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Criminal law
Connecticut and New York Criminal Defense Lawyer
Individuals experience feelings of fear and helplessness if they are accused of breaking the law. What will happen to me in the courts? Will I be facing jail time? How will this charge affect my future? Will I have a criminal record? Attorney Phillip J. Cohn is here to answer all of your questions and zealously advocate for your rights.
We handle all types of criminal and motor vehicle defenses. Have you been charged with DWI / DUI / Drunk Driving? Are you facing drug charges? Were you involved in a domestic dispute and arrested on domestic violence charges? Are you being charged with a violation of probation? We can help. We provide vigorous criminal defense for adults and youthful offenders who are facing misdemeanor or felony charges, including:
- DUI / DWI / Drunk Driving
- Traffic Offenses
- Drug charges / Drug Possession/ Marijuana or Narcotic Possession
- Assault and Battery
- Larcency / Shoplifting
- Domestic Assault and Domestic Violence Crimes
- Property Crimes
- Reckless Endangerment
- Violation of Probation
- Interfering with Police
- Risk of Injury to a Minor
Protecting individuals with special needs
Unfortunately, many individuals with special needs find themselves in trouble with the law. Attorney Phillip J. Cohn has a unique sensitivity to helping individuals with disabilities and special needs. We are knowledgeable regarding the many unique challenges individuals with special needs face with the courts. We are experienced in education law, juvenile law, criminal law, and the rights governing special education.
The firm is skilled in identifying problems, proposing remedies, and negotiating solutions to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities, including autism; learning disabilities; attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD / ADHD); dyslexia; tourette syndrome; personality disorder; bipolar disorder; obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD); and depression & anxiety.
Contact us today, we can help
If you or your child has been accused of breaking the law or arrested, we can help. We know the Connecticut and New York courts, and how to protect your rights. Also if you are looking for mental health lawyers or autism lawyers contact us today!
Posted in Criminal Law
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Bullying & Harassment
Connecticut and New York School Bullying Lawyer
Today’s digital age takes school bullying and harassment to a whole new level. Cases of school bullying as well as cyber bullying are constantly making headlines, ranging from tragic student suicides to explosive parent reactions. Cell phones, text messages, emails, and social networking sites, such as Facebook and Myspace, can all potentially be used as pervasive and inescapable tools for bullying.
If your child is the victim of bullying and harassment, you have recourse. Attorney Phillip J. Cohn will take the time to listen to your concerns and fully understand your child’s unique needs and situation. We will create and implement a comprehensive strategy to protect your child from bullying. Depending on the specific facts and circumstances of your case, possible options to stop the bullying may include:
- School Intervention. We will help you document your case, prepare a written report of suspected bullying, and collaborate with school personnel in the investigation and prevention/intervention process.
- Police Investigation. We will help you gather key evidence in your case, and, if appropriate, pursue criminal charges against the perpetrators of bullying.
- Civil Actions Against The Bully’s Parents And Other Litigation. We will help you understand the various types of legal actions that may protect your child’s rights, and, if appropriate, bring a civil action against the school and/or a bully’s parents to remedy the situation.
Call now for a free consultation to learn how to stop the bullying!
Protecting the rights of students who are the victims of school bullying and harassment
An attorney, experienced in bullying and harassment, can help you work with your child’s school to help solve the problem. For example, in Connecticut there is an anti-bullying law. One of the most important elements of this law is that Connecticut schools must have a policy that enables parents or guardians to file written reports of suspected bullying.
If your child is the victim of bullying and harassment in the public schools, you have the right to file a written report of the suspected bullying. You also have the right to call a meeting with school administrators, teachers, or guidance staff in an attempt to resolve the problem. School administrators are required to investigate any written report of bullying allegations and take action to prevent future incidents. We will help you prepare a written report of suspected bullying and collaborate with school personnel in the investigation and prevention process.
Attorney Phillip J. Cohn will aggressively advocate for your child’s rights to protect his/her future. We will work collaboratively with you, your child, and the school system to protect your child’s safety and successfully navigate the bullying reporting and prevention/intervention process.
