Criminal Defense
“In approaching this problem, we cannot
turn the clock back…”
EARL WARREN, SUPREME COURT CHIEF
JUSTICE, 1954
Your defense starts now.
If you’ve been arrested or are the target of
a criminal offense investigation in State or Federal
Court, The Law Office of Russell A. Cohen can help.
We handle all matters pertaining to both misdemeanors
(criminal offenses punishable by up to one year in county
jail) and felonies (criminal offenses punishable with
sentences up to life in prison).
While we cannot change the past, we do have control
over the direction of your case. By aggressively defending
your rights, we are committed to exploring all options
available in an effort to resolve your case.
Whether we get the case dismissed, negotiate a plea
deal, or prepare for and see the matter through trial,
we provide our clients with updates and explanations
every step of the way.
The way in which your case is handled matters ...
take control of your future. Contact
us now to discuss your case.
Criminal Defense cases we handle
Click on any of the practice areas below for more
information.
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Domestic violence refers to incidents between
family members, spouses, those living together or
dating. These cases are usually very serious, sensitive
and prosecuted aggressively by the Domestic Violence
Division of the State Attorney’s Office. Oftentimes,
these cases lack evidence and credible witnesses
because the police are quick to make an arrest to
defuse a volatile situation. Further, the law allows
the State to prosecute these cases even if the alleged
victim refuses to cooperate or wants the charges
dropped.
The way your case is handled matters. Any resolution
other than a dismissal in a domestic violence case
will prevent you from sealing and/or expunging your
record. Allow us to analyze your case and present
your side of the story. If you have been accused
of a domestic related crime,
contact us today to make
sure your case is defended properly.
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DUI or Drunk Driving cases are complex and prosecuted
aggressively by the State of Florida. If you have
been arrested for driving under the influence of
either alcohol or a controlled substance, allow
us to analyze your case. In order to effectively
defend your case, we will explore the reasons why
you were pulled over by a police officer and whether
the officer’s investigation was reasonable;
discuss what field sobriety or roadside exercises
were performed; and determine whether the intoxilyzer
or breath test machine was operating properly. We
will also fight your license suspension if you refused
to take a breath, blood or urine test. Your license
can also be suspended if you took a breath or blood
test and that result was over the legal limit of
.08. You only have ten days from the date of
arrest to request a hearing.
Contact us now to discuss
your case.
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Drug and Narcotics prosecutions are quite common
in State and Federal courts throughout Florida.
The amount of a particular drug such as cocaine,
marijuana, crystal meth, heroin, and even prescription
medication or its packaging can be the difference
between a simple possession charge and a change
for either possession with intent to sell or trafficking.
The proper analysis of your situation and approach
to your defense could be the difference between
a minimum mandatory prison sentence and a successful
outcome to the case. Contact
us now to schedule an appointment.
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Fraud is defined as the intentional use of deceit,
a trick or some dishonest means to deprive another
of his or her money, property or a legal right.
As shown below, there are many types of fraud:
- Bank Fraud
- Computer Fraud
- Health Care Fraud
- Insurance Fraud
- Mortgage Fraud
- Tax Fraud
|
- Check Fraud
- Credit Card Fraud
- Internet Fraud
- Mail Fraud
- Securities Fraud
- Wire Fraud
|
Obtaining a skilled and experienced
attorney who will fight for you is the first step
toward protecting yourself from a fraud charge.
Contact us now to discuss
your case.
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The State of Florida is prosecuting juveniles
at alarming rates. Instead of being referred to
the principal’s office, cases are being turned
over to the police. There are many differences between
the juvenile and adult court systems. The Department
of Juvenile Justice focuses on rehabilitation and
education, whereas the adult system revolves around
punishment. Today, many kids are being prosecuted
as adults. Because there are obvious benefits to
remaining in the juvenile system instead of facing
charges in adult court, it is imperative that you
consult an experienced attorney
to handle these matters.
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Missing a scheduled appointment with your probation
officer, failing a drug test or committing another
criminal offense while on probation are just a few
common examples of allegations forming the basis
of a probation violation charge. If a defendant
is arrested as a result of an alleged probation
violation, he or she is normally held in jail without
bond pending a probation violation hearing. Defending
probation violations is difficult because the burden
of proof is much lower than in a criminal trial.
