South Florida Criminal Attorneys Blog

What Happens If You Miss a Court Date for a Criminal Case?

September 28, 2026 | Michael B. Cohen, P.A.

Missing a court date in a criminal case is something you should take seriously. Whether you forgot the date, had an emergency, or misunderstood when you were required to appear, ignoring the situation afterward can make matters worse.

In Florida, one possible consequence of failing to appear is the issuance of a warrant. That means you could potentially be arrested during a traffic stop, at home, at work, or during another interaction with law enforcement.

The consequences can depend on why you were required to appear and the type of case involved. Florida law provides that a defendant who has been released on bail and willfully fails to appear as required may face additional penalties. If the underlying charge is a felony, a willful failure to appear can itself be charged as a third-degree felony. If the underlying charge is a misdemeanor, it may be charged as a first-degree misdemeanor.

Can You Be Arrested for Refusing to Identify Yourself to Police?

September 28, 2026 | Michael B. Cohen, P.A.

Being approached by a police officer can be stressful, especially when you are unsure what information you are legally required to provide. One common question is whether refusing to give your name to police can lead to an arrest.

The answer depends heavily on the circumstances.

In Florida, police generally need a lawful reason to detain someone. Under Florida’s Stop and Frisk Law, an officer may temporarily detain a person when circumstances reasonably indicate that the person committed, is committing, or is about to commit a crime. During that detention, the officer may attempt to determine the person’s identity and investigate the circumstances surrounding the suspected offense.

Arrested During the World Cup in Florida? What Visitors Need to Know

July 13, 2026 | Michael B. Cohen, P.A.

What Happens If You’re Arrested While Visiting Florida?

With millions of visitors traveling to Florida for beaches, cruises, sporting events, and major international events like the FIFA World Cup, most people never expect to have an encounter with law enforcement. But an arrest can happen quickly, even to someone with no criminal history.

If you’re visiting Florida and find yourself arrested, it’s important to understand what happens next and what steps you should take to protect yourself.

Crypto and Federal Crime: How Digital Currency Cases Are Appearing in Florida

May 17, 2026 | Michael B. Cohen, P.A.

Cryptocurrency has moved far beyond a niche investment trend. Today, digital assets like Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are regularly appearing in federal criminal investigations throughout Florida. As crypto becomes more common, so does government enforcement.

Federal prosecutors are increasingly using cryptocurrency as part of cases involving fraud, money laundering, tax offenses, cybercrime, and organized financial schemes. In many investigations, digital currency is not the crime itself. Instead, it becomes part of how funds were received, transferred, hidden, or invested.

Florida has become a frequent location for these cases due to its growing financial sector, international connections, and large population of investors and entrepreneurs. Miami in particular has built a reputation as a crypto-friendly market, which has also brought increased regulatory attention.

PPP Loan Fraud Cases in Florida: Why They’re Still Being Prosecuted Years Later

May 17, 2026 | Michael B. Cohen, P.A.

When the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) launched in 2020, it was designed to help businesses survive an unprecedented economic crisis. While many business owners used the funds properly, federal authorities have continued to pursue cases involving alleged fraud. Years later, PPP loan fraud investigations and prosecutions are still active across Florida.

Many people are surprised to learn these cases did not end when the pandemic did. The reason is simple: federal investigations often move slowly and thoroughly. Agencies may spend years reviewing loan applications, subpoenaing bank records, comparing tax filings, and tracing where money was spent before charges are ever filed.

Because PPP funds were distributed quickly, lenders often relied on borrower certifications and supporting documents submitted during a chaotic time. That urgency helped many businesses receive relief, but it also created opportunities for abuse. Investigators continue to examine allegations involving false payroll numbers, non-existent businesses, inflated employee counts, forged records, and misuse of loan proceeds.

The Importance of Early Legal Representation in Federal Investigations

February 5, 2026 | Michael B. Cohen, P.A.

Many people do not realize that federal cases often begin long before any charges are filed. Federal agencies can investigate for months or even years while gathering documents, interviewing witnesses, and building their case. By the time someone learns they are under investigation, the government may already have a strong head start. This is why getting legal representation early can make a major difference.

How Federal Investigations Start

Federal investigations can begin in many ways. Agencies may receive a complaint from a private party, a tip from a former employee, billing data from Medicare or Medicaid, or information from another case. They may also launch an investigation after a routine audit or review. Agencies like the FBI, IRS, HHS, DEA, or DOJ may be involved depending on the type of allegation.

What Counts as Healthcare Fraud for Medicare and Medicaid?

February 5, 2026 | Michael B. Cohen, P.A.

Florida sees a large number of Medicare and Medicaid fraud cases because of its high population of seniors and the size of its healthcare system. Federal agencies watch these programs closely, and when they suspect fraud, they do not hesitate to investigate. Understanding how healthcare fraud is defined is the first step in protecting yourself.

What is Healthcare Fraud?

Healthcare fraud happens when a person lies, hides facts, or submits false claims in order to get paid by Medicare or Medicaid. Fraud requires intent. In other words, the person must have known what they were doing. Billing mistakes or paperwork errors are usually handled as compliance issues, not criminal cases. To charge someone with fraud, the government must show that the person meant to receive money they were not entitled to.

Federal Criminal Defense Strategies: What Works and Why

November 17, 2025 | Michael B. Cohen, P.A.

Facing federal criminal charges can feel overwhelming. These cases move quickly, the government has extensive resources, and the potential penalties are serious. Understanding how an experienced attorney builds a defense can make a major difference in both your confidence and your outcome.

Challenging the Evidence

A strong defense often begins with reviewing how the evidence was obtained. Federal agents must follow strict procedures when conducting searches, wiretaps, or seizing digital information. If your rights were violated at any point, such as through an unlawful search or an improperly executed warrant, your attorney can argue to have that evidence excluded. In some cases, this can lead to reduced or dismissed charges.

The Consequences of Federal Money Laundering Charges

October 4, 2025 | Michael B. Cohen, P.A.

Money laundering is a serious federal crime with life-altering consequences. In Florida, where the state’s financial and real estate industries are major players, federal authorities often take an aggressive stance on these cases. Being accused of attempting to disguise the source of funds, whether through shell companies, layered transactions, or even everyday banking activity, can trigger an investigation that quickly escalates to federal court.

The penalties are steep. A conviction for money laundering under federal law can carry up to 20 years in prison and fines reaching $500,000 or more, depending on the amount of money involved. Beyond prison time and financial penalties, a conviction can also mean forfeiture of assets, loss of professional licenses, and long-term damage to your reputation and career.

Florida residents facing these charges may also encounter overlapping state and federal investigations. Federal prosecutors in the Southern District of Florida, for example, are known for working closely with agencies like the IRS, FBI, and DEA. This means that even a single allegation of suspicious financial activity can draw attention from multiple government bodies, making the stakes incredibly high.

Hague Convention on International Child Abduction: How Attorney Mr. Cohen Protects Families

August 12, 2025 | Michael B. Cohen, P.A.

International parental child abduction is a serious and emotionally charged issue, with thousands of cases reported worldwide each year. One of the most important legal tools for resolving these disputes is the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction.

This treaty is designed to ensure the prompt return of children wrongfully removed from their country of habitual residence and to protect their rights during cross-border custody disputes.

What Is the Hague Convention?