Recent Victories
Please Read the following before entering the section of our site called past cases. Pursuant to the Florida Bar Rules, Criminal Lawyer Bradford Cohen can not make statements that create an unjustified expectation of success. (4-7.2(b)(1)(B) ) the exception to that rule is when the information if provided or furnished at the request of the perspective client and/or existing client.
If you are interested in viewing information about the criminal lawyers results and possible testimonials about the criminal defense firm, please read and acknowledge the information below. The following section contains information about the criminal attorney's past results, and possible statements about the quality of work Bradford Cohen produces. This information has not been provided nor has it been reviewed by the Florida Bar.
The following sections on past criminal cases that Bradford has handled are not testimonials, nor are they to be considered testimonials. They are simply a history of events that are well documented with the criminal clerk of courts in the perspective jurisdictions. They do not all reference State or Federal criminal successes, in fact some of the criminal cases are examples where Bradford felt the criminal court ruled incorrectly and they may be before a criminal Appellate Court. These examples of past cases handled are not to be construed as an example of what may or may not happen on your particular State or Federal Criminal case. This disclosure is being made with the intent to adhere to any and all Florida Bar Rules considering advertising.
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The facts and circumstances of your case may differ significantly from the matters in which the criminal results and testimonials have been provided. All results of cases handled by Bradford Cohen are not provided. The results on the following pages are not necessarily representative of the results obtained by the criminal defense lawyer or of the experience of all or others that have hired Bradford Cohen. Again every State and Federal criminal case is different and must be evaluated and handled on its on merits.
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Criminal Case: State of Florida v. G.S.
Charge: Official Misconduct; Fraud 9 counts in all
Facts: Fort lauderdale Criminal Lawyer Bradford Cohen was hired to defend a local Fort lauderdale Police officer. The Prosection was confused in their theory of the case and changed them throughout the criminal trial. The crux of their argument was that an accident that took place during the chasing of a convicted felon did not happen the way that the police officers were describing it as happening. The state put on an expert that had no higher then an high school diploma, and put on evidence that was controverted by other evidence in their possession. The trial was based on inuendo and assumptions and riddled with prosecutorial misconduct with improper statements.
Federal Sentencing: The clieint was fond Not Guilty on several counts and a Hung Jury on the balance. After argument the Judge then dismissed the rest of the charges based on Prosecutorial misconduct and in addition that the State failed to present the requisite evidence.
Case: Federal Criminal Matter US vs. F.C.
Charge: Trafficking in Cocaine (10 year Min Man)
Facts: This Federal Criminal client and his co-defendant were arrested attempting to purchase 22 Kilos of cocaine from an undercover FBI agent. Upon being arrested his family hired Federal Criminal Lawyer Bradford Cohen to represent his interests. Due to the minimum mandatory 10 year sentence, Defendant decided to take a plea on the case and hoped Bradford Cohen would be able to negotiate the best Federal Sentence he could receive.
Federal Sentencing: At the Federal sentencing hearing Bradford was able to take him out of the minimum mandatory criminal category and also argued many other points that would warrant a departure from the Federal Guide Line sentence. This client did not get any less time due to any co operation, classically called a 5K reduction. What was argued was the clients past history, his drug use, his personal life and his past heroic efforts in making a citizens arrest. After the argument the Judge sentenced him to 41 months with allowing him to enter into the RDAP drug program essentially reducing his prison sentence to 23 months. Going into the sentencing hearing he was looking at 120 months. His co-defendant received 62 months for the exact same participation in the crime and was not rewarded a RDAP drug program.
