Leskovich Law Group, P.A.FindLaw IM Template2026-07-14T23:41:44Zhttps://www.southernjustice.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1500645/2022/06/cropped-Favicon-32x32.pngOn Behalf of Leskovich Law Group, P.A.<![CDATA[What does Florida law say about vehicle break-ins?]]>https://www.southernjustice.com/?p=488642026-07-14T23:41:44Z2026-07-14T23:41:44ZBurglary of a Conveyance Explained
In Florida, the law uses the word "conveyance" to describe any motor vehicle, ship, boat, trailer or aircraft. When someone enters a vehicle or boat without permission to commit a crime inside, they commit burglary of a conveyance.
The state measures the severity of this crime by the specific circumstances of the event:
Unoccupied conveyance: Breaking into an empty car or boat is a third-degree felony, which carries a penalty of up to five years in prison.
Occupied conveyance: If someone is inside the vehicle or boat when the break-in happens, the charge jumps to a second-degree felony. This applies even if the perpetrator did not know someone was inside, and it carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison.
Armed or unarmed: If the perpetrator carries a dangerous weapon or explosive during the crime, or becomes armed inside by stealing a weapon, the state upgrades the charge to a first-degree felony. This carries a maximum sentence of life in prison.
In addition to burglary, the state charges the perpetrator for the actual items taken. Florida law classifies any theft of property valued at $750 or more as grand theft.
The value of a good legal defense
The criminal justice system penalizes vehicle and boat break-ins aggressively. A single mistake can result in multiple felony counts that permanently damage a person's future, employment options and freedom. Seeking help from a qualified criminal defense attorney in Punta Gorda is advisable because prosecutors must prove every element of intent and property value beyond a reasonable doubt.
An experienced lawyer can review the police procedures, challenge inaccurate property valuations and build a strong strategy to protect your rights.
Stealing from a car or boat in Punta Gorda involves much more than a simple misdemeanor charge. The law treats vehicles as protected spaces, meaning a perpetrator will face overlapping felony charges for both the break-in and the theft.]]>On Behalf of Leskovich Law Group, P.A.<![CDATA[Doctor shopping could lead to Florida drug charges]]>https://www.southernjustice.com/?p=488632026-07-11T12:33:30Z2026-07-11T12:33:30ZRepeat prescriptions can trigger scrutiny
There are systems in place to minimize the abuse of medications, including systems that cross county lines. If one patient fills multiple prescriptions for the same medication from different doctors at one pharmacy or even at multiple different pharmacies, that can lead to questions about whether they abuse the medication and if they may have broken the law.
Possessing more medication than a doctor prescribed can be a crime. So can intentionally misrepresenting medical circumstances in pursuit of a particular medication.
It is a violation of Florida state laws to withhold information from a doctor, such as the fact that another medical professional has already prescribed a medication. It is also illegal to intentionally misrepresent medical issues for the purpose of steering a doctor’s diagnostic or treatment decisions.
People accused of prescription drug offenses, including committing fraud to obtain medication, are at risk of serious penalties and potentially life-altering criminal consequences. Retaining a defense lawyer when accused of a drug crime can help people respond effectively when their desire for specific medical care leads to criminal accusations.]]>On Behalf of Leskovich Law Group, P.A.<![CDATA[What to do if you face charges after a bar fight]]>https://www.southernjustice.com/?p=488622026-07-07T08:53:52Z2026-07-07T08:53:52ZHow these cases often unfold
In the aftermath of a fight, law enforcement officers must rapidly assess a chaotic scene. They often make arrests based on initial impressions and early statements from witnesses. Once the police write their report, they hand it over to the state.
The prosecutor then reviews the details to decide what specific crimes to charge. This means you could face severe charges even if you did not start the fight or were simply trying to protect yourself.
In the state of Florida, the specific charges depend heavily on the details of the event. An intentional, unwanted push can lead to a battery charge, while an unlawful threat paired with a physical gesture that creates a well-founded fear of immediate violence may result in assault allegations. If you cause a serious injury or use an object as a weapon, the state could elevate the charges to felonies. These outcomes might impact your future, your employment or your freedom.
