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561.671.5995 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 | NEW FLORIDA LAW RAISES THE STAKES FOR DRUNK DRIVERS Think Before You Drink
THE KONECKY JOURNAL DECEMBER 2025/JANUARY 2026
As the holidays draw near, you may be looking forward to parties and celebrations with friends, co-workers, or family. If those festivities might tempt you to drink and drive, be warned: If you get behind the wheel after drinking this holiday season, you take a greater risk than ever of losing your driver’s license and acquiring a criminal record.
more leverage in recommending sentencing and negotiating plea deals with the accused.
Party Plans? So, about those holiday parties mentioned above: If you are planning to drink during any of these celebrations, the best thing you can do, not only for yourself and your loved ones but for others on the road, is to take a ride-share service afterward, call a cab, or arrange in advance for a friend to drive you home. Another change brought about by Trenton’s Law is that it imposes harsher penalties for drunk drivers who cause fatal crashes. DUI manslaughter is a second- degree felony under Florida law. Before Trenton’s Law went into effect on Oct. 1, penalties included a mandatory minimum jail sentence of four years, a maximum of 15 years, a $10,000 fine, and permanent revocation of the offender’s driver’s license. Trenton’s law increases the maximum sentence to 30 years, opens the door to harsher bail restrictions, and reduces judges’ discretion to offer lesser penalties. Penalties escalate sharply for DUI manslaughter defendants who are repeat offenders or whose offense results in more than one death. You get the picture: Navigating a DUI charge in Florida has always been challenging, and the potential penalties have just become harsher than ever. Having an experienced DUI attorney by your side greatly increases your chances of emerging with the least possible damage. We are knowledgeable about every potential defense in these cases, including police errors in traffic stops or arrests, errors in administering breath or blood tests, a lack of probable cause for a traffic stop, and potential violations of defendants’ constitutional rights. Our office has been helping clients accused of DUI for more than 15 years. If you are facing DUI charges in Florida or know someone who is, don’t hesitate to contact us today. We will help you mount the strongest possible defense.
In one of the most critical changes in years in Florida’s drunk-driving laws, the state has sharply increased mandatory minimum sentences for driving under the influence (DUI), strengthened prosecutors’ power, and
restricted the freedom judges have to adjust sentences for convicted drivers. The changes
reflect a broad trend toward getting tougher on alcohol-impaired drivers.
In recognition of December as National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, this is a good time to plan ahead to avoid any situation that leads you to take the wheel after you’ve been drinking. A Tragic Death Under the new law, known as Trenton’s Law, all DUI suspects must submit to a Breathalyzer test when asked by an officer. If they refuse, they will be immediately charged with a second-degree misdemeanor, a criminal offense punishable by up to 60 days in jail. In the past, a driver’s first refusal to take a Breathalyzer test was noted on their license, but they weren’t hit by criminal charges unless they refused a second time. The legislation is named for Trenton Stewart, an 18-year-old Stetson University football player who was killed in a tragic DUI-related auto accident in 2023. The offender in that crash had a previous conviction for vehicular homicide, drawing attention to the serious risks posed by repeat offenders. Trenton’s Law is intended not only to provide justice to DUI victims’ families, but to serve as a deterrent to potential offenders. It also gives prosecutors
If you get behind the wheel after drinking during this holiday season, you take a greater risk than ever of losing your driver’s license and acquiring a criminal record.”
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–Matthew Konecky
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Traditions That Won’t Cost a Fortune Festive Fun Made Easy
The holidays have a way of sneaking up on us. Suddenly, the calendar is full, stores are packed, and wallets feel too light. But here’s the truth: The most memorable moments don’t come from expensive gifts or elaborate trips. We spark them from laughter, creativity, and time spent together.
FLORIDA MAN STRIKES AGAIN
Whether you’re looking for cozy nights in or adventures out in the crisp winter air, here are fun, low-cost holiday activities for the whole family.
