Criminal Defense Attorney in Lakeland, FL

Experienced Lakeland Criminal Defense Lawyer, Lee A. Cohen, offers legal services for misdemeanors and felonies in Lakeland, Polk County, and Central FL.

Call Attorney, Lee A. Cohen 863.646.7636

Cohen Law, P.A., is a professional, full service law firm, located in Lakeland, Florida, Proudly serving the entire Polk County area, while providing professional legal services involving Felony and Misdemeanor Criminal Defense legal matters.

Criminal Defense cases can be very complex, and if convicted can have long-lasting ramifications which may directly affect your future goals and aspirations.

As an experienced Lakeland Criminal Defense Attorney, Lee A. Cohen has successfully represented numerous Lakeland and Polk County area residents in various areas of legal practice involving Criminal Defense, Criminal Appeals, and Post-Conviction New and Re-Trial legal matters.

At Cohen Law, P.A., we believe effective legal representation requires experience and dedication to protect the rights of those who have entrusted their legal options and rights, as well as maintaining the best interest of each client.

I Lee Cohen, am Board certified in criminal trial law. You’re not going to talk to too many attorneys that are board certified in the area that they practice. Board certification means that I am a specialist in Criminal Trial Law. Which means I have passed a special review by the Florida Bar Association to be recognized as a specialist in practicing criminal trial law.

Make sure your legal rights are protected by retaining the services of an experienced Lakeland Attorney and Lawyer at Cohen Law, P.A., by calling 863.646.7636 or use our online case submission form to schedule a confidential consultation regarding your legal issues and needs.

We are Prepared to Fight for You!

We are aggressive, zealous advocates for each of our client's rights. We are known for our tenacity, and we always are mindful that the client comes first, and we work for you.

Contact Lee A. Cohen at 863.646.7636 for your Criminal Defense legal needs in the Lakeland, Winter Haven, Bartow, Polk County, and Central Florida Area.

Protect your rights by seeking the legal advice and representation of an experienced Lakeland Criminal Defense Attorney.

Attorney Lee A. Cohen has been practicing law in the State of Florida since 1996. His law practice focuses on protecting the rights of those accused of committing criminal offences. Over the years, Mr. Cohen has Successfully represented countless residents of, and visitors to, Polk County and Central Florida regarding criminal matters. Mr. Cohen strongly believes that everyone is presumed innocent, and aggressively utilized every legal resource available unter the law in an effort to always provide the highest standard of legal representation. 

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I Lee Cohen, am Board certified in criminal trial law. You’re not going to talk to too many attorneys that are board certified in the area that they practice. Board certification means that I am a specialist in Criminal Trial Law. Which means I have passed a special review by the Florida Bar Association to be recognized as a specialist in practicing criminal trial law.

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A Lakeland / Polk County Florida Judge's discretion involving sentencing for criminal convictions that, by Florida Statute, have mandatory minimum incarceration periods.

One of the most controversial issues in criminal law is the use of mandatory minimum sentences, which limit the discretion of judges to impose lower or alternative penalties for certain offenses. In Florida, there are many crimes that carry mandatory minimum sentences, such as drug trafficking, firearm offenses, and sexual battery. However, judges in Lakeland / Polk County Florida may have some sentencing discretion for criminal convictions that have mandatory minimums, depending on the circumstances of the case and the applicable law. For example, judges can depart from the mandatory minimum sentence if the defendant qualifies as a youthful offender, a habitual offender, or a prison releasee reoffender. Judges can also grant downward departures based on statutory or non-statutory mitigating factors, such as cooperation with the authorities, remorse, or mental health issues. Additionally, judges can impose alternative sanctions, such as drug court or veterans court, for eligible defendants who meet certain criteria. Therefore, while mandatory minimum sentences are intended to ensure uniformity and deterrence in criminal justice, judges in Lakeland / Polk County Florida may still exercise some degree of judicial discretion in sentencing.

If charged with a crime in Lakeland or Polk County Florida, what is the advantage of hiring a Florida Board Certified Criminal Trail Lawyer?

If you are facing criminal charges in Lakeland or Polk County Florida, you may want to consider hiring a Board Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer. A Board Certified Lawyer is an Attorney who has met the highest standards of professionalism, ethics, and legal knowledge in their field. A Board Certified Lawyer has also passed a rigorous exam and demonstrated substantial experience in handling criminal trials. By hiring a Board Certified Lawyer, you can benefit from their expertise, reputation, and confidence in defending your rights and interests in court.

According to the Florida Bar, only 7% of the lawyers in Florida are board certified in any specialty, and only 0.5% are board certified in criminal trial law.

Lee A. Cohen is a Florida Board Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer with over 20 years of experience in defending clients against various criminal charges, from DUI to murder. He is also a former prosecutor and a former public defender, which gives him a unique perspective on the criminal justice system.

What is a Florida Criminal Pretrial Diversion Program, and how do I know if I am eligible if I am arrested in Lakeland or Polk County, Florida?

A Florida Criminal Pretrial Diversion Program is a program that allows certain first-time offenders charged with misdemeanors or non-violent felonies to avoid a criminal conviction by completing specific requirements, such as probation, community service, restitution, or treatment. The program is administered by the Florida Department of Corrections or the Sheriff's Office, depending on the type of charge. The program requires the approval of the program administrator and the consent of any victims of the crime. If the offender successfully completes the program, the charges will be dismissed and the arrest may be expunged. If the offender fails to complete the program, the case will be sent back to the regular court division for prosecution.