Steps that could help your defense
If you face allegations after a disturbance, it may be wise to take these steps immediately:
Gather visual evidence: Safely photograph any physical injuries, torn clothing or damage to the scene.
Identify witnesses: Secure the names and contact details of people who observed the entire event.
Preserve video data: Look for security camera locations or smartphone videos that recorded the incident.
Remain silent: Avoid discussing the event on social media or with investigators until you have proper guidance.
Gathering these details immediately could help you ensure that key facts do not disappear before you prepare to answer the state.
Act with resolve from day one
It may be wise not to wait to see how the state will proceed before you take action. Treating the situation seriously from the very beginning could change the direction of your case. Gathering facts early allows you to build a clearer picture of what actually occurred. When you face the pressure of the legal system, a proactive approach helps ensure you are fully prepared to address the allegations.]]>On Behalf of Leskovich Law Group, P.A.<![CDATA[3 reasons for an empty nest divorce]]>https://www.southernjustice.com/?p=488612026-07-01T09:49:24Z2026-07-01T09:49:24ZEmpty nesters, or parents whose children have moved out of the house, sometimes decide to get divorced. This can often be surprising to family members and friends, as a couple has been married for a significant amount of time – decades, in many cases – before deciding to end the relationship.
While every case is unique, there are many potential reasons for an empty nest divorce. Three of the most common are noted below.
The marriage was never perfect
Parents at this age are often thinking about the future. They may realize that the marriage was never perfect and they were never fully happy in the relationship. Now that life is changing, they want to focus on what makes them happy moving forward.
Parenting was distracting
Another thing to consider is that parents may not have realized how unhappy they were in their own marriage. Parenting their children can be distracting and takes a lot of time and energy, but the issues in the relationship become obvious once the kids move out.
Waiting for the kids to grow up
Finally, some parents only decide to stay together for their children. A couple may have been talking about divorce since their children were in middle school, for example, but they may have agreed to stay together for five more years, until the kids graduate from high school.The financial side of an empty nest divorce can often be complicated, even though couples do not have to address child custody issues. That is why it is so important for them to understand their legal options when their marriage ends.
]]>On Behalf of Leskovich Law Group, P.A.<![CDATA[It is not only alcohol that leads to DUI charges]]>https://www.southernjustice.com/?p=488602026-06-19T23:35:01Z2026-06-19T23:35:01ZOther problematic substances
First, driving under the influence of any type of illegal drug can also lead to an arrest. Alcohol use is on the decline in the United States, but people may still use a variety of illegal drugs that can seriously impair their ability to drive. This can actually make an arrest a bit more complicated because there is no breath test for these drugs in the same way that there is for alcohol.
On top of that, driving under the influence of certain prescription medications can be illegal. A person may have a valid prescription, so it is completely legal for them to possess and take a medication they have been given by their doctor. However, if the instructions tell them not to operate heavy machinery, that typically means they should not drive their car.
DUI defense options
Are you facing DUI charges for any of the reasons noted above? They can have a major impact on your future, so it is important to understand what defense options you have.]]>On Behalf of Leskovich Law Group, P.A.<![CDATA[When 50/50 child custody isn’t followed in Florida]]>https://www.southernjustice.com/?p=488582026-06-16T09:00:05Z2026-06-16T09:00:05ZParenting plan
Florida courts legally require parents to have a parenting plan for time-sharing purposes. Parenting plans are legal documents detailing how you and your co-parent will spend time with your child, communicate with each other, make major decisions and share responsibilities.
If both parents can agree on a parenting plan, the family court will review it. The state will generally approve a plan as long as they deem it fit for the child’s best interests, even if time-sharing isn’t necessarily 50/50.
Child’s preferences
Another factor that may impact custody determination is your child’s preferences. In Florida Statute § 61.13, courts may consider the “reasonable preference of the child” as long as they are mature enough to express their opinion.