Case: Federal Criminal Matter US vs. M.A. (Federal Bond issue and Sentencing)
Charge: Mail Fraud, Wire Fraud, Sales Tax Fraud
Facts: This Federal Criminal Matter revolved around 3 co-defendants. 2 were arrested and/or surrendered immediately. The third Federal criminal defendant was located essentially hiding from the FBI. The family hired Criminal Lawyer Bradford Cohen upon his arrest. The facts were essentially that the co-defendants were conspiring to buy illegal cigarette shipments from the FBI without paying taxes on the units. The did this over the course of many years. The loss to the government was at first to be alleged to be over $750,000.00. The Defendant and his co-defendants did not co-operate and were looking at essentially a 2 and 1/2 year prison sentence as well as deportation.
Federal Bond hearing: At the Federal Bond hearing the government argued for pre-trial detention, alleging that the Defendant was not a US citizen had no real ties to the community and was hiding from the Government upon learning he was wanted for the Federal Crime. Bradford was able to argue at the Federal Bond hearing that he was ot a flight risk nor, harm to the community. He demonstrated those facts by bringing forth a litany of paperwork and documents indicating that the Defendant was enrolled in graduate school and never failed to appear in the past. He was GRANTED bond.
Federal Sentencing hearing: At the Federal sentencing hearing Bradford argued a multitude of reasons why the Defendant should receive No Prison time. Although the other Co-Defendant was sentenced to over a year in prison, the Federal Judge listened and accepted the Defendants plea and sentenced him to a non-prison sentence. The Defendant received NO FEDERAL JAIL TIME and the way the sentence was fashioned, he was able to stay in the country to finish his PHd at a local University.
Case: Federal Criminal Matter US vs. D.L. (Federal Bond issue and Federal extradition)
Charge: Federal Drug Conspiracy
Facts: This Federal Drug Charge began in Massachusetts, but the Federal Defendant was arrested in Florida. He was brought before the Florida Federal Magistrate for a bond hearing in Florida. The family hired Bradford to handle the Federal criminal matter. The Governments position was that of pretrial detention, they did not want the Defendant to have a Federal Bond. The Defendant had a lengthy criminal record and had very little ties to the State he was charged as well as very little ties to the State of Florida. The Government asked for more time to prepare for the Federal Bond Hearing. The Judge set the matter for the day after Christmas. Although Bradford had pre arranged and pre paid vacation plans, he knew the Defendants best chance at Federal Bond would be the day after Christmas, as the agents may fail to appear. As such, he re arranged his plans an attended the hearing.
Federal Sentencing hearing: Bradford intuition was correct. The Government failed to have their agent at the hearing. As such the presumption of pre-trial detention was waived and Bradford was able to argue a very reasonable bond secured by the Defendants signature, for him to be RELEASED from custody and make his appearance in Massachusetts Federal Court.
Case: State of Florida vs. D.H.
Charge: B.U.I. Boating under the Influence
Facts: This was an interesting case in that the Defendant was stopped on a Jet Ski and had all the indicators of being under the influence of alcohol. Road sides were conducted and the Defendant was arrested. He refused to give a breath sample.
Result: Defendants case was broken down to a lesser crime and he was not convicted of the crime, thereby saving his criminal record and future employment opportunities.
Case: State vs. S.S.
Charge: Possession of Drugs to wit: Oxycodone
Facts: This Fort Lauderdale Criminal client was stopped for a traffic infraction and then arrested for Driving While License Suspended (DWLS). Search incident to that arrest it was revealed that he had Oxycodone pills on his person. As such he was subsequently charged with possession of the pills as well. Defendant's defense was that he had a prescription for the pills. The prescription however was over a year old and it appeared was for different pills.
Result: Fort lauderdale Criminal Lawyer Bradford Cohen was able to negotiate with the State to DISMISS all charges, due to a discrepancy between the lab report and the police officers arrest report. Case DISMISSED.
Criminal Case: State of Florida v. S.H
County: Broward
Charge: Trespass after warning
Criminal Facts:
Defendant was allegedly asked to leave the Seminole Hard Rock Casino. She willing left, but whe she realized she didnt have any money she returned to the area to obtain her purse out of her vehicle. She was allegedly again asked to leave the area. The case proceeded to trial and it was revealed that the State witness never turned over a video that could have exonerated the Defendant as well as completely misled the court in regards to their testimony.
