Florida Criminal Defense, Drug Crimes, Sex Crimes and Domestic Violence Attorney

Andrew M. Coffey, P.A.

208 SE 6th St. Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301 USA

 (954) 467-5700 or (888) 332-3451
 (954) 467-5810

www.amcoffey.com
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Law Firm Overview Free Consultation

Andrew Coffey, Attorney at Law has the experience and skill to defend you against any criminal charge. He is board certified as a criminal trial law specialist by the Florida Bar, which is something only 364 attorneys in Florida have achieved. He was also recently named a Florida Super Lawyer. Just five percent of attorneys in Florida are selected each year.

Due to the number of pain clinics located here, Broward County has become notorious for charges of drug trafficking. I represent people from Florida and out of state who are facing this charge. I also defend people against other drug charges, such as possession and delivery.

If you have been charged with a violent crime, you need a strong defense. Conviction can mean years in prison, especially if a weapons offense is added to the charges. Sex crimes, assault, forcible felonies, armed robbery and domestic violence also have very serious consequences that can affect the rest of your life if you are convicted. I will work hard to protect your freedom. In addition, I represent adults and juveniles who have been charged with driving under the influence (DUI).

My approach to criminal defense is hands-on and hard-working. I like to get involved in a case as early as possible so I can discuss it with the state attorney; it may be possible to get the charges reduced before they are formally filed. I also consult experts in many fields to challenge evidence, investigate the incident and interview witnesses.

Practice Areas

Practice Areas Description

- Criminal Defense

One of the most important steps you can take if you are arrested is to contact an attorney right away. When I am able to get involved early, there are many things I can do for you before charges are formally filed. For example, I can speak with the state attorney and try to get the charges mitigated or dismissed. I will also talk to the police and any witnesses. Often, these efforts will result in getting evidence suppressed or charges dismissed.

- Drug Crimes

Drug crimes in Florida are aggressively prosecuted and carry real consequences for conviction. However, if you are charged with a drug crime, you do have rights and you are allowed to protect them. I represent adults and juveniles charged with crimes involving marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamines, heroin and prescription drugs. I provide aggressive defense against misdemeanor and felony drug charges, including: drug possession, drug delivery and drug trafficking. To build a strong defense, I will thoroughly analyze the causes for your arrest, the methods for retrieving evidence and interrogation tactics used by the police. Creating doubt about the evidence against you is an effective defense strategy. If your constitutional rights were violated, I will argue for evidence suppression or dismissal of the charges.

- Juvenile Crimes

The goals of the juvenile justice system are rehabilitation and a fresh start. However, a juvenile can be tried as an adult in criminal court based on age and the severity of the alleged crime. I will argue to keep the case in juvenile court. Within 24 hours of a juvenile's arrest, there is a hearing to determine where the individual should be placed. I will aggressively advocate for the release of the juvenile to a safe environment. I can defend your child against any criminal charge, including: drug possession, theft and shoplifting, assault, underage drinking, driving under the influence (DUI), weapons charges, sex crimes, and domestic violence. To increase the child's chances of rehabilitation, I will try to negotiate alternative sentencing, such as participation in a program or juvenile probation. When a finding of adjudicated delinquent and a sentence is inevitable, I know how to argue for more favorable placement, such as reduction from a high-risk facility to a lower-risk facility.

- Domestic Violence

A domestic violence claim is often the result of a misunderstanding. However, if not handled properly, you may be charged as a criminal. Just being accused of domestic violence can be damage your reputation. Even if you are not guilty, you may suffer immediate consequences, such as a restraining order, eviction from your home and no contact with your children. If you have been charged with domestic violence, you need a defense attorney to protect your rights. Domestic violence is not just something that happens between spouses. Any violence or threat of violence between members of a family or between people in a relationship may be considered domestic violence. In Florida, people may file an injunction for protection against domestic violence after only one incident. If the accused individual ignores the injunction, he or she can be charged with violating the order.

