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561.671.5995 MATTHEWKONECKYPA.COM 110 SE 6th Street, Suite 1700, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 | 4440 PGA Blvd., Suite 402, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410 | 954.272.6187 | COME ON VACATION … LEAVE ON PROBATION TOURIST TRAP
THE KONECKY JOURNAL
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2026
It’s an inside joke among experienced Florida defense lawyers:
volunteer work, applying for new jobs, or working in certain public sector jobs.
Come on vacation, leave on probation.
If you find yourself in such a predicament, keep these tips in mind.
Florida is a tourist state, and people on vacation often let go of their inhibitions. They start drinking, doing drugs, partying, or get into a heated altercation with a loved one. Unfortunately, this unleashes a whole bunch of havoc. They get hit with criminal charges in a state where they don’t live. Too often, they
• Don’t make the biggest mistake a tourist can make and ignore the charges. They will come back to haunt you in damaging ways, including a possible arrest and detention in your home state on the Florida warrant. • Hire an experienced criminal defense lawyer immediately to vouch for you in court and advocate for the least damaging outcome, such as a modification of the restrictions you face or pretrial diversion into a theft-abatement or DUI program. • Don’t assume that the judicial system will cut you any slack because you live out of state. You may be required to appear in court just like any other defendant. • Don’t take the first plea deal offered. Your record of pleading guilty to any “crime of moral turpitude,” even one as seemingly insignificant as petty theft for shoplifting, can never be expunged or sealed and will remain open to public view forever. And lastly, don’t get into any more trouble! Another arrest could be the death knell for your defense against any future charges. For further guidance, scan the UPC codes below to view my helpful YouTube videos about facing criminal charges as a tourist in Florida. And don’t hesitate to contact us for help! We will be glad to defend your rights and develop the best legal strategy for your situation.
make the biggest mistake a tourist can make in this situation: They ignore the charges and flee north, telling themselves they’ll never return to Florida. Decades later, perhaps they’re struck by a wild impulse to take a cruise. And as soon as they enter the port of Miami or Fort Lauderdale, their vacation turns into a nightmare when they’re arrested on that warrant from decades ago. They might even be held without bond. After all, if you failed to appear in court after that spring break arrest decades ago, why should the justice system trust you now? Other obstacles may surface, too: A judge may restrict out- of-state defendants from leaving Florida while their case is pending or confiscate their passport. I’ve helped many clients in this predicament. For defendants, this is a critical juncture. The criminal justice system isn’t designed for tourists. The decisions you make at this point will determine whether you resolve your case efficiently or are stuck in Florida for weeks or months, making multiple court appearances, spending thousands of dollars traveling back and forth, missing time from work, and trying to explain all that to your employer. Some people ask, “Can’t I just pay a fine and go home?” Depending on the nature of the charges against you, that decision could saddle you with a criminal record that will cause problems with your employer and hamper any future hopes of doing
“People on vacation often let go of their inhibitions … [and] get hit with criminal charges in a state where they don’t even live.”
–Matthew Konecky
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If you’re still feeling the financial sting of the recent holiday shopping season or struggle to pay off your credit card throughout the year, it may be time to rethink your spending routine. Most of us are guilty of impulsive shopping from time to time, but an occasional indulgence can become a dangerous habit if we’re not careful, especially with technology making it easier than ever to overspend. Here are three ways to curb the urge to splurge. Wipe your card info clean. There’s a reason why many apps and websites enable you to save your credit card information; it makes it easier for you to spend money! If you’re looking to reduce how often you experience the rush of an instant purchase, enter your payment manually every time you go to check out. The extra time it takes to do so may be enough to help you realize whatever you wanted a moment ago isn’t as necessary as you thought. Choose paper over plastic. In addition to detaching your credit card information from your phone or computer, consider separating your card from yourself when you leave to go shopping. Carrying cash instead of card is a helpful way to slow spending. For one thing, it helps you maintain a set amount to shell out, which you’re reminded of as the dollars disappear. Second, cash doesn’t carry an interest rate. When you spend $4 on that cup of coffee you can’t resist, you’ll be out $4, not $4.80 when using a card that charges an additional 20%. Delay, don’t dive. There will always be purchases, such as tickets for a concert that sell out within minutes or a future flight that becomes pricier as your departure date approaches, that will require you to reach for your credit card as soon as possible. That said, there are infinitely more things that you simply don’t need … at least not right away. When you encounter something online or in a store that you must have now despite it not being a scarce item, give it at least a day (or, even better, a week) before making your final decision. Tips for a Money Mindset Makeover Stop the Swipe
INJURED IN AN ACCIDENT?
