Fierce Attorneys

Classic Values

BOOK SMARTS

Meets Years of Experience

Creative Solutions

To Serious Criminal Charges

We stand apart

The Choice is Clear!

The Clear Choice

for criminal defense

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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What Is Civil Forfeiture?

Have you been served with a notice of forfeiture following an arrest or an encounter with law enforcement in DeKalb County? Did the police take your money or property even though they didn’t ticket or arrest you?

Georgia is known nationwide for having the worst civil forfeiture laws in the United States. Police departments and prosecuting attorneys are routinely filing notices of forfeiture with blatant disregard for civil liberties and personal property rights. Elected district attorneys participate in this behavior in a thinly veiled effort to bring money into cash strapped jurisdictions any way they can. While the law in Georgia does allow forfeiture of possessions and cash in very specific and particular circumstances, the process is being abused and turned into a quick way for police and prosecutors to bully people and take their property. Police in Georgia are routinely seizing cash without even making an arrest or issuing a citation! Officers can stop you, search you, find a large amount of cash, and simply take it from you! In fact, they are doing it every day of the week!

What To Do If You Receive A Civil Forfeiture Notice

If you have been served with a notice of forfeiture, you must act quickly to preserve your right to a hearing on the matter. There are two types of forfeiture actions, procedurally, and each of them requires a particular and timely response. For forfeiture actions involving money or property valued at over $25,000.00, the state must file a civil lawsuit, which means that you have 30 days to file an answer or face a default judgment. For forfeiture actions involving money or property valued at less than $25,000, the state must proceed through a process known as administrative forfeiture, which involves running ads in local newspapers publishing the intent to forfeit. The state must run the ad for three weeks; you have to reply within 30 days of the second publication date or face a default judgment.
Once you answer the forfeiture complaint, the court must timely set a hearing for argument on the matter. In almost every case, the state gives up as soon as you file any kind of answer. They don’t want to have a hearing! The burden is on the state to show cause why forfeiture is appropriate and supported by law. In most cases, the state has filed for forfeiture when it is not, in fact, supported by law. The state files for forfeiture hoping you simply won’t respond.

Preserve Your Assets — Contact Us For Aggressive Representation

If you have received a notice of forfeiture following an arrest or an encounter with law enforcement in DeKalb County, we will respond aggressively on your behalf. The overwhelming majority of the forfeitures filed are without merit. The state seeks forfeiture out of greed, but they give up out of laziness and the knowledge that they can’t win a hearing on the matter. They are counting on you being too frightened to fight them. If you give them a default judgment by failing to respond, then they win even though they are wrong! Call us for a free initial consultation at 404-919-7096.