Q
ueens Criminal Defense Attorney Jeffrey D. Cohen says, Thanksgiving is here—a time for gathering around the table, carving up a turkey, and reflecting on everything we have to be grateful for. From my office here in Queens, where the hum of the city never really slows, Thanksgiving always feels like a moment to pause, take a deep breath, and appreciate the good in our lives.
For me, Jeffrey D. Cohen, a criminal defense attorney in the heart of Queens, Thanksgiving isn’t just about cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie (though I’d never say no to a second helping). It’s about people—our families, friends, and yes, even the clients who keep my days interesting and my brain sharp.
In the spirit of Thanksgiving, let’s talk about gratitude, second chances, and the unexpected lessons we can learn from the courtroom and beyond.
The Gratitude in Second Chances
If there’s one thing I’ve learned as a criminal defense attorney, it’s this: life doesn’t always go as planned. People make mistakes. They stumble, fall, and sometimes find themselves in situations they never imagined. My job is to step in during those moments, not with judgment, but with compassion and a commitment to helping my clients find their way forward.
And here’s the thing about second chances—they’re something to be thankful for. Every time a case ends with a client walking out of court with a clean slate or a chance to rebuild, I’m reminded of the power of grace. We’re all human, and we all deserve the opportunity to make things right, no matter where we’ve been.
So this Thanksgiving, I’m grateful for the moments when the system gets it right—when it gives people the chance to turn things around. Because, at the end of the day, isn’t that what the holiday is all about? Reflecting on the past, embracing the present, and believing in the future?
Gratitude for the People Who Keep Us Going
Thanksgiving wouldn’t be complete without acknowledging the people who make it special. For me, that includes my family, friends, colleagues, with a special thanks being given to the hardworking clerks and staff of the court, the deputies, corrections officers, and honorable judges who uphold our justice system.
And then there are my clients who trust me to stand by their side during some of the toughest moments of their lives. I’ve sat across the table from people who were scared, confused, and convinced their lives were over, and I’ve had the privilege of watching those same people leave my office with hope in their eyes and a plan for the future. That trust—knowing someone believes in me to fight for their rights—is something I will always cherish and never take for granted.
Queens: A Community Worth Celebrating
Let’s talk about Queens for a moment. This borough is a lot like Thanksgiving itself—diverse, vibrant, and full of surprises. From the bustling streets of Flushing to the quiet neighborhoods of Bayside, Queens is a place where people from all walks of life come together.
As a criminal defense attorney, I’ve seen firsthand the strength of this community. I’ve seen families rally around loved ones, neighbors step up to offer support, and people fight for justice, even when the odds were stacked against them. Queens is more than just where I work—it’s my home. And this Thanksgiving, I’m thankful for the resilience and spirit of the people who make this borough so special.
A Thanksgiving Message
As you gather around your table this Thanksgiving, here’s my wish for you: may your turkey be perfectly roasted, your sides plentiful, and your pie slices generous. But more importantly, may your heart be full of gratitude for the people and moments that make life meaningful.
And if you’re ever in a situation where the stakes are high and the road ahead feels uncertain, know this: you have someone in Queens who believes in second chances, who sees the humanity in everyone, and who’s here to help.
From my family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving! May your day be filled with love, laughter, and maybe a little too much stuffing.