While the law does not set a minimum age for the child to legally dictate time-sharing, courts judge based on experience, intelligence and understanding. A child’s wishes are a part of the factors that determine their best interest. If permitted, family courts may handle communications with a child old and mature enough through in-camera interview or a guardian ad litem (usually a neutral professional, appointed by the court).
Parental involvement
During the case, the court will review you and your co-parent’s willingness and capacity to meet your child’s needs, including your involvement in school and extracurricular activities. Some important questions to ask yourself are:
Did you actively meet with your child’s teachers or participate in school events?
Have you helped in accomplishing homework and other responsibilities?
Is it your responsibility to take your child to the doctor?
These are all questions that Florida family courts may ask when deliberating a safe time-sharing plan for your child. The more involved you are, the more consistent you are in providing a reliable routine, the bigger your chances are of achieving a better plan for you and your child.
The necessary takeaway
Remember, 50/50 time-sharing is not a guideline, but a presumption. Custody of your child depends on the state reviewing your specific case. Gathering information on your child’s living situation as well as navigating family law in Florida with a trusted legal professional can strengthen your case.]]>On Behalf of Leskovich Law Group, P.A.<![CDATA[How gray divorce can affect your retirement, assets and stability]]>https://www.southernjustice.com/?p=488562026-06-09T15:21:45Z2026-06-09T15:21:45ZThe impact that may affect your financial future
Since gray divorce happens later in life, you generally have fewer working years left to rebuild savings. These effects can reach important areas, including:
Your retirement income may decrease: Dividing retirement accounts and pensions can leave you with less money later in life.
It can affect major assets: Homes and business interests may need an appraisal before distribution.
Monthly expenses may increase: Your housing and health care costs may rise because you now pay these expenses on your own.
It can delay your retirement plans: You might postpone retirement because you need more time to adjust your long-term financial plans.
Long-term financial stability may change: Support arrangements and estate plans often need closer review after divorce.
These financial considerations often extend to how marital assets are divided. In Florida, benefits and funds earned during the marriage through retirement plans, pensions or deferred compensation arrangements generally qualify as marital property subject to equitable distribution.
Preparing for the next chapter
A gray divorce can bring significant changes to your plans. Decisions involving property division and future income often play a major role in that transition.
Before filing for divorce, you may benefit from reviewing financial records and long-term income projections. Legal guidance can also provide useful insight into other financial factors that may affect the outcome of your divorce case.]]>On Behalf of Leskovich Law Group, P.A.<![CDATA[Could a postnuptial agreement improve your marriage?]]>https://www.southernjustice.com/?p=488542026-06-04T17:58:00Z2026-06-04T17:58:00ZWhen people hear the term “postnuptial agreement,” they often assume it signals trouble in a marriage. In reality, a postnuptial agreement can sometimes strengthen a relationship by encouraging honest communication, clarifying expectations and reducing uncertainty about financial matters. Rather than preparing for divorce, many couples use postnuptial agreements to inspire greater stability and address concerns before they become larger problems.
Postnups: The basics
A postnuptial agreement is similar to a prenuptial agreement, except it is created after a couple is already married. The agreement typically addresses issues such as property ownership, debt responsibility, business interests, inheritance rights and how certain assets would be treated if the marriage were to end in the future.For some couples, financial disagreements are a major source of stress. One spouse may be concerned about mounting debt, while the other worries about protecting a family business or inheritance. A postnuptial agreement can provide a structured way to discuss these concerns and establish mutually acceptable solutions.Business owners frequently also use postnuptial agreements to clarify ownership rights and protect a company that was started before or during the marriage. Likewise, spouses who receive significant inheritances may wish to document how those assets should be treated to avoid future misunderstandings.Postnuptial agreements may also be useful after major life events. Couples sometimes consider them following the birth of a child, a significant career change, the purchase of substantial assets or the resolution of financial difficulties. In these situations, an agreement can help ensure both spouses understand their rights and responsibilities moving forward.Not every marriage needs a postnuptial agreement, and it is not the right solution for every couple. However, for some spouses, creating clear financial expectations can reduce anxiety and help both parties feel more secure about the future.]]>On Behalf of Leskovich Law Group, P.A.<![CDATA[What if the police find pills that are not yours?]]>https://www.southernjustice.com/?p=488522026-05-28T13:32:44Z2026-05-28T13:32:44ZPrescription pills can create serious legal problems during a traffic stop, hotel search or spring break weekend in Punta Gorda. The medication may have been inside a friend’s bag, a shared rental car, a relative’s pill bottle or a suitcase several people used. Even then, police may treat the situation as a potential drug offense if the pills are close to you.