Result:
The court granted a directed verdict due to the questionable testimony coupled with the fact that they destroyed valuable evidence that would have exonerated the defendant and she was highly prejudiced by their actions.
Criminal Case: State v. A.S.
County: Broward
Criminal Charge: DUI property damage
Criminal Facts:
Defendant was driving when he lost control of his vehicle and plowed into a curb flattening all his tires and bending all his rims. When approached by the officer he was asked if he knew what happended to which he replied "you pulled me over". He then made statements such as "I cant put my head back I get too dizzy" and that he didnt recall hitting anything. He then refused to blow while on video. The video shows him swaying from side to side and slurring his sentences.
Result:
A Motion to Supress was filed and was GRANTED all of his statements on and off the video were excluded from the trial. The State never filed an appeal and on the day of trial he was offered a with hold of adjudication on a Reckless driving.
Case Name: State of Florida v. J.R.
Criminal Charge: Contracting without a License
Facts:
Fort Lauderdale Criminal Lawyer Bradford Cohen was hired by this handyman, who was employed by a handyman service and was one step from gettting his contractors license to be a general contractor. He was frantic as a conviction on a criminal case would prevent him from obtaining his GC license. Fort Lauderdale Criminal Attorney Bradford Cohen reviewed the file took depositions and investigated the case. The Defendant was on video discussing putting in doors without permits, as this was a complete sting set up by the Broward Sheriffs Office. During the deposition the Detective stated I don't know how you are going to defend this one we have him dead to rights." What the Detective didn't know was the law.
Result:
Bradford provided case law and discussed the exceptions to the statute in which he felt the Defendant fell into one of the categories. The case was DISMISSED the day of trial and the Defendant was able to obtain his GC license.
Criminal Case: State of Florida v. S.C.
Charge: Grand Theft
Facts:
Criminal Lawyer Bradford Cohen was hired on this Broward County case days after the alleged event. The Defendant was a 60+ women with absolutely no criminal history. She owned a nice restaurant for years and was well known in the community. The accusations are that she went into a local business and put a pocket book as well as a wallet from the store shelf in her bag. They then stated she walked out of the store with those items. They stopped her on the way out and brought her to an interrogation room. In that room they found a purse in a bag and a wallet. She allegedly admitted to taking the purse, even though she speaks Turkish and very little English. The video provided to the defense was grainy and did not show her placing a bag in her shopping bag. She stated that she was returning a bag to the store. She took it out of the bag to compare to others, and when she was done she picked up the wrong bag and placed it in her shopping bag. The State offered Pretrial Intervention, which the client turned down and refused as she would not admit to something she did not do. Bradford set the matter for trial.
Result:
On the day of trial the State of Florida DISMISSED all charges against the Defendant.
Case: State of Florida v. J.H.
Criminal Charge: Driving while Under the Influence of Alcohol
Facts:
Fort Lauderdale Criminal Defendant was allegedly passed out behind the wheel of his car at a draw bridge. Criminal Attorney Bradford Cohen was hired to attempt to resolve his DUI successfully. The Officer pulled up next to the car, placed his overheads on, shined a spot light in the car and saw the Defendant passed out behind the wheel. The Officer then exited the car, knocked on his window and opened his car door. At that time he did not suspect the Defendant of DUI, and his concerns for his safety were alleviated. He then told the Defendant to pull into a strip mall at least 100-150 feet away. The Officer then called the DUI task force, and ultimately the Defendant was arrested for DUI.
Result:
Criminal Lawyer Bradford Cohen filed a Motion to Suppress based on the custody issue after all the officer's concerns were alleviated. The Motion was GRANTED and the arrest was ruled to be unlawful.
Case: State of Florida v. J.B.
