Turner O'Connor Kozlowski, P.L.

Attorneys serving Gainesville and north central Florida

  • Meet our Team
    • About Us
    • Larry Gibbs Turner
    • Peg O’Connor
    • Ron Kozlowski
    • Caleb Kenyon
  • Areas of Practice
    • Criminal Defense
    • Professional Licensing and Tenure Defense
  • News
  • Reviews
  • Contact

Potential Protection for Job Seekers

March 20, 2022 by Peg O'Connor

The Gainesville City Commission is currently creating a new ordinance that would preclude employers from rejecting a job applicant based solely on his or her arrest record.

The “fair chance hiring” ordinance applies only to businesses with fifteen or more employees and would prohibit a background check before making an offer of employment.

The ordinance would not do away with conditional offers of employment contingent upon a successful background check, drug screening, or other prerequisites that might be required.

Once drafted, the ordinance will be presented to the business community for comment.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

SB 1032: Gain Time Reform for Rehabilitative Credits

May 15, 2021 by Peg O'Connor

Current law requires that a person serving prison time must serve at least 85% of their sentence, meaning that good behavior and gain time will only decrease the length of their sentence slightly. A recent Senate bill proposed by Senator Keith Perry would allow an incarcerated individual to only serve 65% of their sentence through “rehabilitative gain time.” To accompany this new type of gain time, the bill would also officially change the goal of the Criminal Punishment code from incarceration to rehabilitation.

A similar bill was introduced in the House as well: HB 235. This bill also proposes changing the minimum time served to 65% and introduces the concept of rehabilitative credits.

Gain time is generally used to incentivize good behavior and participation in certain programs and activities, and this bill would encourage prisoners to participate in programs specifically aimed at rehabilitation. This category appears to be relatively broad, encompassing GED classes, life skills, behavioral modification, mental health treatment, drug treatment, reentry training, and vocational training. Essentially any other “evidence-based program approved by the department that serves the purpose of reducing recidivism and assisting a prisoner reintegrate into society” would earn rehabilitative credit.

These rehabilitative credits will not be available to all offenders, although we will have to wait until the bill is fully debated and passed to determine which crimes will be included and excluded.

As of March 11, 2021, SB 1032 passed the Senate Criminal Justice Committee and was placed in the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee. Little action has been taken on companion-bill HB 235; it was referred to several subcommittee, but as of yet, it has not been passed by any of them.

Sadly, the bill died in Appropriations on April 30. Hopefully the issue will be raised again during next year’s legislative sessions; it is a change that criminal-justice reform advocates say is a long time coming.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

HB 1215: Revising Penalties for Nonviolent Offenses

May 11, 2021 by Peg O'Connor

A bill currently pending in the House would decrease the penalties for less serious offenses. For example, the bill would allow those charged with possession of less than 20 grams of cannabis or possession of paraphernalia to receive a mere civil citation and a fine of $100.  The bill would additionally allow violators to complete community service hours instead of paying civil fines, meaning there will be less of a burden on those who cannot afford to pay.

While the bill is definitely a move in the right direction, it has some built-in limitations. Officers still have the discretion to charge the offense as a misdemeanor; it is merely permissive that they could issue a civil citation instead. Additionally, a person may only receive a limited number of civil citations (2), and if the person contests the violation, they waive their smaller civil penalty and may instead receiving a larger penalty.

As of March 2, 2021, the bill has been filed in the house and has gone through its 1st reading.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Potential Protection for Providers from COVID-19 Suits

February 12, 2021 by Peg O'Connor

A Senate bill that would protect medical providers from claims related to COVID-19 is winding its way through the Florida Legislature, having been approved on February 10, 2021 by the Senate Judiciary Committee.  SB 74 requires a heightened standard of particularity in any civil action against a healthcare provider based on a claim related to the coronavirus and requires that the plaintiff prove “by the greater weight of the evidence” that the provider was either grossly negligent or engaged in intentional misconduct:

(a)  By failing to substantially follow authoritative or applicable government-issued health standards or guidance relating to COVID-19;

(b)  In interpreting or applying the standards or guidance with respect to the provision of health care or related services, or lack thereof, or the allocation of scarce resources or assistance with daily living; or

(c)  In the provision of a novel or experimental COVID-19 treatment.