Protecting children with special needs
It is estimated that children with special needs are three to five times more at risk for being the targets of bullies. Attorney Phillip J. Cohn has a unique sensitivity to helping children with disabilities and special needs. We are knowledgeable regarding the many unique challenges children with special needs face in the schools and courts. We are experienced in education law, juvenile law, criminal law, and the rights governing special education.
The firm is skilled in identifying problems, proposing remedies, and negotiating solutions to protect the rights of children with disabilities, including autism; learning disabilities; attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD / ADHD); dyslexia; tourette syndrome; personality disorder; bipolar disorder; obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD); and depression & anxiety.
When you or your child’s voice is taken away, we can help
If your child is the victim of bullying and harassment, we can help. We know the Connecticut and New York school systems and courts, and how to protect children. Contact us today!
Posted in Education Law, Uncategorized
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Suspension and Expulsion
Connecticut and New York Suspension & Expulsion Lawyer
Is your child facing school suspension or expulsion?
With today’s strict zero tolerance policies, student suspensions and expulsions are on the rise. Police officers work in many schools and children can be suspended or expelled when they are accused of various offenses both on and off school grounds. There are numerous reasons schools can find to suspend or expel a student, many of which may seem unfair and discriminatory.
Even more disturbing, when a student is suspended or expelled, it sets off a chain of events that can impact a child for the rest of his/her life. Notice of student suspensions and expulsions go on a child’s educational record and may prevent a child from getting into college and/or pursuing a chosen career path.
Attorney Phillip J. Cohn will aggressively advocate for your child’s rights to protect his/her future. We will work collaboratively with you, your child, the school system, and the courts to protect your child’s record and successfully navigate the suspension and expulsion process.
Protecting the rights of students facing school suspension and expulsion
If your child is facing suspension or expulsion from public school, you have recourse. We will advocate for your child to protect his/ her record and rights. If your child is facing serious disciplinary action at school, he/ she is entitled to a hearing to determine the appropriateness of that discipline. We will represent you at these hearings. Your child is entitled to a public education and the school must demonstrate significant causes to deny your child an education.
Protecting children with special needs
Many children and teens with special needs find themselves facing school suspensions and expulsions. Attorney Phillip J. Cohn has a unique sensitivity to helping children with disabilities and special needs. We are knowledgeable regarding the many unique challenges children with special needs face in the schools and courts. We are experienced in education law, juvenile law, criminal law, and the rights governing special education.
The firm is skilled in identifying problems, proposing remedies, and negotiating solutions to protect the rights of children with disabilities, including autism; learning disabilities; attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ( ADD / ADHD); dyslexia; tourette syndrome; personality disorder; bipolar disorder; obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD); and depression & anxiety.
Children with special needs have specific legal rights if they are facing suspension or expulsion
There are additional protections for children with special education needs.
- If your child faces disciplinary action at school and/or is arrested and he/she has special needs, he/she may be entitled to a manifestation hearing before suspension or expulsion.
- Students have the right to due process before being suspended for more than (10) days or expelled.
- Children with special needs are entitled to educational services, if they are suspended or expelled.
When you or your child’s voice is taken away, we can help
If your child is facing suspension or expulsion, we can help. We know the Connecticut and New York school systems and courts, and how to protect children. Contact us today!
Posted in Education Law
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Special Education
Connecticut and New York Special Education Attorney
Children with special needs face unique and difficult challenges on a daily basis. These challenges often increase and amplify when a special needs child enters school. Adding further wood to the fire, special education law is extremely complicated and confusing. There are countless acronyms, such as IEP, PPT, CSE, 504, BIP, FBA, AT, RTI, etc. Parents are often left wondering whether their child’s rights have been protected and what actions they can take to help their child.
Attorney Phillip J. Cohn will help you successfully navigate special education law and the schools. We believe that knowledge is power. With our help, you will have the knowledge to advocate for your child to ensure he/she receives an appropriate education in a healthy and safe environment.
We will help you navigate special education law
The firm is skilled in identifying problems, proposing remedies, and negotiating solutions to protect children with special needs, including autism; asperger syndrome; pervasive developmental disorder (PDD); learning disabilities; attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD / ADHD); dyslexia, tourette syndrome; personality disorder; bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD); and depression & anxiety. We take the time to meet with you and your child to discuss your child’s needs and develop a plan to address your concerns. We attend Planning and Placement Team meetings (PPTs), help develop Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and Section 504 Plans, and determine what rights your child may be entitled to as a result of his or her disability.
