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Fierce Attorneys
Fighting For Your Rights

“If you want someone who is going to get stuff done, I highly recommend Cohen and Hirsch. Not only did I beat my case, I even got my record cleaned.”
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“Hired Matt Hirsch at a distance to take on a traffic case with a missed mandatory court appearance (or two). Even as the case dragged on longer than anticipated (not the fault in any way of the lawyer), and indeed went a couple rounds, Mr. Hirsch remained engaged, positive, and proactive. I firmly believe he and his firm resolved my case with the best outcome for me. Would recommend Cohen & Hirsch for cases of my type without reservation, and his working for me at a fairly great distance, without my ever appearing back in state, deserves particular note”
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“I found Andy Cohen via a google search and after our initial phone conversation I was happy to hire him. The circumstances that drove me to solicit an attorney were sensitive to say the least. He was kind, sympathetic and detailed which I appreciated very much. He kept me well informed throughout the hearing process and Andy always made sure to be available if I had any questions or concerns. I highly recommend Andy and his team to help you through what is likely a difficult process.”
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“Seamless experience dealing with Andy and Jill. They are both very knowledgeable and will go to bat for you. I was referred to Cohen and Hirsch by a friend and will refer them to others myself. Truly great people who care and love what they do. One thing that stood out to me is that they will update you consistently without you having to reach out. I will continue to use them in the future and so should you.”
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“Matt was great. The day I called him he jumped right in and a week later charges were dropped! He’s my guy here on out. Not to mention he saved me 3k from the first firm I called.”
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“If I could rate this law firm with more stars, I would. If you desire an excellent attorney that cares, has a great relationship with court system, communicates quickly, stays on top of your case and strives for the best outcome possible, then look no further than this law firm. Jill and Andy handled an extremely complicated case for my son with special needs and we received the outcome we desired. His case was dismissed and he can move now on with his life. I am very pleased and grateful to them for their efforts.”
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“Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value”
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“Matt was a great treasure! Always kept calm and let me be the same. Looking at his fb feed, I was convinced he’s the right person for me. Helped get through a difficult situation. His fees were also comparable to the others given the amount of personal attention he paid to the case. Never had the trouble of dealing with the paralegals(as we all know what happens). He was always available on text. Great experience!!”
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“Wow, what an unexpected experience. We have all heard the horror stories and the jokes about lawyers. Well, I've been fortunate not to have had reason to use a lawyer... until now. Or at least that is what I thought. I don't want to get into the details, but I had sent an inquiry into the firm through their website and Andy reached out to me. He was patient, professional and funny. He spent a good 15 to 20 minutes on the phone with me. Explained to me in detail what I could expect. And recommended that I don't actually need a lawyer for what I have to do. I can't express my sincere gratitude enough. In the event I ever do need a lawyer, I know exactly who I'm calling.”
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“Andy is a GEM! Such a lovely man. Jill is a pretty pitbull. Under the circumstances they were very helpful and SUCCESSFUL. I could not have asked for a smarter pair.”
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“I write to recommend Matt A. Hirsch, Esq. for those in need of legal representation and guidance. He is highly competent and experienced, conscientious, organized and responsive. Attorney Hirsch is someone you want in your corner if you need help.”
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When can Georgia police search my vehicle?

Can the police search your vehicle if you are pulled over for speeding?

Police recently stopped a Georgia woman based on allegations of speeding. The stop led to an arrest. The criminal charges had nothing to do with the way she operated her vehicle. The police arrested the woman based on evidence gathered during a search of her vehicle.

Wait, can the police search my vehicle if they stop me for speeding? Generally, the police cannot simply search a vehicle. The Fourth Amendment of the Constitution provides the protection against unreasonable searches and seizures. The police generally need a warrant to conduct a search. This is true even for vehicles.

However, there are exceptions. When it comes to vehicles, four basic exceptions to the warrant requirement may exist:

Arrest: the driver is arrested
Plain view: illegal contraband, stolen property or anything else that signals criminal activity is clearly visible
Exigent circumstances: an ordinary person would believe that the search was necessary to prevent harm to the officers or other people, the destruction of evidence of criminal activity, escape of a suspect or other activity that would frustrate law enforcement efforts
Consent: the driver consents to the search

Consent generally translates to permission for the police to search the entire vehicle – not just the area immediately surrounding the driver.

The search is legal if the officer has a warrant or can justify it with one of these exceptions. If not, the use of evidence found during the search to support criminal charges could be challenged.

In the case noted above, the officer stopped the woman and allegedly noticed a strong marijuana odor coming from the vehicle. When he asked the woman about the odor, she produced a cup that contained marijuana residue. These facts may support an exception to the warrant requirement.

Even so, legal counsel for anyone facing charges in this situation would likely review the evidence. A strong defense strategy often includes a review for a flaw in these facts. If found, the flaw could nullify the exception. If the exception does not survive a challenge the search was illegal. Evidence from an illegal search is generally thrown out. This could lead to the reduction or dismissal of the criminal charge for drug possession the woman currently faces.

What do I do if stopped by police? First, find a safe place to stop and pull over. Keep your hands on the steering wheel and be friendly. Do not admit fault, but answer questions honestly. Keep in mind that the officer is just doing his or her job. Try to cooperate without putting your own rights at jeopardy. Do not argue a speeding ticket or other traffic violation at this time. Gather the information and seek legal counsel to help build a defense after the stop is complete.

It is especially important to seek legal counsel if the stop results in a search that leads to criminal charges. An attorney experienced in these matters can review the details of the stop and search. Your lawyer will use this information to craft a defense strategy to better ensure your legal rights are protected.