Corey I. Cohen Criminal Defense Blog | Orlando Criminal Defense Blog

Heroin possession charges in Florida's opioid epidemic

On behalf of Corey Cohen of The Law Office of Corey I. Cohen on Thursday, January 10, 2019.

Prior to the rampant opioid epidemic in the United States, heroin possession was a charge that people did not often hear about. Nowadays, however, this criminal charge has become far more prevalent due to the increased use of opioids.

As this epidemic continues to rage across the country, the scope of the problem of heroin possession charges is correspondingly increasing. In fact, it is not uncommon to find first-time offenders with no previous criminal record coming into the criminal justice system with heroin possession charges. This can understandably be a bewildering process for those facing charges. If you find yourself in this situation, you should not despair but rather inform yourself about the risks and consequences of heroin possession charges and how you can move forward with a strong defense.

An arrest for drunk driving is no laughing matter

On behalf of Corey Cohen of The Law Office of Corey I. Cohen posted in DUI on Saturday, December 29, 2018.

Unfortunately, law enforcement officers must deal with drunk drivers every day and every night in the state of Florida.

Some incidents have their humorous side, such as the following two stories from the summer of 2018. Once drivers sober up, however, they find that a DUI charge is no laughing matter.

When drug charges land you in federal court

On behalf of Corey Cohen of The Law Office of Corey I. Cohen on Monday, December 17, 2018.

If you face allegations of drug crimes such as possession or trafficking, you may wonder whether you will end up in state or federal court and what the difference is between the two.

Florida and federal laws prohibit various types of drug offenses. In fact, a person accused of drug crimes can face both state and federal charges based on the same actions.

Examining rights and the illegal possession of drugs

On behalf of Corey Cohen of The Law Office of Corey I. Cohen posted in Drug Crimes on Monday, November 26, 2018.

The federal government is cracking down on the production of prescription opioids to help stop addiction, trafficking and illegal possession. However, if law enforcement arrested you for illegal possession of a drug like Xanax or oxycodone, the immediate questions from a legal point of view concern the circumstances and procedures. For example, did the police violate your rights?

Curbing manufacturing

Why the holidays contribute to substance abuse

On behalf of Corey Cohen of The Law Office of Corey I. Cohen on Sunday, November 11, 2018.

While the holiday season brings some joyful moments, it can also be difficult. If someone struggles with a substance abuse problem, the holidays can exacerbate it. Cities across America are seeing a spike in drug overdoses due to the stress of the holiday season.

The holidays are not the most wonderful time of the year for everyone. Here is some insight into why the holidays can cause an increase in drug or alcohol abuse.

How to help someone who suffers from an addiction to heroin

On behalf of Corey Cohen of The Law Office of Corey I. Cohen on Monday, October 29, 2018.

If someone you know is struggling with a heroin addiction, you may have no idea what to do. You may feel a combination of sadness, disappointment and helplessness. It can be difficult to know how to help a heroin addict, even if it is a close friend or family member.

Heroin is a powerfully addictive substance that can have severe health and legal consequences for your loved one. Here are some tips on how to assist someone you care about through this battle.

Is drug court an option for you?

On behalf of Corey Cohen of The Law Office of Corey I. Cohen on Friday, October 12, 2018.

As someone who is currently facing a Florida drug charge, you may see a broad range of consequences, if convicted. Jail time, fines and mandatory substance abuse treatment are just a few of the penalties you could potentially face, but in some cases, you may be able to avoid at least some of these penalties by enrolling in a Florida drug court.

Just what is drug court, and how can it help you kick your addiction and rebuild your life?

Can a drug conviction make you ineligible for financial aid?

On behalf of Corey Cohen of The Law Office of Corey I. Cohen on Thursday, September 27, 2018.

While receiving any type of drug conviction is never a good thing, receiving one while you are currently also receiving federal financial aid can have even more serious repercussions. Why? Many convictions for drug and other crimes can bring with them collateral consequences, which are, essentially, penalties you may face due to your actions that are civil rather than criminal in nature.

In fact, if you are a college student who is receiving financial aid and a judge or jury finds you guilty of a drug-related crime, you can anticipate having to forfeit your financial aid for a set period of time.

Florida police suspect drug trafficking after traffic stop

On behalf of Corey Cohen of The Law Office of Corey I. Cohen on Friday, September 7, 2018.

Florida police arrest numerous people every year on suspicion of drug trafficking. Trafficking drugs of any kind, including cocaine, marijuana or heroin, is a serious offense that requires a serious defense.

Recently, state police have come to believe a larger drug trafficking operation may be afoot after what appeared to be a regular traffic stop. In August of this year, the police pulled over a 21-year-old man. The stop took a turn when police discovered other items in the vehicle that suggested the man took part in trafficking, although it is unclear if the man operated independently or worked within a larger group.

Punishment for possession of molly in Florida

On behalf of Corey Cohen of The Law Office of Corey I. Cohen on Friday, August 24, 2018.

In modern pop culture, Molly has the designation of a party drug. It has come up numerous times in television shows such as Workaholics, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia and Californication. While the portrayal often makes it seem harmless and the user will simply enter a euphoric state for a short amount of time, it can be dangerous. That is why there are severe punishments in Florida for anyone caught in possession of Molly.

The reason why Molly generates hallucinations is due to the fact it causes a chemical reaction in the brain. Dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine interact in a specific manner to make users believe objects are there that are not actually present. Although people are prone to taking it at music festivals, it can carry significant consequences that can last with people for the rest of their lives.