Criminal Case: Driving while Under the Influence (DUI) causing property damage; Reckless Driving; Several Traffic Infractions
Facts:
Defendant hired Fort Lauderdale Criminal Lawyer Bradford Cohen days after the incident took place. Essentially, the allegations were that the Defendant was racing a motorcycle lost control and hit a power relay box, knockingout the power to approximately 2 miles of area. When the Police arrived there was conflicting testimony about how many people were standing next to the vehicle, some said up to 15 some said just 2. One of the Police Officers said that the Defendant made a statement he overheard "shit I was going to fast." One of the other Officers testified that the statement was in response to the Officer asking the Defendant questions. They continued to ask the Defendant questions, and then conducted a DUI investigation. The Defendant refused all excersises and the breathalyzer. The lead Officer testified that it was "too dark" on the scene to read the Defendant his Miranda rights. One witness allegedly saw an individual in a red shirt and black shorts get out of the vehicle. Upon research of his back ground turns out the witness had 1 prior possession of marijuana and 1 pending possession. There was an extreme amount of conflicting testimony, unreliable testimony and testimony that was completely different the the deposition. Criminal lawyer Bradford Cohen filed a Motion to Suppress, essentially saying the arrest was not valid and the statements were taken in violation of State and Federal laws.
Result: Motion to Suppress was GRANTED due to the unreliable and conflicting testimony of the Officers, Case was DISMISSED completely.
Case: State of Florida v. R.M.
Criminal Charge: Trafficking in Oxy. over 28 grams
Facts:
Criminal Attorney Bradford Cohen was hired by the Defendant a week after his arrest. Defendant was pulled over due to erradict driving. Upon stopping the vehicle the Officer's noticed pill bottles in the center console searched further. The Officers found additional pills and evidence that the Defendant was attempting to sell the pills, along with over 6g in cash in the Defendant. He was arrested and charged with Trafficking that carried a 25 year minimum mandatory prison sentence. Essentially if the Defendant were to take a plea on the case the lowest permittable sentence that court could give would be 25 years Florida State Prison.
Result:
Due to some issues in the case and some negotiating on behalf of the Defendant, Criminal Attorney Bradford Cohen was able to negotiate, No jail, No House Arrest and No Prison Sentence and the Defendant was NOT ADJUDICATED so he was NOT A CONVICTED FELON after sentencing and he maintained all his rights.
Case: United States of America v. S.M.A.
Charge: Tax Evasion Matter; Federal Bond Hearing
Facts:
Federal Criminal Lawyer Bradford Cohen was hired on this Federal Matter within hours of the Defendants arrest. He immediately spoke to the client and realized that the Assistant US Attorney would be requesting a no bond hold or Pretrial Detention. Due to that fact he organized the information including citizenship, and family members to best represent the client at the pretrial detention hearing. It was important as the Defendant was not an American citizen, the government was arguing that he did not have close ties to South Florida or America, and he refused to surrender after he knew of the indictment.
Result:
The case is still pending. All of the Defendant's co-defendants did not get a bond. Defendant was GRANTED a $100,000.00 dollar bond, even though he was not a US Citizen and other issue concerning his situation.
Case: State of Florida v. T.K.
Criminal Charges: Lewd and Lascivious, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, computer exploitation
Facts:
Our client was a native of New York and was allegedly using his computer for intimate discussions with someone he believed to be under the age of 18 years old. This went on for sometime and the conversations were quite explicit. The individual in Broward County was in reality a Broward Sheriffs Deputy. Fort Lauderdale Criminal Lawyer Bradford Cohen was hired soon after his arrest. Defendant scored 26 months prison according to his score-sheet.
Result:
Defendant's charges were reduced to all 3rd Degree felonies. He received a non-prison sentence and did not have to register as a sex offender.
Case: State of Florida vs. J.V.