We will help you (1) understand whether your child is eligible for special education services under an IEP or 504 plan; (2) determine if your child is making appropriate educational progress, (3) identify and request the various services your child may be entitled to; and (4) advocate for your child’s rights, if you disagree with the school’s course of action. Our goal is to ensure that your child gains access to appropriate educational programming and placement, such as applied behavior analysis, supported inclusion, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, assistive technology, and preparation for gainful employment, etc.
We work collaboratively with you and the school system to help develop an appropriate educational program for your child, including special education services, extracurricular activities, sports, and other related services. In the event an agreement cannot be reached, we will pursue mediation, due process, and litigation to protect your child’s rights and procure an appropriate program for him/her.
Working collaboratively with you and your child
We take the time to obtain a comprehensive understanding of you and your child’s profile. This process typically includes:
- An initial telephone conference and/or in-person consultation with you and your child
- Educational record and file review
- Analysis and development of an action plan
- Follow up telephone conversations and next steps
- Correspondence with school personnel, such as directors of special education, teachers, etc.
- PPT and CSE planning and advocacy
- Settlement discussions
- Mediation and/or Due Process, if necessary
When you or your child’s voice is taken away,
we can help
If you feel that you or your child’s rights have been denied, and you need help navigating the complex educational and legal systems, we can help. We know the Connecticut and New York school systems and courts, and how to protect children. Contact us today!
Posted in Education Law
Tagged ADD, ADHD, Anxiety disorder, Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Autism, Bipolar disorder, Depressive disorder, Mental Disorder, Mental Illness, Obsessive compulsive disorder, ocd, Personality disorder, Psychological Disorder, special needs planning
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Juvenile Law
Connecticut and New York Juvenile Law Attorney
Learning that your child has been accused of a crime or arrested is a parent’s worst nightmare. Parents experience feelings of fear and helplessness if their child is accused of breaking the law. How could my child have committed a crime? Were there extenuating circumstances? What will happen to my child in the juvenile court system? Will my child be suspended or expelled from school as a result of his/ her offense? We are here to answer all of your questions and advocate for your child’s rights. We will work collaboratively with you, your child, and the school systems to protect your child’s rights and successfully navigate the juvenile court system.
Protecting children with special needs
Children and teens with special needs can find themselves in trouble with the law. Attorney Phillip J. Cohn has a unique sensitivity to helping children with disabilities and special needs. We are knowledgeable regarding the many unique challenges children with special needs face in the schools and courts. We are experienced in education law, juvenile law, criminal law, and the rights governing special education.
The firm is skilled in identifying problems, proposing remedies, and negotiating solutions to protect the rights of children with disabilities, including autism; learning disabilities; attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD / ADHD); dyslexia; tourette syndrome; personality disorder; bipolar disorder; obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD); and depression & anxiety.
Children with special needs have specific legal rights if they are accused of a crime or arrested. If your child is arrested at school and he/she has special needs, he/she may be entitled to a manifestation hearing before suspension or expulsion. Children with special needs are entitled to educational services if they are suspended, expelled, or incarcerated.
Juvenile offenses
We provide criminal defense services for young people facing criminal charges in juvenile court for:
- Assault, or assault and battery
- Underage drinking
- Driving offenses, including driving without a license and joyriding
- Vandalism
- Shoplifting
- Truancy, possession of a weapon in school, or other school problems
- Drug charges, such as possession of marijuana or cocaine
When possible, we make every effort to get charges dismissed or reduced so children stay out of the criminal justice system. If a sentence seems unavoidable, we negotiate for an alternative sentence that provides an opportunity for the child to get the help he/ she needs to make better choices in the future. Alternative sentences and/or dispositions may include drug or alcohol treatment, community service, and anger management counseling. We will also work with you and your child to help prevent future problems and to ensure that your child stays in school.
When you or your child’s voice is taken away, we can help.
If you feel that you or your child’s rights have been denied, and you need help navigating the complex educational and legal systems, we can help. We know the Connecticut and New York school systems and courts, and how to protect children. Contact us today!
