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Stephen G. Cobb
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Stephen G. Cobb
Cobb Criminal Defense Law Firm
P.O. Box 1460
Crestview, FL 32536
Phone: (850) 244-1625 | Fax: (850) 244-1626
http://www.cobblawfirm.com
Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa & Walton Counties
Legal Topic
Criminal Defense
Preferred New Clients
Florida state criminal law cases, especially first offender cases.
Sub-Categories
Criminal Defense
- Aiding, Abetting, Accessory, Conspiracy
- Appeals
- Capital Crimes/Capital Cases
- Environmental Violations
- Felonies
- Grand Jury Proceedings
- Juvenile Crimes
- False Identification
- Truancy
- Misdemeanors
- Parole
- Probation
- Perjury
- Plea Negotiation
- Victims' Rights
- Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transsexual, Transgender (LGBT) Rights
- Animal Abuse
- Child Abuse
- Domestic Violence
- Elder Abuse
- DUI
- Felony Auto Accidents
- Parking Tickets & Towing
- Traffic - Moving Violations
- Open Container
- Driving with a Suspended License
- Driving without a License
- DWI
- Hacking
- Malicious Code
- Unauthorized Access
- Expungement or Expunction
- Drug Cultivation & Manufacturing
- Drug Possession
- Intent to Distribute Drugs
- Intent to Sell Drugs
- Medical Marijuana
- Constitutional Rights Defense
- Illegal Possession or Transportation
- Other Weapons & Devices
- Bank Fraud
- Checks & Credit Cards
- Corporate Espionage & Sabotage
- Embezzlement
- Extortion
- Forgery
- Identity Theft
- Insider Trading
- Insurance Claims
- Money Laundering
- Public Offerings
- Racketeering & RICO
- Securities Fraud
- Smuggling
- Tax Evasion & Fraud
- Trade Secrets
- Wire Transfer
- Arson
- Burglary
- Embezzlement
- Larceny
- Shoplifting
- Theft
- Trespass
- Vandalism
- Abduction
- Child Abuse
- Child Pornography
- Indecent Exposure
- Prostitution, Solicitation, & Pandering
- Rape
- Sexual Assault
- Stalking
- Trafficking in Women
- Assault & Battery
- Domestic Violence
- Extortion
- Kidnapping
- Manslaughter
- Murder
- Robbery
Bar Admissions
FL, Dec 1989
Bar Number: 0835171
Other Court Admissions
All Florida State Courts.
Association Memberships
Florida Bar, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers Okaloosa - Walton Chapter (Past President).
Continuing Education
As a dedicated lifelong learner, I attend advanced seminars in the fields of criminal law and the hard sciences, such as advanced medical neuroimaging. I have also taught at the university level and currently produce a television program about how to solve the problem of crime itself.
Papers and Publications
The Future of Criminal Law: The use of SPECT neuroimaging in criminal law to solve the social problem of crime.
Example Cases
Capital Sexual Battery on a Child under the Age of Twelve (12): Not Guilty after a trial by jury.
Quadruple Homicide - Murder in the First Degree: Guilty after a trial by jury and sentenced to death. Listening to your lawyer is probably a good idea.
Education
Degree:
Juris Doctorate, Law
School:
Florida State University
City:
Tallahassee
State:
FL
Year:
1989
Honors:
Book Award for highest grade in Comparative Law, Selected for internship with the Florida House of Representatives, and the first student to take a notebook computer to classes.
Focus and Accomplishments:
Honors Moot Court program.
Degree:
Bachelor of Arts
School:
University of Missouri
City:
Columbia
State:
MO
Year:
1985
Honors:
Dean's List.
Focus and Accomplishments:
Selected for full year abroad and finished senior year at the Victoria University of Manchester, England. Studied History and International Law.
Degree:
Associate of Science (two separate degrees), Computer Technology and Electronics Technology
School:
Pensacola Junior College
City:
Pensacola
State:
FL
Year:
1982
Focus and Accomplishments:
Chief Magistrate of Traffic Appeals Court.
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
Florida
Firm Focus and History
In addition to his expertise in the courtroom, Cobb Criminal Defense Law Firm founder Stephen G. Cobb is a pioneer in the field of multi-disciplinary team strategies.
After seven (7) years spent refining his skill in criminal law as an Assistant Public Defender, Attorney Stephen G. Cobb went into private practice on October 1, 1997. Now, Cobb Criminal Defense Law Firm handles criminal defense cases statewide, and is often called upon to lead legal teams both large and small. Technologically, Cobb Criminal Defense Law Firm is one of the most advanced law firms in the world.
Previous Employment Summary
Mr. Cobb began his criminal defense career on July 2, 1990 in Pensacola, Florida, his hometown, with the Office of the Public Defender. He was rapidly promoted and then transferred to the Okaloosa County branch office.
Activities and Awards
Founder, Free Ride Home New Year's Eve DUI Prevention Program
Founder, Florida Criminal Law (Television Show, Newsletter and Blog)
Founding President, Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers Okaloosa ? Walton Chapter
Founder and Creator of the Cobb Protocol for solving the problem of crime using proper psychological, psychiatric and legal diagnostic, evaluation and treatment solutions.
NOTE: A strong critic of the "SuperLawyer" and "AV-Rating" systems, Mr. Cobb believes that when comes to legal expertise, "[a] lawyer is either Board Certified or not."