Criminal Charges: Robbery with a Firearm (10-20-Life)
Facts:
Our client was accused of essentially robbing an individual who was attempting to buy marijuana from our client. Criminal Lawyer Bradford Cohen was hired after another lawyer worked on the case for a year. The last offer to the previous criminal attorney was a jail sentence. The "victim" had several witnesses to the alleged crime, who under the scrutiny of deposition turned out to be less then credible. There was additional evidence that was also presented to the State of Florida, mitigating his alleged crime.
Result:
3 days before trial, our client was offered and accepted a misdemeanor and a withhold of adjudication with not jail time whatsoever.
Case: State of Florida v. R.B.
Charge: Violation of Community Control (4th Violation)
Facts:
Fort Lauderdale Criminal Lawyer Bradford Cohen made no promises when taking on this 4th Violation of Community Control. The Defendant was on Community Control on two cases, stemming from Burglaries. The only guarantee Florida Criminal Lawyer Bradford Cohen made was that he would work diligently and quickly to try and resolve these issues. The violation of community control was for Driving on a Suspended license. At a previous hearing the Judge warned him to get a good license and not drive on a suspended license as it would violate the terms of his release. The Defendant was pulled over after a zealous community control officer watched him get into his vehicle to leave work.
Result:
After pulling the records of how the stop was made, his work records, the driving records and other extrinsic evidence, Criminal Lawyer Bradford Cohen was able to show that he was eligible for a hardship license and could have gotten one if he simply went to the DMV. After hearing the argument, the state agreed to REINSTATE his community control, even though it was his 4th violation.
Case: State of Florida v. R.C.
Charge: Driving Under the Influence, Possession of Cocaine, Possession of Paraphernalia
Facts:
This Fort Lauderdale Criminal Case was originally filed as a felony offense for possession of cocaine and other criminal misdemeanors. The client was allegedly coming from a local bar when he was stopped heading West on Oakland Park Blvd. The report reflected that he was heading east, which was an error. The Broward Deputy stopped the client and made the observation that he was under the influence of alcohol. During the exercises portion of the DUI, the Deputy asked the client, "have you been eating powdered donuts? because you have a white substance all over your nose." He continued with his investigation and arrested the client for the above mentioned criminal offenses. He requested the client to submit to a breath test. The client agreed to submit to the breath test and the results were .131 and .135 respectively. Florida Criminal Defense Lawyer Bradford Cohen was retained and immediately called case filing department of the Broward State Attorney's Office. He requested that the cocaine be lab tested before filing the charges (as the drug was only tested on the scene) the lab drug test came back negative. The cocaine charges were immediately dropped and the State of Florida only proceeded on the DUI charge. In regards to the criminal charge of DUI, Bradford first attacked the breath results in a Motion to Suppress, which was GRANTED, the breath results were thrown out, then Bradford attacked the statements made by the Deputy and Defendant regarding the cocaine, as it was never charged. The Motion was GRANTED and the mere mention of cocaine of inference to it thereof was thrown out as well.
Result:
Defendant was offered a traffic ticket infraction which he accepted in a negotiated plea. He had no license suspension, no interlock, no immobilization, no community service hours, and no points on his DL.
Case: State of Florida v. W.M.
Charge: Trespass
Facts:
The criminal law office of Bradford Cohen was representing a very well known "graffiti artist" who was stopped by South Florida Police by some railroad tracks with another artist. The Police Officers say that they smelled like paint and then decided to illegally search our clients vehicle where they found a box of spray cans and other items related to his craft. They examined the train yard and could not find any fresh areas of paint. They noted that paint was found on the hands of both individuals. They made an arrest for trespassing. Criminal Lawyer Bradford Cohen filed a Motion to Suppress all evidence obtained due to the illegal stop, search and questioning of his client.
Result:
Before the Motion to Suppress could be heard the Broward County State Attorney's Office DISMISSED all criminal charges against the client.
Case: State of Florida vs. R.I.