In Florida, saying “they were not mine” may be truthful, but that statement does not always end the investigation or prevent charges.
Prescription drugs can still lead to charges
Florida law makes it a crime to possess many controlled substances unless the person has lawful authority, such as a valid prescription. The state’s controlled substance law can apply to illegal drugs and prescription medications kept or used outside their proper legal limits.That means a retiree carrying someone else’s pain medication, a student holding pills for a friend or a driver with loose tablets in the center console could face more than an uncomfortable conversation. The exact charge may depend on the medication, the amount involved and the circumstances surrounding the search.
Location is not the whole story
Police often focus on where they found the pills. They may ask whether the medication was in your pocket, purse, glove box, suitcase, hotel room or bathroom cabinet.Location matters, but prosecutors usually need more than proximity. Florida’s criminal jury instructions address whether the accused knew about the substance and had control over it. Control may be actual or constructive, and the state still has to prove more than mere closeness when several people had access to the same place or container. Those questions can become especially important when several people have had access to the same car, room or container.For example, pills found in a shared rental car may raise different issues than pills found inside someone’s wallet. A defense may examine who owned the container, who had access, what each person said and whether police followed proper search procedures.
What happens when someone speaks to the police?
After police find pills, many people try to explain the situation immediately. That reaction is understandable, but it can create problems. A nervous statement like “I was just holding them” or “I knew they were there, but they are not mine” may give the state details it can use later.If you face prescription drug charges, avoid guessing about ownership, dosage or where the medication came from. You should also avoid texting friends about the incident or posting about it online.
Protect the details early
A pill case often turns on small but important details: the container, the prescription label, the search, the location and who had access. Those details can fade quickly, especially when tourists, snowbirds, students or relatives return home after an arrest.Write down what happened, save lawful records and avoid discussing the facts with people who may later become witnesses. If the pills were not yours, the next step is not to panic or overexplain. It is to protect the facts before the state’s version becomes the only version.]]>On Behalf of Leskovich Law Group, P.A.<![CDATA[Addressing substance abuse when creating a parenting plan]]>https://www.southernjustice.com/?p=488512026-05-21T18:06:15Z2026-05-21T18:06:15ZLimiting parenting time
Frequently, the simplest way to avoid substance abuse complications when sharing custody is to have one parent enjoy regular visitation with the children while the other is responsible for the majority of overnight parenting time. This arrangement is potentially modifiable when the parent struggling with substance abuse verifiably addresses their issue and improves their situation. Unfortunately, a parent’s substance abuse can have a profound negative impact on children if left unchecked. Unsupervised parenting time could even be downright dangerous in some cases.
Encouraging counseling
A parenting plan can include an outline for how a parent struggling with substance abuse can increase their time with their children. Completing specific types of counseling and inpatient rehabilitation services could make an increase in parenting time appropriate. Agreeing to randomized drug testing and remaining sober for a specific amount of time could also help to ensure that a struggling parent seeks the care they need. It can also be helpful for the children and the other parent to attend support groups or counseling focused on those impacted by addiction.
In cases where parents cannot reach an agreement on how to address substance abuse issues in a parenting plan, custody litigation may be necessary. Gathering documentation of addiction and its impact on a parent can help convince the courts that interventions are necessary for the well-being of the children.]]>