Festive Fun at Home Let’s turn home into holiday central! You can wrap your front door like a giant present, or craft homemade ornaments from everyday supplies. Popcorn and cranberry garlands, paper chains with gratitude notes, and handmade snowflakes instantly transform your space into a festive wonderland. For extra coziness, plan a movie night complete with blankets, popcorn, and your family’s favorite holiday classics. Creative Crafts and Tasty Treats You don’t need to buy pricey kits when you can create your own fun. Build a gingerbread house from scratch, or whip up batches of cookies and let everyone go wild with frosting and sprinkles. If you’re looking for something outdoorsy, make birdseed ornaments from pinecones and peanut butter, then watch the backyard come alive with feathered guests. Outdoor Adventures Bundle up and take a nighttime drive (or stroll) to admire the best light displays in your town. It’s a free way to soak up the magic of the season together. If you’re lucky enough to get snow, the options are endless: snowmen, forts, snow angels, or even a friendly snowball fight. And when it’s too chilly to stay outside, warm up with hot cocoa by the fire. Share the Holiday Spirit The season feels even brighter when you spread joy beyond your own home. Go caroling in your neighborhood or at a local nursing home, attend a school holiday concert, or deliver handmade cards to friends and neighbors. These simple gestures leave lasting impressions and remind everyone what the holidays are truly about. Cozy Traditions That Last For a touch of nostalgia, start a new tradition like sleeping under the Christmas tree one night, creating a DIY advent calendar, or hosting a family game night with holiday music playing in the background. These small rituals are the ones kids and adults both look forward to each year.
“I want to give a huge thank you to Attorney Matthew Konecky and his partner, Maria, for their incredible work on my criminal case. From day one, they treated me with respect, compassion, and understanding. They never judged me. Instead, they focused on helping me through every step and fighting for the best possible result. Matthew’s experience and confidence in the courtroom, combined with Maria’s attention to detail and constant communication, made me feel supported the entire time. They explained everything clearly, always kept me updated, and were available whenever I had questions or concerns. Thanks to their dedication and teamwork, my case was handled quickly and professionally, and the outcome was far better than I expected. I truly believe they cared about me as a person, not just another case file. If you ever need criminal defense lawyers who are honest, knowledgeable, and truly on your side, Matthew Konecky and Maria are the ones to call. I’m forever grateful for what they did for me.” –Jimmy R. A MESSAGE FROM THE FAITHFUL
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The Enduring Allure of an Antihero’s Antics
Florida Man, the antihero of the Sunshine State, has struck again.
patrol car, backing into a police car before engaging officers in a high-speed chase, or trying to take selfies with a squirrel.
Steering his airboat under cover of darkness, a 21-year-old Florida man was arrested recently for killing 13 alligators without a permit. Not only did this poacher lack the necessary state hunting permit, but he also killed more than six times the number of alligators allowed. The evidence against him? Photos and videos on the phones of “friends” who accompanied him on his nighttime forays. The lesson: If you plan to commit a felony, don’t encourage others to record it and share the evidence. Eccentric or illegal behavior by “Florida Man” is an internet meme that has endured in pop culture for over a decade. Just a few months ago, an inebriated Florida Man was arrested for driving his riding lawnmower down U.S. Highway 1. And in 2020, a man with three previous DUIs was also caught riding his lawnmower on a busy highway. Ever helpful, this defendant obligingly told the arresting officer he didn’t have to go to the trouble of administering a field sobriety test because he had just been drinking a moment earlier.
Why does Florida Man endure in internet culture while countless other memes have died a natural death? I have a theory on this phenomenon. One factor is our state’s inherent characteristics. People come from all over the country and all over the world to visit Florida and enjoy our weather, beaches, theme parks, and other attractions. Many love it so much that they return to live, giving rise to extraordinary political and cultural diversity. As a result, anything can happen! According to the authors of a 2021 Florida State University Law Review article about Florida Man, “Media and popular culture portrayed Florida as a unique place long before Florida Man flooded the internet.” Also, Florida has freedom of information laws that afford journalists, bloggers, and others greater access to police reports, arrest records, and even mug shots of the accused, giving them plenty of fodder for stories. Beyond that, Florida Man is just fun to read about and watch.