Charge: Drug Trafficking
Facts:
Criminal Defendant was entering a concert series cruise in a large camper. The drug dog allegedly hit on the camper and the occupants of the camper were ordered out of the vehicle and a search was conducted where several illegal substances were found including large amounts of Marijuana, cocaine, ecstacy, hallucinogenics and various pills. The Defendant in the matter was arrested and charged with all of the illegal substances in the vehicle. Criminal Defense Lawyer Bradford Cohen was hired the day after the Defendant was arrested.
Result:
After discussing the case with case filing and providing the relevant case law, they agreed that the search was bad and they could not proceed with any certainty of a conviction. CASE NO INFO (Case was declined by the State Attorney and essentially dismissed)
Case: Federal Criminal Case United States v. M.F.
Charge: Mail Fraud, Wire Fraud
Federal Bond Hearing
Facts:
When Federal Criminal Attorney Bradford Cohen was first approached by the Defendant, he had already begun to co-operate with teh Federal authorities. Defendant was charged in a Federal Criminal case consisting of a multi-defendant Mail Fraud and Wire Fraud scheme. The Federal case revolved around selling vacation rentals and time shares. Defendant had over 10 convictions in the past, one for escape. He had a record from 1990 to 2008 including Federal Crimes. His parents although American citizens, were both from Germany and he had been out of the country on multiple occasions in the past 5 years. He had family in Germany and outside the U.S. The property that was subject of seizure, was the only property he owned in the US. The Government allowed a self surrender and set a bond hearing for the same day at first appearance.
Result:
After negotiating with the Government, they agreed to a $50,000.00 personal surety bond and his father putting up the equity in his home. The Judge did not want to go along with the recommendation, Federal Criminal Lawyer Bradford Cohen, was able to persuade the Judge to accept the negotiation and the Defendant was released the same day from Federal custody.
Case: Federal Case United States v. S.T.
Charge: Mail Fraud, Wire Fraud
Federal Sentencing
Facts:
This Federal criminal case involved a scheme to defraud known as "cramming". This is where a charge is placed on a phone bill where the owner of the phone did not authorize the charge. It was a multi million dollar scheme where the lead defendant was already serving 262 months in prison. The Defendant chose to co-operate with the Federal authorities. Although he assisted as much as he possibly could, the Governement felt that he did not meet the requirements of a reduction in sentence, more commonly referred to as a 5K. Federal Criminal Lawyer Bradford Cohen argued for a 2 point reduction for minor role and 3 points for acceptance, and not to add points for the sophistication associated with the crime. Additionally, the Federal client, tested positive for adderall while awaiting sentencing on the case. The Pretrial release officer recommended that he lose the 3 point acceptance and not be awarded a 2 point reduction for minor roll, as he was the CEO of the company accused of the mail and wire fraud.
Result:
At Federal Sentencing, the Judge agreed with Bradford Cohen and award the reduction for a minor roll and allowed a 3 point reduction for acceptance, even though he tested positive while he was on pretrial release. Over all the Federal client was saved from serving approximately 14-18 months more then what he received.
Case: State of Florida v. J.L.
Charge: Aggravated Assualt Firearm (3 year minimum mandatory sentence) and Misdemeanor Battery
Facts:
This was an interesting criminal case. The "victim" in the matter and his friends were at a local bar getting drunk. The "victim" stated that the Defendant came from nowhere, interjected himself into their conversation and pulled a weapon from his person, put it to his head and threatened the victim. His two buddies told a similar story, but there were inconsistencies throughout. The largest fact was 20-25 minutes later a gun was found in the "victims" car. The Defendant stated to Criminal Attorney Bradford Cohen that the "victim" showed a gun prior to him pulling his own gun. Before trial a plea was extended of probation on the felony charge. The Defendant refused to take the plea on a felony and requested trial, unless the State would offer a misdemeanor. The State refused. The State of Florida wasted your tax paying dollars to fly in the "victim" for trial. The trial was held over 3 days with several evidentary hearing being held on several issues. The State argued for 2 lessor included offenses of assault and reckless display of a weapon. The Defendant took the stand and explained his side of the story. The State also filed a Motion for Costs, to repay the State for all costs of prosecution if the Defendant was found guilty.