Posted in Juvenile Law
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Divorce Law
Connecticut and New York Divorce Lawyer and Special Needs Children
About half of all marriages end in divorce. Divorce is an emotional roller coaster and often a significant financial stress. When the couple has a child with special needs, the issues become much more complex.
Attorney Phillip J. Cohn has a unique sensitivity to helping children with disabilities and special needs. We are knowledgeable regarding the many unique challenges children with special needs face in the schools and courts. The firm is skilled in identifying problems, proposing remedies, and negotiating solutions to protect the rights of children with disabilities, including autism; learning disabilities; attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD / ADHD); dyslexia; tourette syndrome; personality disorder; bipolar disorder; obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD); and depression & anxiety. We will help you understand your rights and why an important focus in your divorce must be placed on your special needs child.
Protecting Special Needs Children in the Divorce Agreement
When a couple is dealing with a divorce and they have a special needs child, it is important to keep the child’s needs at the center of any divorce agreement. Parents must consider how the divorce may affect school, custody, and their ability to physically care for the child by themselves before an agreement can be reached. Some of the common issues that are raised in the course of dealing with a divorce involving a special needs child include:
- School issues regarding which parent will be the decision maker in the IEP (individualized education plan) or 504 plan process.
- Physical limitations surrounding whether parents will be able to physically care for their special needs child based on his/her unique needs and necessary accommodations.
- Parent cooperation and strategies to help divorcing couples stay focused on the child throughout the entire divorce process and negotiate through discussions regarding child support, daycare, medical bills and other expenses.
Call Today
If you are considering divorce and wish to learn more about how cases involving special needs children are handled, we can help. We know the Connecticut and New York school systems and courts, and how to protect children. Contact us today!
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Car Accidents
Connecticut Car Accident Lawyers
Experienced Hartford Car Crash Attorneys
In a split second, a car accident can have devastating consequences. A spinal cord injury, brain trauma and other catastrophic injuries could mean a lifetime of medical expenses and possibly the loss of your career.
Entrust our law firm to help relieve your financial concerns. For more than 15 years, the Stamford car accident lawyers at our firm have proven fault in catastrophic and fatal accidents throughout Connecticut. We know the right steps to take in pursuing a full recovery for your long-term medical care, lost wages and other damages associated with the car accident. Contact our law firm today to schedule a free initial consultation at our office in East Hartford.
Proving Fault in Personal Injury Accidents
At Woolf & Macci, LLC, Attorneys at Law, we offer a substantial background proving fault when liability is initially unclear. Our law firm includes a skilled accident scene reconstructionist trained in determining the cause of catastrophic and wrongful death accidents.
We act quickly to preserve evidence and evaluate any property damage or wreckage from car accidents. Our detailed approach helps us understand any liability factors which may have led to the car crash, including:
- Drunk driving
- Construction zone hazards
- Dangerous weather conditions
- Distracted driving such as texting and talking on the cell phone
If more than one party was negligent, we will hold all at-fault parties accountable. For example, if a car accident was caused by a drunk driver, we will determine if a bar served the driver when visibly drunk. In this circumstance, we will pursue maximum compensation against the drunk driver and the bar. Our law firm is committed to helping victims of personal injury accidents obtain maximum compensation.
Resisting Low-Ball Insurance Offers
The insurance industry is regularly inundated with thousands of personal injury claims. Often, insurance adjusters try to shuffle claims through and offer victims little compensation to cover their medical needs, lost wages and other expenses.
We seek to overcome this challenge through developing comprehensive personal injury claims. The attorneys at our firm can consult medical specialists to demonstrate the extent of your injuries, such as:
- Paralysis
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
Our ability to demonstrate the full extent of our clients’ medical needs often prompts large settlement offers, knowing we are fully prepared for trial.
Contact Experienced Lawyers in Connecticut
If you are searching for experienced, highly qualified and devoted legal representation in Connecticut, contact us today to schedule a free initial consultation. We handle catastrophic and accidental death claims.