As you enjoy following these wacky and often hilarious escapades, keep in mind the moral of every story: Don’t be like Florida Man!
Other tales of Florida Man (or Florida Woman) entail heaving an alligator through a restaurant window, dancing on the roof of a police
Cooking With Ashley
Download These Books Today ! YOUR LEGAL RESOURCE
Classic Italian Tiramisu
When it comes to the legal process, you likely 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 the 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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1/4 cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder, plus more for dusting
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1/2 cup white sugar
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1/4 tsp kosher salt
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1 cup brewed espresso
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16 oz mascarpone cheese, chilled
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1 tbsp vanilla extract
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1 3/4 cups heavy cream, chilled
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5 large egg yolks, cold
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28 hard ladyfinger cookies
1. In a bowl, whisk together cocoa powder, espresso, and vanilla and set aside. 2. In a mixer, beat egg yolks and sugar until pale and thick, about 5 minutes. 3. Add salt and mascarpone cheese, and continue to whip. 4. Add the chilled heavy cream and continue to whip until light and smooth. 5. Dunk each ladyfinger in the espresso mixture to absorb the liquid and line a 7x11-inch oval baking dish with the cookies. 6. Top the first layer of cookies with half the whipped mascarpone mixture and spread it into an even layer. Dust with cocoa powder. 7. Repeat for another layer and then finish by dusting with cocoa powder on top. 8. Cover with plastic wrap and chill for at least 2 hours before serving. Directions
Head over to MatthewKoneckyPA.com today for your FREE downloads!
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INSIDE 1 DUI Penalties Are Steeper Than Ever This Holiday Season 2 Create Holiday Magic Without Spending Big 3 Why We Can’t Quit Florida Man: The Appeal of an Internet Meme
Classic Italian Tiramisu
4 3 Train Trips to Take Today
Tracks and Treasures SCENIC RAIL JOURNEYS WORTH RIDING
Flying over beautiful landscapes can be exhilarating, but what if you could experience those beautiful sights in a closer and more personal way? With railway vacations, you can. Whether you’re a seasoned train traveler or curious about cruising on the tracks, here are three travel options you can only experience and appreciate on the rails. A Euphoric European Escape While there are plenty of thrilling sights to behold in America, the glamorous international excursion of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is incomparable. From its pristinely preserved 1920s/1930s-era carriages and stunning Art Deco interior to its remarkable gourmet food (including breakfast in bed!) and live entertainment, this world-renowned train will take you through Venice, Paris, Istanbul, and other legendary European destinations. A Symphony of Swiss Scenes For many travelers seeking some of the most breathtaking visuals imaginable, all rails lead to the Swiss Alps. The Glacier Express’ 292-bridge/91-tunnel track from Zermatt to St. Moritz gives passengers a personal view of picturesque valleys, mountain streams, and alpine meadows. Often referred to as “the
slowest express train in the world,” it travels 24 miles per hour, allowing you to feast your eyes on the scenery through its panoramic windows. Boasting millions of passengers in its decades-long history, the Glacier Express has earned its rightful place as one of the most celebrated names in tourism. An Alaskan Adventure If you’re looking for railway adventures closer to home, consider hitting the tracks in Alaska. Since 1903, the Alaska Railroad has provided travelers an intimate way to explore what later became our 49th state. Getting a seat will guarantee a breathtaking journey through scenic landscapes, national parks, fjords, snow-capped peaks, and valleys brimming with wildlife. For the ultimate Alaska experience, opt for the Alaska Railroad’s GoldStar Service, which offers glass-dome ceilings for panoramic nature viewing, a full-service dining room, and a one-of-a-kind upper-level platform for additional sightseeing.
The next time your wanderlust inspires you to explore new wonders, skip the plane and take a train!
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