“Matt and Maria worked extremely hard for me to get the best settlement possible. Maria is always on top of things and made sure to connect with me through the whole process. Matt truly cares about each individual and their case. He called me numerous times throughout the process to explain things to me and see how I was doing. Maria is fantastic and cares deeply about you as a person. Thank you very much, Matt and Maria. I would recommend Konecky Law to anyone looking for hard-working individuals that truly care deeply about you and your case.” –Joe P. A MESSAGE FROM THE FAITHFUL
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Winning $238,000 for a Whiplash Victim
A man came to me with severe back pain after a car crash, thinking he might have whiplash. He had already been turned away by other lawyers who refused to work with him. But I listened to his story. And after hearing about the trauma and suffering he endured, I took his case.
diagnosis and document their injury. I fight hard to prove negligence and distinguish any injuries caused by the accident from pre-existing problems my client might have had.
Fortunately, we were able to settle this whiplash victim’s case for $238,000 from the insurance company.
In my experience, if you think you have whiplash … you probably do.
It often isn’t easy to win compensation for clients with whiplash. Insurance companies will go to the mat trying to show that a victim is making up their problems, that they actually had a pre- existing injury, or that the injury is too minor to warrant a settlement. I am willing to fight back. If you felt your upper body whip forward and back, you probably have suffered some degree of whiplash. I urge victims to get to a doctor or chiropractor who specializes in accident cases right away, to get a
We have decades of experience fighting for victims of car accidents, slip-and-fall injuries, dog bites, gym and sidewalk injuries, and amusement park accidents. I will do whatever it takes to secure the compensation you deserve for your medical bills, lost work time, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured as a result of another person’s negligence, contact us today for a no-obligation personal consultation. For more information, click on the “Helpful Resources” tab on my website and request a free instant download of my book, “What the Heck Is My Case Worth?” There you can learn how we assess present and future medical expenses, lost time from work, and the possibility of a long-term disability as a result of your injuries.
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Cooking With Ashley
Download These Books Today ! YOUR LEGAL RESOURCE
Hot Honey-Infused Feta Chicken
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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2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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2 cloves garlic, minced
3 tbsp crumbled feta cheese 2 tsp fresh rosemary chopped (or thyme) 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)
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1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper 1 tbsp olive oil 3 tbsp hot honey
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1. Pat chicken dry and season both sides with salt and pepper. 2. In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. 3. Sear chicken for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden. 4. In a small bowl, mix hot honey and minced garlic to create a glaze. 5. Place the seared chicken in a baking dish. Pour the hot honey mixture over top. 6. Sprinkle chicken with crumbled feta, then rosemary or thyme. 7. Bake at 400 F for 20–25 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165 F. 8. Optional: Broil for 1–2 minutes for extra caramelization. 9. Let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with lemon juice and extra herbs before serving. Directions
Head over to MatthewKoneckyPA.com today for your FREE downloads!
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INSIDE
1 Don’t Get Arrested on Vacation in Florida! 2 Break the Buy Cycle 3 Think You Have Whiplash? How to Fight for Your Rights
Hot Honey-Infused Feta Chicken
4 Can You Freeze Your Way to a Longer Life?
CRYOTHERAPY, COLD PLUNGES, AND THE QUEST TO OUTSMART AGING
Every winter, many people living in the northern states head south to escape the cold weather. Florida is well-known for being a snowbird haven, but many also travel to Arizona, California, or even Mexico to enjoy a warmer winter. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to escape a harsh northern winter, but what if the cold was actually beneficial for you? Recent research published in ScienceDirect explored the connection between cold exposure and longevity, and the results may come as a surprise.
chronic inflammation, thereby easing the effects of symptoms related to arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease. It can strengthen antioxidant defenses, helping offset the stress caused by aging, environmental factors, medical conditions, and lifestyle choices. Cold exposure can enhance our metabolism, aiding in maintaining a healthy weight and blood sugar levels. Even your heart health can improve thanks to the impact of cold exposure on circulation. However, not all of the information from the study is promising. Some studies have shown that communities in colder climates tend to have higher death rates during winter. Furthermore, individuals with preexisting conditions may experience the adverse effects of the cold, as it can be very stressful for their bodies.
Researchers reviewed various studies to determine whether exposure to cold temperatures has a positive or negative impact on aging. They explored research related to cryotherapy and cold plunges, as well as examples from the animal kingdom to further their analysis.
While this study provides us with a better understanding of the benefits and drawbacks of cold exposure, further research is needed to draw conclusive findings. For now, it appears that cold exposure can be beneficial for healthy adults in the short term; however, its long-term effects on the body are unknown.
While their findings weren’t entirely conclusive, the short-term impact of cold exposure may benefit most people and help them age more gracefully.
Through their work, researchers have found that cold exposure can reduce
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