With the New Florida Firearm Concealed Carry Law now in effect, can I still be arrested for having a concealed firearm on me?

The new Florida Firearm Concealed Carry Law, which took effect on October 1, 2023, allows eligible individuals to carry a concealed firearm without a permit in most public places. However, this does not mean that you cannot be arrested for having a concealed firearm on you. There are still some restrictions and exceptions that you need to be aware of. For example, you cannot carry a concealed firearm in places such as schools, courthouses, airports, or bars. You also cannot carry a concealed firearm if you are prohibited by law due to a felony conviction, domestic violence injunction, or mental health adjudication. If you violate any of these rules, you could face criminal charges and penalties. Therefore, it is important to know your rights and responsibilities before carrying a concealed firearm in Florida.

If you are arrested in Lakeland or Polk County, Florida, you may be concerned about your arrest showing up in Employment Background Checks prior to a Trial or Plea Deal being reached?

If you are arrested in Lakeland or Polk County, Florida, you may be concerned about how this will affect your employment prospects. An arrest is a public record that can be accessed by anyone, including potential employers. However, an arrest is not the same as a conviction, and you have the right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty. Therefore, an employer cannot legally discriminate against you based on an arrest alone, unless it is directly related to the job you are applying for. However, some employers may still conduct background checks and use your arrest as a reason to deny you employment. If this happens, you may have legal recourse to challenge their decision and protect your rights.

What is entrapment by law enforcement and how can I prove entrapment occurred in my criminal case in Lakeland or Polk County, Florida?

Entrapment is a legal defense that can be used to challenge criminal charges in Florida. It occurs when law enforcement officers induce or persuade someone to commit a crime that they would not otherwise do. To prove entrapment, the defendant must show that they were not predisposed to commit the crime and that the officers used coercion, threats, harassment, fraud, or other improper methods to induce them. Entrapment cases are complex and require the assistance of an experienced criminal defense attorney in Lakeland or Polk County, Florida.

Some recent examples of entrapment by law enforcement that were proven in Criminal Court in Polk County, Florida are:

• In 2019, a Lakeland man was acquitted of arson charges after he claimed that he was entrapped by an undercover detective who offered him money to set fire to a house.
• In 2017, a Polk County judge dismissed charges against 11 men who were arrested for soliciting prostitution during a sting operation, finding that the undercover deputies used "outrageous conduct" and "coercive tactics" to lure them into the crime.
• In 2015, a federal jury found that two Lakeland men were entrapped by FBI agents who posed as terrorists and provided them with fake explosives and weapons to plot an attack on a local mosque.

What is a Plea Deal, and what are the pros and cons for the accused for accepting a plea deal?

A plea deal is an agreement between a prosecutor and a defendant in which the defendant pleads guilty or no contest to a reduced charge or sentence in exchange for some benefit, such as avoiding a trial, a certain conviction, or a harsher penalty. Plea deals are very common in criminal cases, as they offer advantages and disadvantages for the accused.

For the defendant, a plea deal may result in less time in prison, lower fines, or fewer charges on their record. However, a plea deal also means giving up some constitutional rights, such as the right to a jury trial, the right to confront witnesses, and the right to appeal.

While your criminal defense lawyer can negotiate for a plea deal on your behalf, he or she cannot accept or enter into the plea deal with the prosecutor's office without your explicit approval. Your criminal defense lawyer will advise you regarding a plea deal, but you as the defendant must make the final decision.

Keep in mind that it is the Judge's discretion to accept or reject the plea deal that has been reached. If a judge rejects the plea deal, his or her decision will typically be based on public interest, if the plea deal undermines the deterrence effect of the law, or creates a perception of leniency or injustice.

How to weight not making statements than may incriminate you with not speaking with law enforcement without your lawyer present.

If you are ever in a situation where you are being questioned by law enforcement, you should be aware of your rights and obligations. You have the right to remain silent and to have a lawyer present during any interrogation. You also have the obligation to identify yourself and to comply with lawful orders. However, you do not have to answer any questions that may incriminate you or reveal evidence against you. The best way to balance these factors is to politely but firmly refuse to speak without your lawyer present. This way, you can avoid saying anything that may harm your case or waive your rights.

Do I have to stay and answer questions by law enforcement if I am not under arrest or being detained by law enforcement in the State of Florida?

If you are not under arrest or being detained by law enforcement in the State of Florida, you have the right to remain silent and to leave the scene. If you do not want to stay and answer questions by law enforcement, you should politely ask if you are being detained or under arrest. If the answer is no, then you can politely ask if you are free to go. If law enforcement says you are not free to go, in most situations the officer has misrepresented the status of his or her interaction with you, and you should politely assert your right to remain silent and not answer any questions without your lawyer being present.

However, there are some exceptions to this rule, such as when you are involved in a traffic stop, a crash, or a criminal investigation. In these cases, you may be required to provide your name, address, driver's license, registration, and insurance information. You may also be asked to perform field sobriety tests or consent to a breathalyzer test. If you refuse to cooperate with these requests, you may face legal consequences such as fines, license suspension, or arrest.

Contact Lakeland Criminal Defense Lawyer, Lee A. Cohen today at 863.646.7636

5430 Strickland Avenue, Lakeland, FL 33812

Phone: 863.646.7636 • Fax: 863.648.0983

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