Dog Liability Defense for Dog Owners Throughout Massachusetts and the United States
The dog defense practice is premised on procedural due process for dog owners. A fundamental American principle is that the accused must be afforded the right to be heard and the right to confront witnesses. Many local government decision makers make sure this does not happen, which is why it is best to get an attorney involved.
Cohen & Associates, P.C., has developed a specific practice of defending dog cases nationwide over the last several years. Salem dog liability defense lawyer Jeremy M. Cohen has handled cases in several cities and towns in Massachusetts and has been retained as a consultant in cases in Iowa, Tennessee and North Carolina. Contact our Massachusetts law firm to learn how Attorney Cohen can be of service in your dog defense case.
Procedural Due Process Rights for Dog Owners and Their Dogs
There has been an overwhelming failure to provide due process to dog owners in animal control ordinances prior to government authorities removing or euthanizing their dogs. This is troublesome because animals are still considered property in all legal jurisdictions. Due process, whether rooted in the federal or state constitutions, extends to life, liberty and property, and thus should extend to any action that may be taken against your dog.
Procedural due process is based on the concept of fairness. It includes an individual's right to be adequately notified of charges or proceedings involving him, and the opportunity to be heard at these proceedings. In criminal cases, fair procedures help to ensure that an accused person will not be subjected to cruel and unusual punishment, which occurs when an innocent person is wrongly convicted. Dog liability defense attorney Jeremy Cohen subscribes to the notion, not widely supported yet, that dogs are entitled to these rights of fairness of process. His arguments sometimes involve the demand for due process prior to animal control authorities removing or euthanizing your dog.
Free Initial Consultation With an Experienced Massachusetts Dog Defense Attorney
Often owners are ordered to put their dogs down because of an alleged biting or trespassing incident. Attorney Cohen has been able to successfully challenge these orders in many instances. In becoming educated about theories of dog attacks, he has learned breed-specific behavioral triggers and developed a nationwide network of experts that assist in his defense cases.
Contact our Salem law office online or call us at 978-338-4236 or toll-free at 866-606-0238 to learn more about our experience and how we can help you.
