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David Jonathan Cohen

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also known as Bay Area Criminal Lawyers, PC
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David Jonathan Cohen
David Jonathan Cohen
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About David

Facing criminal charges? Allow our experienced criminal defense attorneys to help at 415-398-3900.

I have been practicing criminal law in both State and Federal Court for more than 28 years and I am Certified as a Specialist in Criminal Law by the State Bar of California. I have tried over 45 cases to verdict, and briefed and argued over 60 appeals.

 

As the owner of Bay Area Criminal Lawyers, PC in San Francisco and Dublin, CA, I lead a team of energetic, tenacious and zealous attorneys who are dedicated to protecting our clients against unfair treatment.

 

Using our experience, skill and creative defense strategy, we will do everything possible to minimize the charges against you and the potential penalties you face for conviction of state and federal felony and misdemeanor crimes.

 

 

Practice areas

Criminal defense
  1. Criminal defense: 100%

    Federal and state criminal defense. Drug crimes, weapons offenses, violent and serious felonies. Mail fraud, wire fraud. Trial and appellate work.

    34 years

Languages spoken

English, Spanish

Photos and videos

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Contact

300 Montgomery St Ste 660
address map

300 Montgomery St Ste 660
San Francisco, CA, 94104

Website
http://www.bayareacrimlaw.com

Bay Area Criminal Lawyers, PC

11750 Dublin Blvd. Suite 104
Dublin, CA, 94568

Fax (925) 364-7697

Resume

License
StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
CAActive199010/27/2020
NYCurrently registered 198712/09/2020
We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
Avvo Contributions
Legal answers0
Legal guides0
Awards
Award nameGrantorDate granted
Small Business Excellence Award-Criminal DefenseSan Francisco Small Business Excellence2017
Work Experience
TitleCompany nameDuration
Owner and Senior AttorneyBay Area Criminal Lawyers, P.C.1996 - Present
Managing PartnerCohen & Hubachek1992 - 1996
Trial AttorneyFederal Defenders of San Diego, Inc.1989 - 1992
Associations
Association namePosition nameDuration
Criminal Law Advisory Commission to State of California Board of Legal SpecializationChair2018 - Present
Alameda County Bar Association, Criminal Court Appointed Attorneys Program (CAAP)Panel Member2017 - Present
The State Bar of California Board of Legal SpecializationCertified Specialist Criminal Law2010 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember1995 - Present
California Bar Criminal Law SectionMember1995 - Present
Criminal Law Advisory Commission to State of California Board of Legal SpecializationVice Chair2014 - 2018
Publications
Publication nameTitleDate
Scientific Evidence in Criminal CasesForensic Toxicology and the Use of Drug Evidence in the Courtroom2008
Education
School nameDegreeGraduated
University of Chicago Law SchoolJD - Juris Doctor1986
Amherst CollegeBA - Bachelor of Arts1983
Speaking Engagements
Conference nameTitleDate
Spring Networking, 2011Substance Abuse in the Legal Profession2011
Legal cases
Case nameOutcome
Drug and gun conspiracy with alleged gang affiliationSettled for 9 additional years Federal custody with credit for time spent in State custody
In re Extradition of Garcia and Zamora, 890 F. Supp. 914 (S.D. Cal. 1994)
United States v. Stout, 936 F.2d 433 (9th Cir. 1991)

Reviews

(11)
5 Star
91%
4 Star
0%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
9%
Review David Cohen

Fantastic work

Posted by

David and his firm did an unbelievable job for me. I was charges that would have at my age would have landed me in jail for the rest of my life all based upon the lies of my accusers. My case languished for three years with my previous firm, once David and his firm took over things changed for the better as they immediately set out to expose the amazing and unbelievable lies that had been told about me. As a result my entire case was dismissed and I now my life has been returned to me as a result of the hard work and long hours of BACL. Count me a completely satisfied client, David and his firm were always available 24/7 when I wanted to speak with them.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Great Criminal Defense Attorneys!!

Posted by

I just wanted to take a minute to say how impressed I was with the attorneys at Bay Area Criminal Lawyers. I was looking for an experienced criminal defense attorney to help me clear up some criminal issues I have on my record from long ago. I called for their free consultation and spoke with Michael Pellegrini, an associate about my matter. After explaining my whole situation to him, he provided me with some clear and reasonable options in going about my situation, including ones that did not involve retaining an attorney. A lot of other lawyers I have called are just about hiring them and getting a retainer. I really appreciate the attorneys at Bay Area Criminal Lawyers giving me honest feedback-I felt like they cared about me and my situation, not just the money. Also, Mr. pellegrini talked to me for almost an hour, and answered my additional questions when I called back after that. He was very patent, and very knowledgeable. I am in the process of getting funds together to retain them and as soon as I do, I am definitly going with these guys.
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Consulted attorney
David Cohen's response: Thank you for your kind words. We hope we are able to help you in the future.

Top Criminal Attorney!

Posted by

I found Mr Cohen by chance last summer as I was in desperate need of help for my brother. He was placed in CA jails for a crime he supposedly had committed in TX. TX wouldn't let us post bond while in CA and CA wouldn't let us bond him out without TX releasing his warrant! Literally dozens of criminal attorneys, all over the Bay Area, told me I had no hope or chance in getting my brother out. Every single attorney told me he needs to spend weeks, even months in jail and wait to be extradited back to Texas. But then none of them new anything about extradition laws. David told me right away that he could help and that there are laws set to help us. David is a very capable, knowledgable attorney. Not only does he know the Law, but he's a force to be reckoned with in court! In fact,when he walks in a court, you fell like Rocky's on your side! He got my brother out in days! Even the jail he was being held out was surprised. They told us they had never had this before where someone was released during extradition. His fees were very reasonable and fair. Honestly, I feel like lesser attorneys charge higher than David. He's associate attorney Cherie was also extremely helpful and knowledgeable. She was sweet, responsive and always there when we needed her. We do not know what we would have done without them. Highly recommend!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney
David Cohen's response: Thank you for your recommendation! We are glad we could be of service to you and your brother.