The bill further imposes a one-year statute of limitations and immunizes providers from claims if “supplies, materials, equipment, or personnel necessary to comply with the applicable government-issued health standards or guidance at issue were not readily available or were not available at a reasonable cost.”

The House version of the bill differs in some ways, including the use of the “clear and convincing evidence” standard and the requirement that the plaintiff submit an affidavit by a physician averring that the virus-related damages occurred as a result of the defendant provider’s acts or omissions.

The bills are supported by the Florida Medical Association and the Florida Health Care Association.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

New Law Changes Florida Appellate Jurisdiction

January 15, 2021 by Peg O'Connor

One of the many new laws coming out of the 2020 legislative session, Senate Bill 1392 will significantly limit Florida circuit court appellate jurisdiction. Beginning January 1, 2021, civil and criminal appeals from county court decisions will be heard by the district courts of appeal. This means that cases will essentially skip the circuit court level of review and will be sent directly to the higher-level district courts. Some types of cases that may be impacted by this legislation include: 

  • County civil disputes involving between $15,000-$30,000 
  • Traffic offenses 
  • Misdemeanor criminal charges 

Some people believe this change will be for the better, as district courts might be better equipped to handle the caseloads more efficiently and consistently.   According to the Senate Appropriations Committee, this change will help resolve the problem of having conflicting circuit opinions within the same circuit and the same district. Further, it may cost less for an individual to pursue an appeal, as the district courts may only charge $100 for a filing fee, whereas circuit courts may charge up to $280.    Circuit courts will still be able to review final administrative orders. 

The lawyers at Turner O’Connor Kozlowski, P.L. are equipped to handle appeals at all levels of Florida state and federal courts. Please call us at (352) 372-4263 if you are considering filing an appeal in your case.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • Next Page »

The cream of the crop in Gainesville

I practice exclusively in the civil arena. I do no criminal defense or professional license defense work whatsoever and refer all of my clients to other attorneys for these needs. Ron Kozlowski and his partners are my first choice for these referrals. They are the cream of the crop in Gainesville: the finest defense attorneys I know.

Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review of Ron Kozlowski

5.0
2018-08-24T15:47:53+00:00

Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review of Ron Kozlowski

I practice exclusively in the civil arena. I do no criminal defense or professional license defense work whatsoever and refer all of my clients to other attorneys for these needs. Ron Kozlowski and his partners are my first choice for these referrals. They are the cream of the crop in Gainesville: the finest defense attorneys I know.
https://toklegal.com/testimonials/happy-client/

Practices law at the highest standards

Peg O'Connor is a conscientious lawyer who practices law at the highest standards.

Martindale-Hubbell Peer review of Peg O'Connor

5.0
2019-01-17T16:40:01+00:00

Martindale-Hubbell Peer review of Peg O'Connor

Peg O'Connor is a conscientious lawyer who practices law at the highest standards.
https://toklegal.com/testimonials/practices-law-at-the-highest-standards/

Great mind. Great writer. Great lawyer.


Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review of Ron Kozlowski

5.0
2018-09-12T14:41:54+00:00

Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review of Ron Kozlowski

https://toklegal.com/testimonials/great-mind-great-writer-great-lawyer/

Extremely knowledgeable and approachable

Peg O'Connor is extremely knowledgeable and approachable. She has excellent rapport with clients, is respectful of the all participants in the process, and is resolution oriented.

