
Matthew Cohen, Criminal Defense Attorney in Los Angeles, California
Over 28 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense, Drug Crimes, and DUI/DWI · 4.9/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews
AttorneyatLaw Offices of Daniel R. Perlman
Los Angeles, CA
Practicing criminal defense in Los Angeles since 1998.
- 28+
- Years practicing
- 4.9 ★
- 2 client reviews
- 1
- Bar admission
Are you Matthew Cohen?
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Quick answer
Matthew Cohen is an attorney based in Los Angeles, CA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Drug Crimes, and DUI/DWI. Matthew has over 28 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Law Offices of Daniel R. Perlman. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
- Based in
- Los Angeles, CA
- Experience
- over 28 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense · Drug Crimes · DUI/DWI
- Handles Criminal Defense, Drug Crimes, and DUI/DWI matters from Los Angeles, CA.
- Over 28 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with Peer Reviewed.
About Matthew Cohen: Matthew Cohen is an attorney based in Los Angeles, CA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Drug Crimes, and DUI/DWI. Matthew has over 28 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Law Offices of Daniel R. Perlman. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Matthew Cohen
Matthew concentrates on criminal defense, drug crimes, dui/dwi, dv protection, and general. Each area below outlines the kind of case Matthew handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense
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Drug Crimes
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DUI/DWI
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DV Protection
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General
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Sex Crimes
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Violent Crimes
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Criminal Defense cases in Los Angeles, California
Matthew takes criminal defense matters in Los Angeles, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Matthew agrees to represent you.
Drug Crimes cases in Los Angeles, California
Matthew takes drug crimes matters in Los Angeles, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Matthew agrees to represent you.
DUI/DWI cases in Los Angeles, California
Matthew takes dui/dwi matters in Los Angeles, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Matthew agrees to represent you.
DV Protection cases in Los Angeles, California
Matthew takes dv protection matters in Los Angeles, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Matthew agrees to represent you.
General cases in Los Angeles, California
Matthew takes general matters in Los Angeles, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Matthew agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Matthew Cohen — Over 28 years of California criminal defense experience
Matthew Cohen is an attorney based in Los Angeles, CA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Drug Crimes, and DUI/DWI. Matthew has over 28 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Law Offices of Daniel R. Perlman. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
Matthew Cohen is a top rated criminal defense attorney in Los Angeles, CA. He offers a risk free consultation to anyone facing criminal charges.
No one expects to face charges for a serious criminal offense like DUI or domestic violence, but if you do find yourself in this difficult situation, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney in your corner, fighting for your rights and ensuring that you get the best possible result in your case. Matthew Cohen of Los Angeles Criminal Attorneys is a top-rated DUI and criminal defense attorney with more than a decade of experience representing clients in courts throughout Southern California.
During his tenure as a criminal defense lawyer, Matthew has represented thousands of defendants in both misdemeanor and felony cases and has earned a reputation as a compassionate, fair, and tenacious legal advocate. To learn more about your legal options when facing criminal charges in Los Angeles, or to hire Matthew Cohen to represent you in your DUI or criminal case, contact our legal team at Los Angeles Criminal Attorneys today.
About Attorney Matthew Cohen
Matthew Cohen is a top-rated defense attorney specializing in DUI and criminal defense cases in Los Angeles and the surrounding areas. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Binghamton University in New York, and his law degree from Pepperdine University in Malibu, California. He currently resides in the La Crescenta area with his family.
When Matthew Cohen got his start, his specialty was intellectual property law. During the early part of his legal career, he gained a valuable understanding of the enormous barriers criminal defendants face in protecting their legal rights and getting a fair trial, and he shifted his focus to criminal defense. Matthew prides himself on finding creative solutions for clients charged with offenses like DUI or domestic violence and advocating for alternatives to incarceration whenever possible.
Some criminal cases can take a great deal of time to resolve, depending on the circumstances. Matthew Cohen has dedicated his legal practice to representing defendants in DUI and criminal cases throughout Southern California, where he has cultivated solid relationships with prosecutors and judges alike. When you hire Matthew Cohen to represent you, he will stand by your side every step of the way and help guide your case to a reasonable resolution as quickly as possible.
Criminal Cases We Handle
Being arrested or charged with a crime like domestic violence or drunk driving can be frightening, especially when you consider the potential consequences you could face if you are convicted. Even first offenses can carry harsh penalties like jail time, heavy fines, and probation, and these penalties can add up quickly and follow you for years to come. With the help of the seasoned defense attorneys at Los Angeles Criminal Attorneys, you may be able to get your criminal charges reduced or dismissed altogether.