Early intervention in these proceedings, however,
may allow for the dismissal of the violation pending
against you or reinstatement to probation. If you
are facing a probation violation charge,
contact us now to discuss
your case.
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Everyone makes mistakes during the course of
their lives that could lead to an arrest and disposition
of a criminal case. Fortunately, there is a process
that allows defendants to expunge (remove from the
records) or seal (place under highly restricted
access) certain criminal records. If you are having
trouble getting a job because of your background
or just want your record wiped clean,
contact us.
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Just the accusation alone of a sexual related
offense can cause embarrassment, humiliation and
a stigma that is hard to escape. These cases are
extremely sensitive in nature and require immediate
attention to avoid sensationalized media coverage
and other collateral consequences. The penalties
after a conviction may include prison, designation
as a sex offender and possible involuntary civil
commitment. If you are under investigation or have
been arrested for a sex related crime such as indecent
exposure, lewd and lascivious behavior, child molestation,
sexual battery or date rape,
contact us now to discuss
your defense.
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Millions of people visit Miami, Miami Beach,
Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach throughout the year.
Sometimes, those vacations do not go according to
plan. If you ran into trouble during Spring Break,
at events such as the boat show, wine and food festival
and music conference, or during one of the many
holiday weekends throughout the year, we are available
to guide you through the legal process. We can help
arrange bail or attend your bond hearing and in
most circumstances represent you without the need
for your continual travel back to South Florida
for court appearances. Contact
us now to discuss your situation.
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Theft related offenses range from stealing merchandise
from a store to stealing money from an individual
or business. These offenses are classified as misdemeanors
or felonies depending on the dollar value associated
with the theft. While first-time offenders might
be given probation, theft crimes can lead to long
sentences, especially in cases where a defendant
has a prior conviction. Having a skilled defense
attorney who is familiar with the justice system
on your side can go a long way toward getting a
successful outcome to your case.
Contact us now.
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Although the majority of traffic offenses, such
as speeding or running a red light, are merely civil
infractions, some traffic offenses qualify as criminal
offenses. Examples of criminal traffic offenses
include driving with a suspended license (as a habitual
traffic offender), reckless driving, racing on the
highway, leaving the scene of an accident and fleeing
and eluding a police officer. If you are charged
with having a suspended driver’s license,
we will review your record to determine why your
license is suspended. Oftentimes, unpaid tickets
and Sunpass violations result in suspensions. If
you have been charged with a criminal traffic offense,
contact us now to discuss
your case.
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This category is used to describe offenses such
as aggravated battery, armed burglary, carjacking,
child abuse, kidnapping, armed robbery, manslaughter
and murder. Oftentimes, these offenses are punishable
by lengthy prison sentences — especially where
firearms are involved. In
certain circumstances, some offenses may be prosecuted
as capital crimes punishable by the death penalty.
If you have been arrested and charged with this
type of offense, contact us.
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The State of Florida requires its citizens to
obtain a concealed weapons permit before they are
able to carry a concealed weapon or gun. We handle
cases involving the use of any weapon or firearm.
Florida’s 10-20-Life law is also worth
mentioning under the umbrella of firearms offenses.
Simply put, if a defendant possesses a gun or firearm
during the commission of certain felonies, the law
mandates a ten year minimum prison sentence. If
that defendant discharges or fires the gun during
the commission of that felony, the mandatory minimum
sentence is twenty years in prison. Should someone
be injured or killed as the result of firing the
gun, the minimum sentence increases to twenty-five
years to life in prison. 10-20-Life also provides
for a mandatory minimum three-year prison term for
possession of a firearm by a felon, and requires
that any minimum prison term is to be served consecutively
to any other term of imprisonment imposed. Inmates
are not eligible to receive gain time or “good
time” toward these sentences.
If you have been charged with a firearms offense,
or with any crime involving the use of a firearm,
contact us now to discuss
your case.
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Generally speaking, these offenses are non-violent
in nature where illegal acts are used to obtain
money, property, services and/or a competitive advantage.
White collar offenses are usually committed in a
workplace or business setting and involve the broad
categories of fraud, embezzlement and theft. If
you have been charged with or suspect that you are
under investigation for a financial related crime,
contact us now so we can
evaluate your case.
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