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
Our firm requires clients to educate themselves, not only about the law, but also about how to help your lawyer help you. The first way clients and their families can help themselves is to use the support materials on our book and CD list: How you think and how you feel is the most important thing you can focus upon. Most people fail to understand how critical this can be. A well rested, confident client sounds convincing when testifying and looks good when not testifying. A stressed out, upset and panicked client sounds untrustworthy and looks like they have something to hide. This cannot be overemphasized.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
Cobb Criminal Defense Law Firm clients are expected to review case discovery documents, prepare reports, and tell us what happened in writing. We require a report about the incident prepared over a four (4) day time period, a list of personal accolades, witness information and other information. Criminal cases are very serious and we must be completely prepared for court.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
No: I would no more coach a self representing client than a surgeon would coach a patient about to self-perform heart surgery.
You make a mistake in criminal court, you do not simply lose money - someone goes to jail.
The worst time to "DIY" is in First Offender cases: The prosecutors are very skilled at getting "Do It Yourselfers" to take plea "bargains" that have lifetime consequences. A prime example of this is Minor In Possession of Alcohol: The defendant thinks that they achieved a great outcome without a lawyer's expense, then finds out that every prospective employer runs a background check, finds the MIP charge (no, it was not "just a fine like a ticket"), and then concludes the prospective employee lied about their criminal history.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
This question is not important. Such a question should not influence you in your decision to hire an attorney because it has nothing to do with a lawyer's skill, ability, or experience. While the answers to such questions may be interesting, they have a tendency to cause clients to focus on the unimportant at the expense of important things. In criminal trial law, one must always major in major things. And never major in minor things.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
This question is not important. Such a question should not influence you in your decision to hire an attorney because it has nothing to do with a lawyer's skill, ability, or experience. While the answers to such questions may be interesting, they have a tendency to cause clients to focus on the unimportant at the expense of important things. In criminal trial law, one must always major in major things. And never major in minor things.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
I needed a job that would give me experience, and discovered that I actually liked it a great deal. When I discovered the hidden secret as to why people get into legal trouble over and over again, I found a problem that was interesting to solve - a problem most people think cannot be solved. However, the problem of crime has not been solved by harsh punishments, and cannot be solved without effective scientific analysis, effective intervention and patient/defendant compliance measures.
What do you like best about your career?
Helping people.
And there is always trial - in 2009, I had three (3) trials before the third month of the year was completed, all of the Not Guilty verdicts.
Tell us about your law firm:
I am a sole practitioner who assembles multi-disciplinary legal teams, large and small, as needed. I abandoned the traditional law firm model years ago because I focus solely on criminal law. There is no opportunity to cross sell and up sell in a one practice area law firm. I am the strategist in the firm, my assistant Janice is the comfort. She is the first point of contact, and my most important advisor.
What are your strengths and style?
Strategy: First, middle and last.
Tactics: How you carry out the strategy; the execution of a sound game plan.
You may want a hand holder, but you need a strategist.
Personal Interests:
I enjoy almost any sport that I can play, and believe that a lawyer should be both physically and mentally fit if they are going to represent people in a court of law. I run, bike, play basketball, read, play chess, bowl, snowboard, hike, and do a number of different activities to stay sharp.
Office Manager/Assistant
Janice Richardson.
Fax
(850) 244-1626
Office Hours
By appointment.
Additional Phone Numbers
Crestview and Walton County: (850) 423-0035
Shalimar: (850) 651-6565
Destin, Fort Walton Beach and Niceville: (850) 244-1625
Pensacola and Milton: (850) 477-6166, TOLL FREE (866) 651-6565
Emergency After Hours
No
Foreign Languages
French.
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
Cobb Criminal Defense Law Firm uses fixed-priced fees and does not use hourly fee rates.
Traditionally, most law firms have used "retainer" agreements where a client puts a certain amount of money into a client trust fund account. Next, the lawyer bills an hourly rate against the amount deposited. When the money runs out, the client refills the trust fund account or the lawyer closes the file.
This file closure is not allowed in criminal cases, so many lawyers offer "teaser" fees that increase over time - with either hourly rates or "payment plans."
Payment Plans are something to avoid: Lawyers and law firms who use them often have more clients than they should be handling at one time. A lawyer and a law firm only has a certain number of hours they can physically work each day - and those who take payment plans seem to have an unlimited number of clients. Cheap Legal Fees = Cheap Service or No Service.
Payment Plans and hourly fees can create an out of control legal expense that reduces service and creates great resentment.
NOTE for Initial Consultations: There is one exception to our initial consultations: Underage Drinking/Minor in Possession of alcohol cases - there is a $250 fee for a consultation effective July 1, 2009. The reason? We are not going to waste our time with young people who are not going to hire us anyway because their "friend had the same charge and the friend said..." These people usually handle their cases on their own, have their driver's license suspended and are unaware (until an employer does a background check) that they have a criminal conviction. The $250 consultation fee is applied towards the representation fee if our firm is retained.
Hourly Rates
Not applicable.
Free Initial Consultation?
Our firm uses a two part consultation - Part I is an investigative interview that takes about twenty to forty minutes. Part II is a free initial consultation that may take up to an hour.
Typical Retainer
Case fees vary.
Nolo's Licensing Check
Attorneys have passed a licensing check. Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the applicable bar associations upon joining the directory.
Directory lawyers are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any bar association.