Highly Recommend..

Posted by

I highly recommend Bay Area Criminal Lawyers (David and Cherie) for these simple reasons. These two are extremely intelligent and have an enormous amount of pride and passion in their work. They not only want to do well for their clients, but they want to do well for themselves. They truly have the gift to step outside the box and analyze any situation. David and Cherie have the drive to achieve the highest level of success and will go above and beyond to provide outstanding results.

a good friend in time of need

Posted by

As a physician wrongly accused of a serious offense, I asked my local attorney for the best San Francisco had to offer. Thankfully, he referred me to Mr. Cohen. Mr Cohen, his investigator, and his excellent associate, Ms. Beasley, provided stellar legal assistance. Excellent support staff, and a zealous defense of my innocence left me vindicated. 5 stars.

Legal defense

Posted by

David and his colleagues defended a few legal charges against my son, including vehicular incidents, as well as a felony assault charge. ALL, successfully

David Cohen give me my life back

Posted by

David Cohen give me my life back I will always appreciate to in rest my life I never forgot his faver and his legal service to my case now I am free man thx David to u did very hard work to my case

Would highly recommend!

Posted by

David and Jason asked the right questions when I spoke to him on the phone for the first time. I had interviewed others who didn't seem interested, or didn't seem to ask the pertinent questions for the specific purpose I was calling about. David responded immediately. They are expensive but if you want the job done, they are able to do it. Not afraid to ruffle feathers in court to get help for their clients.

A HUGE Thanks to David and His Team!

Posted by

David Cohen is a quality defense lawyer that is consistently looking out for your best interest. I can personally attest to this fact, as I was charged with three felonies while I was on Federal probation. The favorable result was a misdemeanor that would not affect my Fed probation (ends in July 11), career and livelihood. That was my PRIORITY when I first met with David as I told him that I'm putting my future in his hands. If your life gets turned upside down by our justice system give David a call for a responsive, tenacious defense that will yield realistic results that you can live with. Thank you David.

I am real!! David is One of the best Lawyers I've ever worked with!

Posted by

David is freaking perfect!! O just kidding no one is perfect. David and his crew will take care of you! Like I said I am a real person that made a stupid mistake and I went through a bunch of Lawyers to find the right one! When I Called David's Office I told them a short version of my story then she asked me to hold on and next thing I knew David was on his cell phone with us! Its all history from there. They set out to do their job for me and never called to tell me that they couldn't do something they always called me with a way to get the job done, despited any road blocks that the courts came up with! Between David and his associates they put up with my crazy days of me freaking out sometimes. They got done what every other Lawyer was too chicken to get done! He gave me my FREEDOM BACK!!! THANKS!!
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Attorney endorsements

(10)
Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

Jeffrey Hammerschmidt, Criminal defense Attorney on Feb 20, 2019
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. Jonathan and I served for three years on the Criminal Law Advisory Commission for the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization. He impressed me with his legal knowledge and his passion for excellent representation of his clients.

Jaime Longoria, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 30, 2015
Relationship: Worked for lawyer

David Cohen is one of the top criminal defense attorneys in California. I highly recommend hiring his firm for both state and federal cases.

Michael Waddington, Criminal defense Attorney on May 25, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse David. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community.

Charles Small, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 30, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Sidney Hollar, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 30, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

David is brilliant, experienced, fearless and totally committed to defending his clients. I worked with him on one case and have known him personally and professionally for many years. Whenever a friend or colleague needs a referral for a criminal defense attorney in state or federal court, I always recommend that they contact David.

Brian Berson, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 29, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. David is smart, thorough and dedicated to his clients. That's why he gets good results.

Martin Sabelli, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 23, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

David is an extremely able, knowledgeable, experienced, and dedicated advocate who obtains top-notch results for his client. He ensures that his clients are treated fairly throughout an often difficult process whether in state or federal court.

Eloy Trujillo, Criminal defense Attorney on May 8, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer's work.

Daniel Flores, Criminal defense Attorney on Feb 9, 2010
Relationship: Worked together on matter

David J. Cohen is an intelligent and relentless trial attorney. I've had the privilege of working with and trying two cases with Cohen. He achieves great results by knowing the law better than his opponents and proving by his actions that he will not back down.

Robert Lawrence, Criminal defense Attorney on Feb 2, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

In a town full of smart, hard-working attorneys, David stands out as one of the smartest, hardest-working attorneys I know. He is in the office early, out of it late, and is a ceaseless advocate for his clients. He and the attorneys he employs turn out work that I would be happy to put my name on. In the last several years that I have known him, David has successfully argued a number of federal appeals in New York and California, and tried a baker's dozen of long and difficult jury trials. David has a unique and very effective delivery style, which draws people around him to listen more and more closely the more they hear him speak. As a speaker and advocate, he has what you can't teach: presence. Not many lawyers outside of those on TV (i.e., actors) really have it, but he does. I can't recommend David highly enough -- he is on the very short list of people I would call if I were arrested and charged with a felony.

Cost

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    • Free Consultation Some lawyers offer a free consultation to help determine whether their services are right for your legal needs60 minutes