Law Office of Matthew Konecky - September 2019

Law Office of Matthew Konecky - September 2019

THE KONECKY

SEPTEMBER 2019

JOURNAL

561.671.5995 | 954.272.6187 | www.matthewkoneckypa.com 110 SE 6th Street, Suite 1700, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 4440 PGA Blvd, Suite 204 Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410 Celebrating 15 Years!

I n August 2004, I put up my first shingle outside of my new— and first — office. I was out in the world and ready to make a name for myself. The Law Offices of Matthew Konecky were open for business. Before then, I had been working at a larger law firm. It was the law firm I joined after law school, but after a while of working at this firm, I knew it wasn’t what I wanted. It wasn’t giving me back what I had hoped to achieve. I was quickly seeing the end of the road and needed to make more than a lane change. I knew that if I wanted to do things my way, I would have to forge my own path. Thankfully, a unique opportunity presented itself right as I set off to go my own way. Another attorney put out the call that he needed help. He was offering office space in exchange for a few hours of work a week. He had a lot on his plate and just needed a little extra help from any willing attorney. I jumped on the opportunity. I was looking for my own space to start building my own practice, so I was more than happy to put in a few extra hours to have that space. For several months, the arrangement worked beautifully. I was building up my own practice and had the space I needed. But after about nine months working with this attorney, I realized I couldn’t keep it up. My firm had grown, and I had gotten too busy to give him the help he needed. In many ways, it was a blessing in disguise. Because I was so busy, I could no longer use the space he had offered, and it forced me to look for a dedicated space that would be officially mine. I found that space. For a while, I acted as my own secretary while also working as the sole attorney at my firm. Slowly, but surely, my firm continued to grow. I got to the point where I realized I could, and should, “And to our clients, all I can say is thank you!”

hire my first employee. On the business side of things, I had the revenue to put out an ad — and I did need the help. If I wanted my firm to continue growing, I couldn’t go it alone. Eventually, I moved into a bigger space. In 2009, I made the move from Broward County to Palm Beach County and into our current building. Just a couple of months ago, we moved into an even bigger space in the same building. As hard as moving can be, it’s a sign that I’m doing something right. I need more space! Of course, there are many challenges that come with growth. In those early days, I had time to do everything myself. I could be the secretary and the attorney. But I had to learn a lot about marketing myself to clients and how to maintain a good work-life balance. Today, 15 years after I became a sole practitioner and opened the Law Offices of Matthew Konecky, I’m happy to be settled in our new space (though the very same building our clients are used to). I’m also looking forward to hiring new people and continuing to work with our clients. And to our clients, all I can say is thank you! Thank you for the faith you put in me, and thank you to the clients who have been with me since day one (you know who you are)! It’s been an amazing 15 years. I’ve learned a lot, and I’ve had the chance to work with so many amazing people. I’m looking forward to what the next 15 years will bring.

10.0

–Matthew Konecky

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PREVENT COLDS AND THE FLU WITH KID-FRIENDLY TEACHING TOOLS Stop the Spread

School is back in session, but your child may be bringing home more than just random facts. Germs and bacteria that spread the common cold and flu are most prevalent in schools, but while these illnesses are strong, prevention is simple. Teach your kids how to prevent the spread of bacteria this season with these helpful tips. But Mommy Doesn’t Cover Her Nose! Kids learn more by watching what you do rather than listening to what you tell them to do. Get in the habit of covering your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze, and then wash your hands. Make hand sanitizer and facial tissues readily available in your home and be sure to wash your hands before every meal. In addition, stick to healthy habits when you do feel sick. Drink fluids, get plenty of rest, and seek medical attention when it’s warranted. If your children see you taking care of yourself, they will be more likely to do the same for themselves in the future. Ahh ... Ahh ... ACHOO! Hand washing and nose blowing are about as fun as … well, just that. It’s no wonder children don’t want to take time out of their busy play schedules to combat nasty germs. Instead of making these important steps a chore, make CLIENT SUCCESS STORIES “Mr. Konecky handled my case with diligence and professionalism. Since the first time I met in his office to present the case to him, he gave the case his full attention. Even being busy with other clients, he made sure to contact me with updates from the judge and the prosecutor.” –Kevin “Matt and his team helped us work through an issue with the juvenile justice system and delivered a favorable result considering the circumstances. He followed through and set realistic expectations and kept us informed throughout the whole process. I would not hesitate to recommend Matt’s services.” –Lo S.

basic hygiene fun. Use fun songs to teach the proper way to cover a sneeze, or do a science experiment to teach your children about the germs that are spread through just one sneeze. (According to research, sneezes can travel anywhere from 19–26 feet at 100 miles per hour!) For crafty kids, let them decorate tissue boxes or hand sanitizer containers to give hygiene some flair. Soon enough, you’ll find them being smarter about their health. As kids pack into classrooms this fall, germs will fly faster than this past summer did. Prevent the spread of the common cold and flu by learning more tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention online at CDC.gov.