Truck Accidents
Connecticut Truck Accidents Lawyers
Experienced Hartford Semi Crash Attorneys
The trucking industry is required to follow strict regulations at the state and federal level. Yet, catastrophic and fatal accidents are known to happen when truck companies, truckers and other motorists act irresponsibly. If you or your loved one was recently in a tractor trailer or 18-wheeler accident, obtain experienced legal help immediately.
For more than 15 years, the Stamford truck accident attorneys at our firm have handled complex trucking accident claims throughout Connecticut. We know the right steps to take in pursuing justice and holding negligent parties accountable. Contact our law firm today to schedule a free initial consultation at our office in East Hartford.
Investigating the Cause of Tractor Trailer Accidents
Truck companies are often represented by aggressive personal injury defense firms. Their main priority is to protect truck companies from liability associated with catastrophic and fatal accidents.
At Woolf & Macci, LLC, Attorneys at Law, we seek to overcome this challenge through quickly preserving any evidence from the accident scene. Our law firm includes a skilled accident scene reconstructionist who acts quickly analyzing property damage and wreckage from the accident.
We also review police reports and meet with eyewitnesses to understand any factors which may have caused the trucking accident. Our law firm subpoenas the truck company’s log books, dispatch sheets, maintenance records and fuel tickets. We evaluate the cause from all possible angles to determine negligence, such as:
- At-fault truck driver — We are prepared to illustrate if alcohol use, distracted driving or speeding to make their weekly quota led to the truck accident.
- Truck company negligence — Our firm aggressively holds truck companies accountable for hiring unqualified truck drivers, failing to properly train drivers, encouraging drivers to speed and take few rest breaks and failing to properly maintain the trucks.
Insurance companies often make large settlement offers, knowing we are prepared to prove fault in trial.
Pursuing Full Recoveries for Accident Victims
The attorneys at our firm can consult industry-leading experts, including medical specialists, to demonstrate the extent of your injuries, such as:
- Paralysis
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
We incorporate as many facts as possible to illustrate the extent of medical care you will need long-term. We also pursue a full recovery for families who tragically lost loved ones in wrongful death accidents to help alleviate their financial burdens.
Contact Experienced Lawyers in Connecticut
If you are searching for experienced, highly qualified and devoted legal representation in Connecticut, contact us today to schedule a free initial consultation. We handle catastrophic and accidental death claims.
Motorcycle accidents
Connecticut Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
Skilled Hartford Motorcycle Crash Lawyers
The lack of protection on motorcycles can cause catastrophic and fatal accidents. If you or your loved one was recently in a motorcycle accident, obtain experienced legal help immediately. Insurance companies will likely make a low-ball insurance offer undermining the extent of damages associated with the motorcycle accident.
For more than 15 years, Woolf & Macci, LLC, Attorneys at Law has pursued justice for motorcycle accident victims and their families. We are committed to helping your family overcome low-ball insurance offers to cover the financial strain of the accident. When the stakes are high, entrust our lawyers to help preserve your best interests. Contact us today to schedule a free initial consultation at our law office in East Hartford, Connecticut.
Determining Negligence in Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents are commonly single-vehicle collisions. Proving fault is often challenging if the motorcyclist was run off the road or the accident was a hit-and-run collision. The personal injury attorneys at our firm will act quickly to evaluate property damage in an effort to determine negligence. Our law firm includes a highly trained accident scene reconstructionist prepared to piece together any evidence or factors which may have caused the accident.
Unfortunately, if a hit-and-run driver cannot be identified, we will aggressively pursue other avenues of recovery for you or your loved one. The attorneys at our firm will look into possible coverage through an underinsured motorist policy, auto insurance policies for other members in the household or compensation through third-party personal injury claims. We seek to uncover all possible sources of compensation to cover medical care for catastrophic injuries, such as:
- Paralysis
- Broken bones, burns or road rash
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
Our firm offers an aggressive and detailed approach to help you and your family obtain as much compensation to cover lost wages and any other expenses associated with the motorcycle accident. We also pursue a full recovery for families who tragically lost loved ones in wrongful death accidents to help alleviate their financial burdens.
Contact Experienced Accident Lawyers in Connecticut
If you are searching for experienced, highly qualified and devoted legal representation in Connecticut, contact us today to schedule a free initial consultation. We handle catastrophic and accidental death claims.