DUI
A DUI charge means you were found to be driving with alcohol or other substances in your system. Such a charge carries both criminal consequences and administrative consequences that involve the DMV, and if you have been charged or arrested for a DUI in Los Angeles, you could incur harsh penalties under California law. Even a first misdemeanor DUI offense carries significant fines and a term of up to six months in jail, plus a license suspension and mandatory DUI classes, even if no one gets hurt. And the consequences of a conviction are increasingly severe for second and subsequent offenses or felony DUIs. With a reputable DUI defense attorney like Matthew Cohen on your side, you can significantly improve your chances of beating your DUI charge.
Domestic Violence
Each U.S. state has its own domestic violence laws and penalties for a conviction. In California, domestic violence is a criminal offense occurring when one person abuses or threatens abuse against a spouse, intimate partner, co-parent, or someone closely related to them by blood or marriage. This type of abuse is punished harshly in California, and even unfounded allegations of domestic violence can have lasting effects on your personal and professional life. Many people don’t realize that the prosecutor’s office can pursue criminal charges for a domestic violence incident even if the alleged victim changes his or her mind or does not wish to “press charges.” If you have been accused of domestic violence, it may seem like the end of the world, but all is not lost. You deserve competent legal representation and Matthew Cohen can help you fight your felony or misdemeanor domestic violence charges.
Why Choose Los Angeles Criminal Attorneys?
Criminal charges can greatly impact your future, your freedom, and your record, and if you have been accused of a crime, it can be difficult to know where to turn for qualified legal help. A good place to start is hiring a criminal defense attorney with experience handling felony and misdemeanor cases in California, one who can ensure that you understand the charges you are facing, the potential penalties associated with a conviction, and the best course of action based on your specific circumstances.
Matthew Cohen has extensive experience representing clients in all matters related to DUI and criminal defense, as does Daniel Perlman, another skilled and aggressive criminal defense attorney committed to protecting the rights of criminal defendants in Los Angeles and throughout Southern California.
When you choose Los Angeles Criminal Attorneys, you can feel confident that your case is in the hands of aggressive and reliable attorneys who will work diligently to help you get your life back.
Matthew's approach to criminal defense cases
Matthew Cohen is a top rated criminal defense attorney in Los Angeles, CA. He offers a risk free consultation to anyone facing criminal charges. No one expects to face charges for a serious criminal offense like DUI or domestic violence, but if you do find yourself in this difficult situation, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney in your corner, fighting for your rights and ensuring…
Clients Matthew works with
Matthew reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, drug crimes, and dui/dwi matters in Los Angeles and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Matthew Cohen's legal education and bar admissions
Pepperdine University School of Law
J.D. · 1998
State University of New York at Binghamton
B.S.M.E. · 1995
Jurisdictions
Matthew's state bar admissions
California registere
1998 · ACTIVE
Matthew studied at J.D. in Pepperdine University School of Law and B.S.M.E. in State University of New York at Binghamton.
Law school and academic background
Matthew completed J.D. in Pepperdine University School of Law and B.S.M.E. in State University of New York at Binghamton. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Matthew runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Matthew Cohen
Matthew has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Peer Reviewed
Legal awards and honors
Peer Reviewed.
Locations
Matthew Cohen's office in Los Angeles
Matthew's primary office is at 1601 Vine Street, Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90028. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Law Offices of Daniel R. Perlman
1601 Vine Street, Suite 747
Los Angeles, CA 90028
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Matthew Cohen — 4.9/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of Matthew. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing criminal defense attorneys in Los Angeles.
4.9
2 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Matthew Cohen claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Matthew Cohen — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new criminal defense attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Matthew usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Matthew charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Matthew's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Matthew will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Los Angeles, California
A short list to run through before you commit: How many criminal defense matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Matthew
Matthew discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in criminal defense practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every criminal defense matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Matthew confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Matthew's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many criminal defense practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Matthew Cohen
How much does it cost to hire Matthew for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Matthew walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Matthew offer a free consultation?
Matthew charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Matthew's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Matthew's current terms during booking.
How long do criminal defense cases in California typically take?
Simple criminal defense matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Matthew gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Matthew take my case if I'm outside Los Angeles?
Matthew is licensed in California. Matters governed by California law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Matthew will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Matthew?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Matthew will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Matthew accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
Matthew's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Criminal Defense attorneys serving Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego in California
Matthew handles criminal defense matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified criminal defense attorneys in that community.
- Los Angeles39,975 attorneys
- San Francisco26,380 attorneys
- San Diego16,903 attorneys
- Sacramento10,561 attorneys
- Irvine6,831 attorneys
- Oakland5,709 attorneys
- San Jose5,009 attorneys
- Palo Alto4,084 attorneys
- Beverly Hills3,348 attorneys
- Newport Beach3,106 attorneys
- Pasadena2,894 attorneys
- Santa Monica2,756 attorneys
More counsel
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If Matthew's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these criminal defense attorneys in Los Angeles handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.




