South Florida Criminal Attorneys Blog

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?

The Role of Expert Witnesses in Federal Criminal Trials

August 11, 2025 | Michael B. Cohen, P.A.

In federal criminal trials, expert witnesses often play a pivotal role in shaping the outcome of a case. Their testimony can clarify complex scientific, technical, or professional issues for the judge and jury, helping them understand key elements that go beyond common knowledge.

In Florida and across the U.S., federal cases follow the Federal Rules of Evidence, which govern how and when expert testimony can be used. Experts are typically called upon in areas such as forensic science, digital evidence, medical evaluations, financial crimes, and mental health assessments. For example, in a federal fraud case, a forensic accountant might testify about irregularities in financial records. In a drug trafficking case, a DEA agent could explain the logistics and patterns associated with organized distribution.

To be admitted in court, expert testimony must meet certain standards, most notably the Daubert standard, which is used in federal courts and in Florida. This standard ensures that the expert’s methods are scientifically valid and have been properly applied to the facts of the case. The judge acts as a “gatekeeper,” deciding whether the expert’s opinion is reliable and relevant.

Post-Conviction Relief in Florida: What Are Your Options After a Conviction?

August 6, 2025 | Michael B. Cohen, P.A.

When a defendant has been convicted and has exhausted all direct appeals, all hope may seem lost. However, legal remedies still exist, especially if the law has changed after the conviction or if the defendant’s trial or appellate attorney provided ineffective assistance. In such cases, post-conviction relief may be available.

What Is Post-Conviction Relief?

Post-conviction relief (also known as collateral relief) provides defendants an opportunity to challenge their conviction or sentence based on factors not raised during the original trial or direct appeal. These challenges are typically based on:

Federal Conspiracy Charges: What They Mean and How to Defend Against Them

May 14, 2025 | Michael B. Cohen, P.A.

Facing federal conspiracy charges can be an incredibly stressful and confusing experience. These charges are serious and can lead to substantial prison time—even if the underlying crime was never carried out. Understanding what conspiracy means under federal law, and how a skilled defense attorney can help, is essential if you or someone you care about is under investigation or indictment.

What Is a Federal Conspiracy Charge?

A federal conspiracy charge is based on two key elements: an agreement between two or more people to commit a federal crime, and at least one overt act taken in furtherance of that agreement. The crime itself doesn’t need to occur for charges to be filed. Simply being involved in the planning or taking a step—no matter how small—can be enough for a federal case.

Mail Fraud in the Federal Courts

April 29, 2025 | Michael B. Cohen, P.A.

Mail Fraud is a serious criminal “white collar” offense regulated by Title 18 United States Code section 1341; it is punishable by up to 20 years in jail and serious fines. Mail fraud can be proven by the government at a trial if it can show the defendant engaged in a scheme to defraud through the use of the mails which affected interstate commerce..

Mr Cohen has handled many of these cases over the years,

The key to success in cases like this is to closely evaluate the defendant’s defenses and determine whether after reviewing the discovery and evidence in each matter whether the case is one in which a trial or a plea disposition is in the best interest of the client. Mr Cohen closely analyzes each of the facts in these types of cases and then makes a recommendation to the client who of course always reserves the final decision as to whether he wants to proceed to trial or resolve the case with a plea agreement

The Impact of Federal Immigration Violations on Your Legal Status

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

If you or someone you know is dealing with immigration concerns in Florida, it’s important to understand how federal immigration violations can seriously affect your legal status in the U.S. Even a seemingly minor misstep can trigger life-changing consequences, especially in a state like Florida where immigration enforcement is often prioritized.

Federal immigration violations may include overstaying a visa, entering the country without inspection, or violating the terms of a visa or green card. These offenses can lead to removal (deportation) proceedings, detention, or a permanent bar from returning to the United States. For individuals applying for permanent residency or citizenship, these violations can cause long delays or even outright denials.

In Florida, the consequences can be even more complex due to cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities. For example, if someone is arrested for a state-level offense, their information might be shared with federal agencies, increasing the risk of immigration-related detention or deportation.