Download these books today ! YOUR LEGAL RESOURCE When it comes to the legal process, you

have a lot of questions. Well, I have answers! Right now, I am offering my two resource books for free. “One Bad Night” If you or a loved one has been arrested for domestic violence, you probably have a lot of questions. Get answers and find insight into the criminal justice process. “What You Must Know About Your DUI Case” 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. Head over to matthewkoneckypa.com today for your free downloads!

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What You Need to Know IMPLIED CONSENT AND DUI

Whenever you get behind the wheel, it’s important to remember that driving is considered a privilege, not a right, in the eyes of the law. As such, should you be pulled over because law enforcement believes you may be driving under the influence, you give “implied consent” to a field sobriety test to determine your blood alcohol content (BAC). However, you can say “no” — it is within your rights to refuse a sobriety test.

While refusing a field sobriety test is within your rights, be mindful when you say no to a breathalyzer, urine test, or blood test. If you’ve been lawfully arrested for a DUI, refusal of these tests comes with its own set of consequences in addition to the standard penalties for DUI (fines, license restrictions, probation, education courses, prison time, etc.). When you refuse a field sobriety test, a law enforcement officer should read you Florida’s implied consent laws (along with potential penalties). You will also be asked to sign a refusal form. Once you sign on the dotted line, you may face the following penalties: • License suspension for one year (first refusal) • License suspension for 18 months (second refusal onward) • First-degree misdemeanor (second refusal onward) • Up to one year in jail or 12 months’ probation (second refusal onward) • Fines up to $1000 (second refusal onward) While you can exercise your right to refuse implied consent, it may not be in your best interest. It is crucial to work with an experienced DUI lawyer to determine your best next steps, especially as you face DUI charges. You never want to make assumptions about the law.

MEME CORNER

Basil Berry Sorbet Unlike standard ice cream recipes, this delicious sorbet doesn’t require fancy equipment or difficult prep. It’s also entirely dairy-free, making it the perfect vegan treat for the end of summer. Cooking With Ashley

Ingredients: •

• •

6 cups frozen mixed berries 3/4 cup fresh lemon juice

1 cup sugar

•

1 cup fresh basil leaves

Directions

1. In a saucepan over high heat, combine sugar with 1 cup of water, stirring occasionally until sugar dissolves, creating a syrup-like consistency. 2. Remove syrup from heat, add basil, cover, and let stand for 15 minutes. Strain syrup into bowl and refrigerate until cold. 3. In a blender, combine syrup with frozen berries and lemon juice. Purée until smooth. 4. Transfer to a square baking pan, cover in plastic wrap, and freeze until set, about 2 hours. 5. Scoop and serve.

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INSIDE 561.671.5995 | 954.272.6187 www.matthewkoneckypa.com 4440 PGA Blvd, Suite 204 Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410

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15 Years Later

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Teach Your Kids Flu Prevention

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Hear From Our Clients

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What Does ‘Implied Consent’Mean?

Basil Berry Sorbet

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The Vibrant Colors of America’s National Parks

Have you ever wanted to experience the colors of a Boston fall while enjoying the peace and tranquility of the great outdoors? Autumn leaves are a universally appreciated sign of the changing seasons, and there’s no better place to see those vibrant yellows, oranges, and reds on display than in one of America’s national parks. So, if you’ve got some free time this autumn, here are some parks worth seeing.

Acadia National Park, Maine

While the maple, birch, and poplar trees of Acadia begin to change color in September, mid-October is the best time to witness autumn in full swing. The park is crisscrossed with unpaved trails that date back to a time of horse-drawn carriages, preserving an idyllic setting. If you want to see the colors in full effect, take a drive to the top of Cadillac Mountain, the highest point along the North Atlantic seaboard, and watch the sun crest over the vibrant leaves. To fully experience fall in the Northeastern U.S., Acadia National Park is a must-see.

Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

While the West might typically be associated with evergreen pines, the deciduous trees of the relatively small Grand Teton National Park pack a colorful punch starting around the third week of September. It’s also breeding season for elk in the area, and their high, eerie whistles can be heard in the evenings. Popular destinations in the park include the Christian Pond Loop and String Lake. Just because the weather is cooling down doesn’t mean you have to abandon your favorite national parks until next summer. The natural beauty of America can be experienced at any time of the year, so start planning your next autumn outdoor excursion!

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee and North Carolina

Further south, the autumn colors of the Smoky Mountains are no less breathtaking than those in the Northeast. This park offers many scenic lookout points accessible by car, so don’t worry about hoofing it into the forest if that’s not your thing. Park wherever you like and watch the warm colors of ancient maples, oaks, and cedars change before your eyes.

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