Martindale-Hubbell Peer review of Peg O'Connor

5.0
2019-01-17T16:40:55+00:00

Martindale-Hubbell Peer review of Peg O'Connor

Peg O'Connor is extremely knowledgeable and approachable. She has excellent rapport with clients, is respectful of the all participants in the process, and is resolution oriented.
https://toklegal.com/testimonials/extremely-knowledgeable-and-approachable/

Larry Turner is one of the most honorable and decent human beings I know

Larry Turner is one of the most honorable and decent human beings I know. If ever there was an AV attorney- it would be Larry Turner. I have known Mr. Turner for over 35 years and he has never conducted himself in any other manner than as I have described. I have practiced against him when I as an Assistant State Attorney for the 8th Judicial Circuit for the State of Florida, as co-counsel with him, and tried a 4 month trial in his court while he served as a Circuit Court Judge.

Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review of Larry Turner

5.0
2018-09-12T14:46:16+00:00

Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review of Larry Turner

Larry Turner is one of the most honorable and decent human beings I know. If ever there was an AV attorney- it would be Larry Turner. I have known Mr. Turner for over 35 years and he has never conducted himself in any other manner than as I have described. I have practiced against him when I as an Assistant State Attorney for the 8th Judicial Circuit for the State of Florida, as co-counsel with him, and tried a 4 month trial in his court while he served as a Circuit Court Judge.
https://toklegal.com/testimonials/larry-turner-is-one-of-the-most-honorable-and-decent-human-beings-i-know/

Highly ethical

Peg is a tremendous legal thinker and applies her intellect to every area of practice. She is highly ethical and a tremendous colleague.

Martindale-Hubbell Peer review of Peg O'Connor

5.0
2019-01-17T16:42:14+00:00

Martindale-Hubbell Peer review of Peg O'Connor

Peg is a tremendous legal thinker and applies her intellect to every area of practice. She is highly ethical and a tremendous colleague.
https://toklegal.com/testimonials/highly-ethical/

A superb lawyer in and out of the court room

Larry Turner is a superb lawyer in and out of the court room. I can find no fault with Larry as a human being and a lawyer. He mixes the two gifts.

Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review of Larry Turner

5.0
2018-09-12T15:31:46+00:00

Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review of Larry Turner

Larry Turner is a superb lawyer in and out of the court room. I can find no fault with Larry as a human being and a lawyer. He mixes the two gifts.
https://toklegal.com/testimonials/a-superb-lawyer-in-and-out-of-the-court-room/

Zealously defends her clients

Ms. O'Connor is a skilled writer and legal thinker. She zealously defends her clients.

Martindale-Hubbell Peer review of Peg O'Connor

5.0
2019-01-17T16:42:59+00:00

Martindale-Hubbell Peer review of Peg O'Connor

Ms. O'Connor is a skilled writer and legal thinker. She zealously defends her clients.
https://toklegal.com/testimonials/zealously-defends-her-clients/

Excellent Experience & Quick Dismissal

I had a terrific experience working with Caleb Kenyon. We were able to wrap up the case within 2 weeks of hiring. He was very pleasant to communicate with as well and very helpful in walking me through the process. I highly suggest Mr. Kenyon for counsel on criminal matters.

Review from Avvo.com of Caleb Kenyon

Prospective clients may not obtain the same or similar results

5.0
2018-09-12T15:34:57+00:00

Review from Avvo.com of Caleb Kenyon

Prospective clients may not obtain the same or similar results

I had a terrific experience working with Caleb Kenyon. We were able to wrap up the case within 2 weeks of hiring. He was very pleasant to communicate with as well and very helpful in walking me through the process. I highly suggest Mr. Kenyon for counsel on criminal matters.
https://toklegal.com/testimonials/terrific-experience-working-with-caleb-kenyon/

Outstanding legal skills

Ms. O'Connor is an attorney with substantial integrity and outstanding legal skills.

