept in touch with my insurance company and my personal wellness along the way. It’s not fun to get hit from the rear by another vehicle, but without Mr. Konecky, my case would not have gone anywhere. Thank you, Mr. Konecky. If you want a lawyer who sees you as a person, a human being who got hurt, Mr. Koneecky is the lawyer you want to trust with your case.” – Jean Max Jerome A MESSAGE FROM THE FAITHFUL
Building Stronger Bonds Through Conflict
The teenage years bring rapid changes in how
teens relate to their world and families. Conflict is common during this formative period, but it doesn’t have to be a battle — it can be a bridge. With patience, empathy, and the right strategies, you can foster a bond that not only survives the teen years but thrives because of them.
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WHY ACCIDENT VICTIMS ARE DENIED QUICK ANSWERS
Download These Books Today ! YOUR LEGAL RESOURCE Actual damage awards are tailored to the specifics of each personal injury case. That is why there are no quick answers to the first question we often get from accident victims: “So, what is my case worth?” Instead, we begin a methodical assessment of the actual harm done to the victim, their culpability in the accident, if any, the likely future costs they will face, and the total amount of insurance coverage available to cover the costs. The victim must see a doctor within 14 days of the accident to assess the full extent of their injuries. Specialists’ opinions are often necessary, too, to assess harm from scars, mental anguish, or pain and suffering. Splashy billboard ads by personal injury law firms dot highways across the state: “Have you been injured in an accident? We win millions of dollars for our clients! Call us now!” Those ads are deceptive. And unfortunately, they mislead people into believing that getting hurt in a fender-bender is the equivalent of winning the lottery.
From that point, we develop our case based on a long list of other factors, including:
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The victim’s actual medical costs, present and future
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Present and future loss of income
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Coverage limits on both drivers’ insurance policies
• Present and future pain and suffering caused by the accident • The degree to which the victim was partly responsible for the accident • Mitigating factors such as the weather or traffic conditions • Both drivers’ previous history of accidents and claims So, the next time you see that billboard along I-95 boasting about a $1 million settlement for an accident victim, take it with a grain of salt. To get the real facts on the topic, contact us through our website for a free copy of my book, “What the Heck Is My Personal Injury Case Worth?” We have decades of experience advocating for victims of car accidents, slip-and-fall injuries, and other mishaps. If you have been injured by another person’s negligence, call us for a consultation today!
Keto Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Cooking With Ashley
Inspired by DietDoctor.com
This keto-friendly chicken dish is packed with flavor, healthy fats, and protein. It’s the perfect weeknight option for a quick, tasty meal.
When it comes to the legal process, you may have a lot of questions. Well, I have answers! Right now, I am offering my two resource books for free. ‘My Loved One Has Been Arrested: What’s Next?’ The second edition of my first book is now available for download. In the second edition, you will find out what happens after your case, how to remove mugshots, and what to do if you were the one arrested. If you want a physical copy, please contact our office today. ‘What You Must Know About Your DUI Case Before You Do Anything’ Being convicted of a DUI charge can drastically change your life. Learn what goes into a DUI case and what your first step should be.
Ingredients
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4 chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on
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1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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2 tbsp heavy cream
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 lemon, zest and juice
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2 tbsp unsalted butter
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2 tbsp chopped parsley, for garnish
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2 cloves garlic, minced
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 400 F and season chicken with salt and pepper. 2. Heat olive oil in an oven-proof skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken skin-side down until crispy, about 5 minutes. Flip and cook 2 more minutes; remove from skillet and set aside. 3. Melt butter in skillet, then sauté garlic until fragrant. Add broth, cream, lemon juice, and zest. Simmer for 3 minutes. 4. Return chicken to skillet, spoon sauce over, and bake in oven for 15–20 minutes or until cooked through (165 F internal temperature). Garnish with parsley before serving.
Head over to MatthewKoneckyPA.com today for your FREE downloads!
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561.671.5995 | 954.272.6187 WWW.MATTHEWKONECKYPA.COM 4440 PGA Blvd., Suite 402 Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
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INSIDE
1 How Specializing in 2 Areas of the Law Can Be a Superpower 2 Turn Teen Disagreements Into Growth A Message From the Faithful 3 Answering Accident Victims’ Most Common Question Keto Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken 4 Escape to Paradise: Savoring the Beauty and History of Antigua
Journey Through Time DISCOVER THE ENDLESS BEACHES AND VIBRANT CULTURE OF ANTIGUA
Can you imagine escaping to a tropical island where you can visit a different beach every day for a year without ever seeing the same one twice? It’s not a fantasy. It’s Antigua. Antigua has long been known for its 365 beaches, from Halfmoon Bay’s silvery sands to Galley Bay Beach’s surfing waves. Unique for its history and native crafts, this eastern Caribbean island is rich in recreational and cultural attractions, as well as natural beauty. Christopher Columbus encountered Antigua in 1493, and the British subsequently colonized the island and neighboring Barbuda in the 1600s. Barbuda was originally planned as a slave-breeding colony, but the enslaved people brought to the island rebelled against colonial rule. After years of domination by the United Kingdom, Antigua and Barbuda achieved independence as a single nation in 1981.
Although Antigua covers only 108 square miles, it has a rich history and cultural traditions. Nelson’s Dockyard National Park offers archaeological sites and more than 12 miles of hiking trails. The 8th of March Project commemorates the lives of enslaved and free Africans who labored on the docks for centuries. Energetic hikers can make their way up a steep trail to Shirley Heights, 492 feet above sea level, to enjoy a panoramic view across the sea. Among Antigua’s unique attractions is the centuries-old artisan craft of forming tamarind seeds into jewelry and home decor. The island is also home to one of the rarest fruits in the world, the Antigua black pineapple, which is sweet and delicious sliced fresh or in jelly form. Also, a weekly archaeological tour called “Rum in the Ruins” offers a history of the sugar trade and the island’s famous rum.
Antigua’s Summer Carnival is one of the most popular in the world. The celebration began when people took to the streets in 1834 to celebrate the emancipation of enslaved people and independence from England. Visitors to the Carnival today can enjoy wildly colorful costumes and 10 days of music, dancing, and parades. Among the most memorable experiences are steel band competitions playing calypso and soca music.
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