Result:
40 minute NOT GUILTY on all charges. The Jurors were highly intelligent and did not buy into the "victims" version of the offense. Follow-up on this matter is that Criminal Lawyer Bradford Cohen, has moved for the State to repay all costs of depositions involved in the case due to their loss.
This case represents the third Felony trial win in a row and constitutes the "Hat Trick Award for 2010" , given to Broward Defense Lawyers by the Defense Bar.
Criminal Case: State of Florida (Broward County) vs. F.A.
Criminal Charge: Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer (Seminole Police Department)
Facts:
Client hired Criminal Defense Attorney Bradford Cohen for an altercation that took place at the Seminole Hard Rock in Hollywood Florida. He was offered "time served" prior to trial, which we advised that he not take. The criminal case arose while he was being removed from a bar by an over zealous bouncer by the throat from a local nightclub. (which the bouncer denied on the stand while testifying) That bouncer continued to forcibly remove the client until he was outside the back door of the club. The client attempted to tell the bouncer that he should not be removed and that his friend had the keys to his car. The bouncer continued to be violent with the client. A Seminole Police Officer approached the client from behind, while being ruff housed by the bouncer. The Officer testified that she identified herself, asked the client to calm down, and took hold of his arm. At that point she says he turns and punches her in the right shoulder. The Broward State Attorney refused to call the 2nd bouncer. Bradford tracked the bouncer down after the first day of trial, had him served and interviewed as to what happened that evening. It turns out that the 2nd bouncer that WAS NOT CALLED BY THE STATE, but called by the defense testified that the 1st bouncer did in fact grab the client by the throat and throw him violently out the door. He went on to state that Officer NEVER got hit. The Officer on cross examination admitted that it could have been an "accident" or "unintentionally" done.
Result:
The Judge GRANTED a judgment of acquittal and the case was DISMISSED by the court before the criminal jury came to a decision.
Criminal Case: State of Florida v. M.S.
Criminal Charge: Violation of Probation (VOP Felony) and Misdemeanor Possession of Cannibas
Facts:
Defendant was pulled of for "failure to use his blinker." Defendant a prior convicted felony adamantly denied that he failed to use his blinker. In fact he stated that this Fort Lauderdale Police Officer has been harassing him for months prior to the stop. Criminal Attorney Bradford Cohen filed a Motion to Suppress the stop. The argument was simply based on credibility, whether or not the client used his turn signal. The Fort Lauderdale Officer appeared and attempted to testify that the client failed to use his turn signal. He also denied multiple contacts with the client. Bradford had all the documentation of prior arrests and stops in which to impeach. There were many, many holes in his story and inconsistencies in his police report. The Client and his friend took the stand and testified as to the use of the signal and his many encounters with the Fort Lauderdale Officer.
Result:
Without the Judge calling the Officer an outright liar, she found inconsistencies in his reports and testimony and GRANTED the Motion to Suppress. The criminal case and the Felony VOP were both DISMISSED.
Criminal Case: State of Florida v. D.C.
Criminal Charge: Violation of Probation (Felony VOP) and Misdemeanor Driving while license suspended (DWLS)
Facts:
This was an interesting case as there was no way for the Police Officer to deny it was a bad stop. Inexperience coupled with ignorance of the law lead this Officer to wrongfully stop the client. He was in a 2008 Cadillac Escalade in a location where the Police Officer stated that there had been several burglaries. He was waiting on the side of the road in his vehicle for his friend to catch up to his location. The Officer then activated his overhead lights and detained the client. After the illegal detention and stop, he realized the Defendants license was suspended and he was on probation. He was arrested on the spot.
