South Florida Criminal Attorneys Blog

Can Social Media Cause Jury Bias?

July 14, 2022 | Michael B. Cohen, P.A.

The Heard v Depp trial sparked major news coverage and pop culture attention this year. The civil defamation case found Amber Heard guilty of all three claims against her while Depp was found guilty for one against him. After the verdict, Heard spoke out claiming the unfavorable depiction of her on social media played a part in skewing the jury’s decision. On July 1, 2022, Heard’s legal team filed a request with Judge Penny Azcarte to reject the jury’s verdict, dismiss the lawsuit, or order a retrial. It is unclear whether they will use social media influence as a defense. Nonetheless, a juror’s social media use and access can help make a case for an appeal on a conviction.

Remmer vs The United States

Criminal defendants have the right to due process. One imperative condition of due process is that a defendant must be granted a trial “by an impartial jury”. In the Supreme Court 1954 case of Remmer vs United States, they upheld that if any external information a juror or jury is exposed to related to the case results in bias for the jury, then it violates a defendant’s due process. In Remmer, a jury member was exposed to newspaper articles pertaining to their case. This called for a “Remmer hearing” where if a convicted party can prove a juror was improperly influenced or engaged in any misconduct, then a retrial can be granted. With the rise of social media, there is a boom in demand to use Remmer hearings towards any juror’s online engagement over a trial that might influence their decisions.

What is the RICO Act?

June 16, 2022 | Michael B. Cohen, P.A.

The Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, simply referred to as RICO, was passed in 1970 to help prosecutors pursue charges against organized crime organizations such as mobs, gangs and cartels. Recently, even well-known celebrities have been charged through RICO for their alleged involvement with these types of organizations. In the United States, organized crime is generally defined as an enterprise looking for financial gain through illegal activities. But note, now these enterprises can be illegal or legal entities allowing prosecutors to use the law against everything from mobs to corporations to even politicians, With RICO, if a member is charged with a crime, prosecutors can then charge anyone else within that organization of a crime. Therefore, several members can be indicted for offenses they didn’t actually commit themselves. Nonetheless, we can help create a defense case for your innocence.

Crimes Included Under RICO

For an enterprise to be charged through RICO, there must be two violations within 10 years from the members. Some common crimes under RICO are listed below:

Will the Red Flag Law Help Curb Gun Violence?

June 16, 2022 | Michael B. Cohen, P.A.

Recently in American news, gun violence has been an active discussion with politicians looking into many legal options to help curb it. One example being looked into is Florida’s red flag law through what is formally known as a Risk Protection Order. After the 2018 Stoneman Douglas high school shooting in Parkland, Florida, lawmakers passed a sweeping gun safety law allowing authorities to confiscate guns from those who pose a “significant danger” to themselves and others. Critics argue it violates second amendment laws while supporters believe it has saved an untold number of lives. With the recent uptick in gun violence headlines, there are talks to expand these laws. Regardless of the debate, understanding the red flag laws can be confusing, but important. Violation of these laws can bring a third-degree felony charge punishable with jail time and fines. Here at the law office of Michael B. Cohen, we can provide a clear understanding and the best defense against any charges.

How does the red flag law work?

Once a safety issue has been established, usually, a law enforcement officer or agency will then file a petition known as a Risk Protection Order. According to Florida Statute Section 790.401, the petition must:

Help! I Was Arrested While Vacationing in Florida

May 15, 2022 | Michael B. Cohen, P.A.

Millions of tourists flock to Florida throughout the year for its enjoyable warm weather and unique range of fun in the sun. Whether you’re here for spring break, a girls trip, or just to do a little relaxing, too much fun in a state you’re not familiar with can be a recipe for disaster when you land on the wrong side of the law. If you’ve been charged with a DUI, liquor law violation, trespassing, shoplifting, or any other criminal charge while on vacation, here at Michael B. Cohen Law we want to offer the best legal services to resolve your matter.

How do I handle an out of state arrest?

So you’ve been arrested while on vacation in Florida, what do you do next? It’s imperative that you take the situation seriously and remain proactive as possible. The state where the alleged crime took place will have jurisdiction to prosecute. So just because you live in another state does not mean it won’t affect you. In fact, ignoring these charges can result in a warrant for your arrest for the state you live in. Also, note you can be prosecuted for doing something in Florida that isn’t necessarily illegal in your home state. The first step you should take is to hire a local lawyer for the state you were arrested in so they can best handle your legal circumstance.

Unknowingly Using Counterfeit Money

May 15, 2022 | Michael B. Cohen, P.A.

