
Let’s Get to Work Fighting for You
A former prosecutor, now a five star defense attorney, bringing the skills to help clients avoid and defeat criminal charges.
Contact us today for a free consultation:
-
Arrested? Under Investigation?
Learn how we can intervene before charges are filed to protect you from self-incrimination and possibly avoid charges altogether.
-
Facing Filed Charges?
See how we build strong defense strategies, challenge the prosecution’s case, and fight to reduce or dismiss charges.
-
Don’t know what to expect?
Find out the answers during your free consultation; see how a consultation can help you understand and put your mind at ease.
-
How does representation work?
See how we protect and advocate for you at every stage of the process.
Sacramento Criminal Defense Attorney
Ryan J. Couzens | Former Prosecutor Turned Defender
When facing criminal charges in Sacramento, you need more than just any attorney, you need a strategic defender who understands both sides of the courtroom. Attorney Ryan J. Couzens brings 16 years of prosecutorial experience as a former Assistant Chief Deputy District Attorney, now exclusively dedicated to protecting your rights and freedom. From pre-filing intervention to jury trials, our firm provides aggressive, informed defense strategies backed by insider knowledge of how prosecutors build their cases, and more importantly, how to dismantle them.
16 Years
Prosecutorial Experience
48+ Trials
Jury Trials to Verdict
2x Winner
Attorney of the Year
5-Star
Defense Attorney
CASES WE HANDLE
Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
A DUI or DWI charge in Sacramento, California, carries serious penalties, from license suspension and hefty fines to potential jail time. With former Prosecutor of the Year Ryan J. Couzens, you gain an attorney with extensive experience in DUI cases and jury trials.
It is critical to act quickly, as you have only 10 days from your arrest to request a DMV hearing and protect your driving privileges. We offer comprehensive defense strategies, including challenging traffic stops, Field Sobriety Tests, and breath/blood test procedures, and we handle both the DMV hearing and the criminal court case at no additional cost.
Domestic Violence Defense
Facing domestic violence charges in Sacramento can have profound and lasting consequences, impacting your freedom, record, professional licenses, and even child custody. Attorney Ryan J. Couzens brings unparalleled insight to these cases, having exclusively prosecuted domestic violence cases. He understands the unique evidentiary rules, sentencing dynamics, and witness complexities involved.
We build robust defense strategies, including self-defense, challenging false allegations, highlighting lack of evidence, and addressing constitutional rights violations. It's crucial to remember that only the District Attorney can drop charges, making early intervention by an experienced attorney absolutely critical.
Drug Crime Defense
Drug charges in Sacramento, California, can lead to severe penalties, ranging from significant fines and probation to extensive state prison time. Attorney Ryan J. Couzens, having prosecuted over a hundred drug cases, offers unique insights into the technical complexities of these cases, including issues with searches, informants, and expert testimony.
We defend against a wide range of drug charges, such as possession, possession for sale, transportation, cultivation, and manufacturing of controlled substances. Our defense strategies meticulously examine every aspect of your case, challenging unlawful traffic stops, warrantless searches, illegal surveillance, entrapment, and other constitutional violations. We also explore alternative sentencing programs that prioritize treatment and rehabilitation, such as Pre-Trial Diversion, Deferred Entry of Judgment (DEJ), and Drug Court Programs.
Felony Defense
Felony charges in Sacramento, CA, carry potentially life-altering consequences, including state prison sentences, the loss of fundamental civil rights, and professional license revocation. Early legal intervention is absolutely critical when facing such serious accusations.
We provide aggressive defense for a wide range of felony charges, including violent crimes, property crimes, drug-related offenses, vehicle-related felonies, crimes against persons, and more. Our strategic felony defense approaches include challenging lack of evidence, addressing constitutional violations, proving mistaken identity, establishing self-defense or defense of others, and combating false accusations. We also explore mental health defenses, entrapment, lack of criminal intent, alibi defenses, plea bargaining, and alternative sentencing options to protect your future.
Misdemeanor Defense
Even though they are often considered less severe than felonies, misdemeanor charges in Sacramento, California, can still lead to significant, life-altering consequences. We approach every misdemeanor case with the utmost urgency and dedication.
Common misdemeanor offenses we defend include theft-related crimes like petty theft and shoplifting, assault and public order offenses such as simple battery and public intoxication, driving offenses like driving without a license, and various drug offenses. A misdemeanor conviction can result in up to one year in county jail, substantial fines, informal probation, mandatory classes, community service, and impact your professional licenses, firearms rights, immigration status, and future employment opportunities. We work diligently to mitigate these potential consequences and protect your record.
Your best defense starts now. Explore how Couzens Criminal Defense fights for clients—contact us today for a free consultation.
If you’re facing criminal charges or under investigation, every decision you make matters—and the first step to protecting your future is choosing the right attorney. At Couzens Criminal Defense, we bring decades of experience, insider knowledge of prosecution strategies, and an aggressive, strategic approach to every case. Whether you’re under investigation, recently arrested, or preparing for trial, we fight for your rights at every stage of the criminal process.
By clicking “SEND” I understand and agree that Couzens Criminal Defense's review of the information I am providing with this form will not create an attorney-client relationship. Nor will the sending of the form prevent the firm from representing another client, including one who is directly adverse to me. I also understand and agree that the communication itself is not a privileged, confidential communication that is entitled to protection as an attorney-client communication. Please view our privacy policy page for information on our data collection and use practices.