Martindale-Hubbell Peer review of Peg O'Connor

2019-01-17T16:43:27+00:00

Martindale-Hubbell Peer review of Peg O'Connor

Ms. O'Connor is an attorney with substantial integrity and outstanding legal skills.
https://toklegal.com/testimonials/outstanding-legal-skills/

Excellent attorney with high standards

Ms. O'Connor is an excellent attorney with high standards, excellent analytical abilities with an ability to communicate clearly and effectively. She is also willing to think outside the box to achieve a goal or find a solution to a problem.

Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review of Peg O'Connor

5.0
2018-09-12T16:07:08+00:00

Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review of Peg O'Connor

Ms. O'Connor is an excellent attorney with high standards, excellent analytical abilities with an ability to communicate clearly and effectively. She is also willing to think outside the box to achieve a goal or find a solution to a problem.
https://toklegal.com/testimonials/excellent-attorney-with-high-standards/

Brilliant litigator

Peg is a brilliant litigator. She has a powerful command of the law and the ability to communicate effectively with her clients, courts, and opposing counsel. She is actively involved in the legal community. It is clear that she takes pride in her work and cares about her clients.

Martindale-Hubbell Peer review of Peg O'Connor

5.0
2019-01-17T16:43:53+00:00

Martindale-Hubbell Peer review of Peg O'Connor

Peg is a brilliant litigator. She has a powerful command of the law and the ability to communicate effectively with her clients, courts, and opposing counsel. She is actively involved in the legal community. It is clear that she takes pride in her work and cares about her clients.
https://toklegal.com/testimonials/brilliant-litigator/

One of the smartest, most ethical lawyers

Peg is one of the smartest, most ethical lawyers I have ever had the privilege of working with. She connects with her clients, they trust her, and she is an incredible communicator on every level. I cannot recommend her highly enough, both personally and intellectually.

Martindale-Hubbell Peer review of Peg O'Connor

5.0
2018-09-12T16:08:19+00:00

Martindale-Hubbell Peer review of Peg O'Connor

Peg is one of the smartest, most ethical lawyers I have ever had the privilege of working with. She connects with her clients, they trust her, and she is an incredible communicator on every level. I cannot recommend her highly enough, both personally and intellectually.
https://toklegal.com/testimonials/one-of-the-smartest-most-ethical-lawyers/

Professionalism, intelligence, and creativity

I have enjoyed working with Peg in quite a few cases. I admire her professionalism, intelligence, and creativity even in a difficult case.

Martindale-Hubbell Peer review of Peg O'Connor

5.0
2019-01-17T16:44:35+00:00

Martindale-Hubbell Peer review of Peg O'Connor

I have enjoyed working with Peg in quite a few cases. I admire her professionalism, intelligence, and creativity even in a difficult case.
https://toklegal.com/testimonials/professionalism-intelligence-and-creativity/

Outstanding attorney and true leader

Mr. Turner is an outstanding attorney and true leader of this (Gainesville, North Central Florida) community's legal profession.

Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review of Larry Turner

5.0
2019-01-17T16:17:38+00:00

Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review of Larry Turner

Mr. Turner is an outstanding attorney and true leader of this (Gainesville, North Central Florida) community's legal profession.
https://toklegal.com/testimonials/outstanding-attorney-and-true-leader/
5
14
  • Home
  • Meet Our Team
  • Areas of Practice
  • Criminal Defense
  • Professional Licensing and Tenure Defense
  • Reviews
  • Contact
Turner O'Connor Kozlowski, P.L.
102 NW 2nd Avenue
Gainesville, Florida 32601

© Copyright 2023 Turner O’Connor Kozlowski, P.L. · All Rights Reserved
Site Design by Lena Elizer Designs

  • Home
  • Areas of Practice
    • Criminal Defense
    • Professional Licensing and Tenure Defense
  • Meet Our Team
    • About Us
    • Larry Gibbs Turner
    • Peg O’Connor
    • Ron Kozlowski
    • Caleb Kenyon
  • Reviews
  • Contact