Under federal and Florida laws, it is unlawful to possess counterfeit currency and to use it with the intent of defrauding a retailer, merchant or individual. The federal government and agencies like the Secret Service seize millions of dollars in fake currency each year. A recipient handling multiple and large transactions are usually trained to prove the validity of the currency they’re receiving. If it is suspected that the currency is indeed fake, they may call the police and you could be charged with a forgery crime. These charges carry severe and heavy fines with lengthy potential prison sentences. You will need an experienced criminal defense lawyer to provide you with the best legal defense to prove you had no knowledge that the currency was fake.

Florida Statute 831.15

Below is the Florida Statute explaining the illegality of counterfeiting money:

Consequences of Being Involved in a Hit-and-Run Accident

April 3, 2022 | Michael B. Cohen, P.A.

According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), about 25% of all car crashes involve a hit-and-run incident. A hit-and-run is when someone is involved in a car accident but flees from the scene before law enforcement arrives. The most serious offense in these situations occurs when a person hits a pedestrian and then leaves, especially if it results in the pedestrian’s death.

What is most important to remember is that first and foremost, leaving the scene of an accident is illegal in the state of Florida. Florida law is tough on those who flee the scene of a crash.

Punishments for causing injury or death at a hit-and-run accident:

Impersonating an Officer in Florida

April 3, 2022 | Michael B. Cohen, P.A.

A woman from South Florida was charged with impersonating a federal agent. She would attend churches in Hialeah, Florida and target undocumented citizens who had hopes of becoming a U.S. citizen. She would tell them that she was a Federal Immigration Agent, as well as the Head Supervisor for the South Florida Immigration Department and that she was able to help expedite their process of becoming an American citizen. She was given over $15,000 from different people. As a result, she faces charges including grand theft and impersonating a federal officer.

The crime of Falsely Impersonating an Officer is a Third Degree Felony in FL and is punishable by up to 5 years in prison, 5 years of probation and a $5,000 fine.

The law offices of Michael B. Cohen can help you understand more about false impersonation, the penalties that come with the conviction and the best defenses to fight the charges.

Cooperating With The Federal Government

March 6, 2022 | Michael B. Cohen, P.A.

When you are accused of a serious criminal charge, it is important to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney who will present all available legal options to you that can prevent a conviction or at the very least, can lessen your charge. When appropriate, a Cooperation Agreement is a legal defense strategy for felony charges that could prove to be beneficial in your federal case. This agreement usually requires one to plead guilty and to assist the government in some way in exchange for a lesser sentence.

The worst thing one can do is cooperate with the government without an attorney present. People let the anxiety get the best of them and begin giving authorities information before an attorney is able to negotiate the terms of a cooperation agreement. It is vital that the accused person has an experienced federal criminal defense attorney representing them and protecting their rights. The attorney will first evaluate whether the information the client has and the facts of the case would meet the threshold for a cooperation agreement and a significant sentence reduction.

It also does not matter how hard you try to gather evidence for authorities. If in the end you are not able to gather the necessary evidence, no matter how much effort and time you put into it, you will not get the cooperation credit. And since you already gave a guilty plea, you will be locked into it. Ultimately, while cooperation agreements make sense for some, it does not help reduce prison time for others. That is why it is important that you hire an experienced criminal defense attorney who is familiar with cooperation agreements.

Consequences of Having a Criminal Record

March 6, 2022 | Michael B. Cohen, P.A.

Besides the commonly known consequences of having a criminal record like serving time in jail or prison and paying heavy fines, having a criminal conviction can affect your life even if you do finish serving time or pay off the fines.

Even the most minor criminal charges can affect your personal and professional life.

Probably the most well-known consequence of having a criminal record is how it can negatively impact professional opportunities. Most employers run background checks and when they do yours, they will have a negative view of you and your capabilities. Although this is deemed unfair by many, employers may judge your morals and character especially if it was a serious offense. They may also wonder if you are likely to be a repeat offender. Another way you could be impacted by your criminal past is with child custody. If you are or ever do have a custody battle, the other party may bring up your record against you to deem you as an unfit parent. This is especially true if the charge was domestic abuse or other charges involving violence.

Committing a crime under extortion

February 14, 2022 | Michael B. Cohen, P.A.

The definition of extortion is obtaining money or property by threat or intimidation even though it may not be represented by a clear or imminent physical danger to the victim. It is basically acquiring money or property by threat of physical violence or embarrassment to the victim, a friend or family member of the victim; a threat of damage to the victim’s property or threatening to damage a person’s reputation through various methods.

In the case of blackmail, the alleged guilty party would have something that the victim wouldn’t want made public and the target makes payments to stop the intimidator from doing so.

So what happens if you commit a crime due to being extorted? The answer is that it depends. There is a defense of duress, which can lessen your involvement. Also, if you cooperated with authorities and testified for the prosecutor, there is a chance you will be charged with lesser crimes in the first place. Finally, a jury is going to be sympathetic to someone who was clearly blackmailed. That being said, the anticipated victim must believe that the threat is reasonably real and the threat that the intimidation against them must be true. Some of the elements to prove are: