Cohen & Hirsch Criminal Defense
Cohen & Hirsch Criminal Defense

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“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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Elements of a simple battery charge in Georgia

On Behalf of | Sep 21, 2021 | Criminal Defense |

Individuals in Georgia are usually charged with simple battery when they make physical contact with another person in a way that is designed to provoke or insult, but actual touching is not necessary and even words can be enough to support the charge if they are threatening enough. This means that raising a clenched fist to another person’s face and threatening to punch them could lead to a simple assault charge in the Peach State. Simple assault can be charged as a straightforward misdemeanor or a high and aggravated misdemeanor in Georgia depending on the circumstances and the victim.

High and aggravated misdemeanors

High and aggravated misdemeanors are more serious criminal law offenses that carry harsher penalties. Situations where a simple assault count in Georgia could be elevated to a high and aggravated misdemeanor charge include:

  • The defendant assaulted a pregnant woman or a senior citizen.
  • The victim was assaulted while riding on a public transit vehicle or waiting at a bus or train station.
  • The defendant assaulted a police officer, detention officer or corrections officer while they were carrying out their official duties.
  • The defendant and victim are current or former spouses, parents of the same child, children and parents, stepchildren and stepparents, foster children and foster parents or siblings living under the same roof. However, the law does not apply to parents who administer corporal punishment to discipline their children.
  • The defendant works in a nursing home or assisted living facility or provides health care services in the home and assaulted a patient.
  • The victim is a sports official who was assaulted before, during or shortly after a contest that they refereed, umpired or officiated.
  • The victim was a public school employee who was assaulted while they were performing their official duties.

Simple assault penalties

When a simple assault is charged as a misdemeanor, the defendant can be fined up to $1,000 and sent to jail for up to a year if they are convicted. The custodial penalty for a high and aggravated misdemeanor conviction is also up to 12 months in jail, but the fine can increase to up to $5,000.

Common simple assault defenses

There are a number of defenses that individuals or their criminal defense attorneys could mount in a simple assault case. They could claim that they were provoked by the victim, or they could say that the victim threatened them and they acted in self-defense. While these arguments may sometimes be unconvincing, they could be enough to secure a more favorable plea agreement.

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