Result:
Criminal Defense Attorney Bradford Cohen was able to immediately get him a hearing in which the Violation of Probation (VOP) was dismissed. He then filed a Motion to Suppress the stop on the Misdemeanor Driving While License Suspended (DWLS). The State CONCEDED (agreed) with the grounds for the Motion and DISMISSED all remaining charges.
Federal Criminal Case: United States v. J.B. (Federal Drug Charge)
Federal Criminal Charge: Trafficking Heroin
Facts:
Client was indicted on Trafficking in Heroin. He was scoring in accordance with the advisory guidelines 22 years in Federal Prison. There was many issues surrounding his involvement with the conspiracy.
Result:
At sentencing it was argued a downward departure was necessary due to certain factors. Due to those factors the court agreed with Criminal Lawyer Bradford Cohen and reduced the sentence by 60% to 9 years with credit for all time served. Basically saving the client 13 years of his life.
Criminal Case: State of Florida v. F.D.
Criminal Charge: Battery
Facts:
This criminal client was protecting the honor of his long time girlfriend and her young son. A waiter from a local restaurant yelled at his girlfriend and her young son. He felt her son was chasing the local ducks and in his opinion he shouldn't be doing that to the ducks. He began to yell explatives and derogatory phrases at her. Several minutes later the Defendant pulls up in his vehicle and allegedly without provocation knocks the waiter out cold.
Result:
The State Attorneys Office failed to served the client within the statute of limitations. Criminal Attorney Bradford Cohen filed a Motion to Dismiss charges arguing that they could have served them with due diligence. The State argued they attempted many times to serve the client. What they did not realize was that the client was actually a victim in another ongoing case, and the felony state attorney handling that case, had constant contact with him via mail and phone. Once the court heard those facts the criminal battery case was DISMISSED in its entirety.
Criminal Case: State of Florida v. J.P.
Criminal Charge: Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
Facts:
Client was on his second DUI. The first was dismissed via Motion to Suppress by Criminal Defense Attorney Bradford Cohen. Both DUIs were refusals to submit to the breathalyzer. This current DUI the client was pulled over for failure to maintain his lane over a 3 block area. The testimony was that he crossed the bicycle path line 3 times during 3 blocks that the Officer was following him. The Officer stated that was the sole reason he pulled the Defendant over. He also testified that it did not affect any other traffic.
Result:
Criminal Defense Lawyer Bradford Cohen filed a Motion to Suppress, based on case law concerning failure to maintain a lane. Motion to Suppress was GRANTED by the court and the case was DISMISSED.
Case: State of Florida v. J.B.
Charge: Perjury, Obtaining a False DL
Facts:
This case outlines the incompetence of a Florida Highway Investigator in regards to an investigation. In this criminal case, an "anonymous tip" was made to BSO who in turn called FHP, concerning fraud in obtaining a DL. The Defendant had no previous criminal record at all and no signs of fraud whatsoever. The FHP Investigator, Elizabeth Rupp, appeared at her house and began questioning her in regards to photos on her Florida Driver's License. She continually stated that one of the Photos on HER DL was not of HER. The Florida Highway Patrol investigator insisted that all of the photos on her DL were photos of her. The investigator went on to state that she believed that a photo on another individuals DL was actual the Defendant. In reality, that person appeared to be on the Defendant's DL, not the other way around. Not only was she completely incorrect about the statement, the investigator did nothing to gather evidence to prove her incorrect statement. The problem with the investigator was her huge ego and determination to make an arrest. In addition her incompetence in the area of investigation and pure lack of professionalism led to a very bad decision on her part to make an illegal arrest of the Defendant.
Result:
At case filing prior to any criminal charges being filed, the case was declined by the Broward County Prosecutor's Office due to the clear evidence that the Defendant did not obtain a DL by fraud. Criminal Case DISMISSED. The Fort Lauderdale Criminal Attorney Bradford Cohen, filed a internal affairs complaint and a letter of intent to sue the Florida Highway Patrol for the illegal arrest. This case is ongoing.