- Violent Crimes / Assault and Battery Charges Defense

If you are convicted of a violent crime, you may be sent to prison for years. Depending on the crime, you could receive a sentence of life in prison. Your life and the lives of your family will never be the same. With stakes this high, don't trust your life to just any lawyer. Violent crimes cover a wide range of offenses. I handle charges such as: home invasion, weapons charges, robbery or burglary, aggravated assault, rape and sexual battery, manslaughter, murder and vehicular manslaughter. Charges involving violent crime often proceed to trial. Therefore, it is important to work with a defense attorney who has substantial trial experience and is prepared to defend you beyond the plea bargain stage.

- Sex Crime Defense

Being convicted of a sex crime will require you to register as a sex offender for the rest of your life. It will also damage your reputation, your relationship with your family and your future. However, do not assume that sex crime allegations are open-and-shut cases, even when the prosecution claims it has significant evidence against you. An experienced lawyer may be able to help. I can defend clients against any type of criminal sexual charge, including: sexual assault, rape, statutory rape, date rape, child abuse and molestation, online solicitation of a minor, child pornography and indecent exposure. I will review how police handled the investigation of your sex crime case. In allegations of child molestation, police or social workers may plant ideas in children's minds by using dolls, picture drawing and other suggestive methods. In date rape cases, alleged victims may come to believe they've been raped due to the coaxing or suggestions of an investigator. Similarly, actions by investigators in chat rooms may be considered entrapment.

- Forcible Felonies

I have handled hundreds of jury trials for violent crimes, sexual offenses and weapons charges. I know what it takes to prepare one of these cases for trial. My approach is to learn your side of the story, collect the necessary evidence and examine all police procedure. Skillful negotiation with the state attorney and prosecutors is also an important step. If we go to trial, I will argue aggressively for your rights. I handle numerous types of forcible felony charges, including: armed robbery / burglary, aggravated assault, home invasion, carjacking, kidnapping, aggravated stalking and sexual battery. If you have been charged with a forcible felony, contact a Fort Lauderdale felony assault defense attorney today. The sooner I get involved, the sooner I can begin preparing your defense.

- Concealed Weapon Charges

In Florida, a weapons charge can have very serious consequences, especially if it accompanies another criminal charge. Weapons offense can increase the crime points assessed to determine sentencing, which may result in longer prison sentences. There are numerous weapons charges, as well as weapons enhancements, that I regularly handle. Some of them are: carrying a concealed weapon; illegal discharge of a firearm; bringing a weapon to school; and possession of unregistered or stolen firearms. The recently enacted 10-20-Life law is a weapons enhancement law. If a weapon is used in the commission of a crime, the penalties are increased. There is a mandatory prison sentence, including an additional 10 years for possessing a firearm, 20 years for firing a firearm, or 25 years to life in prison for wounding someone. You need an experienced defense lawyer if you are facing these charges.

- DUI Defense

Pulled over for driving under the influence (DUI)? Do not plead guilty simply to get the ordeal over with. A guilty plea is the same as a conviction. A DUI conviction can result in jail time, expensive fines and driver's license suspension. Your employment opportunities may be limited, especially if you have a commercial driver's license. Your auto insurance rates may rise drastically. As your lawyer, one of the first things I will do is determine the legality of your arrest and the admissibility of the evidence. Did the officer make an illegal car stop or administer a field sobriety test incorrectly? If mistakes were made, I will consult forensic experts and law enforcement training professionals to identify the mistakes. In addition, breathalyzers must be properly maintained, correctly calibrated and administered in strict adherence to directions. When procedural failures occur, I have the resources to expose mistakes of arresting officers and defective equipment.

Attorneys

Mr. Andrew M. Coffey Attorney Criminal Defense, Criminal Law, Drug Crime

More Information on Andrew M. Coffey, P.A.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida Criminal Defense Attorney
Fort Lauderdale, FL Drug Crimes Lawyer
Juvenile Crimes Law Firm in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Domestic Violence Attorney in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Fort Lauderdale, Florida Violent Crimes Lawyer
Fort Lauderdale, FL Sex Crimes Law Firm
Forcible Felonies Attorney in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
DUI Defense Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale, FL
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