Arrested? Under Investigation in Rio Linda?
Contact us today for a free consultation to protect your rights and your future.
Rio Linda Criminal Defense Attorney
Ryan J. Couzens | Former Prosecutor Turned Defender
When facing criminal charges in Rio Linda, 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.
Call (916) 603-2000 Contact Us by Email16 Years
Prosecutorial Experience
48+ Trials
Jury Trials to Verdict
2x Winner
Attorney of the Year
5-Star
Defense Attorney
Education and Experience
Attorney Ryan J. Couzens brings a wealth of experience to his criminal defense practice, cultivated over 16 years as a prosecutor in the Yolo County District Attorney's Office. As an Assistant Chief Deputy District Attorney, he oversaw felony trial teams, the Case Charging Unit, and the Major Crimes Unit, gaining invaluable insight into prosecution strategies.
His extensive background includes trying 46 jury trials, encompassing cases such as homicides, drug conspiracies, domestic violence, DUIs, and robberies. His effectiveness and dedication were recognized by his colleagues, who twice voted him Attorney of the Year.
Educational Background:
Juris Doctor from UC Berkeley's prestigious Boalt Hall (2001)
Extern-clerked for the California Supreme Court
Federal clerkship in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California
American Jurisprudence Award in Criminal Law at McGeorge School of Law
B.S. in Information Systems Management from University of Maryland
Five years of service in the United States Navy
Notable Contributions: Ryan has actively contributed to legal reform, authoring Penal Code sections 13370 (Justice Data Accountability and Transparency Act) and 741 (requiring race-blind charging), and contributing to the guide for the State's Mental Health Diversion program.
Before specializing in criminal law, Ryan practiced civil litigation for four years at prominent firms including Latham & Watkins LLP and Murphy Austin Adams Schoenfeld LLP, representing major clients such as the City of San Diego, Chevron, and the National Football League.
How We Work
Pre-filing Representation
Pre-Filing Representation: A Proactive Defense Strategy
If you suspect you're under investigation in Rio Linda, CA, the period before formal charges are filed - known as the pre-filing stage - is a critical window to protect your future. As Attorney Ryan J. Couzens emphasizes, "The best time to try to get a DA to not pursue a case is before that case is charged - before the DA has committed to a course."
Critical Timing: If police want to question you, contact us immediately at (916) 603-2000. Every word you say can be used to build a case against you.
How Pre-Filing Representation Works:
Managing interactions with law enforcement: When under investigation, police may attempt to question you, and without legal guidance, you could inadvertently strengthen the case against yourself or even face new charges.
Engaging with prosecutors before charges: It's far easier to persuade a prosecutor not to file charges before they've made a public commitment to do so.
The Benefits of Early Intervention:
Case Assessment & Early Defense Strategy
Handling Police & Prosecutor Communications
Preventing Charges From Being Filed
Negotiating Alternatives to Prosecution
Protecting Your Rights & Preserving Evidence
Preparing for Possible Charges
Under Investigation? Don't Wait - Contact Us Now
Phone: (916) 603-2000 | Email: ryan@couzenslaw.com
Comprehensive Legal Defense
Comprehensive Defense Strategy
Couzens Criminal Defense approaches every case with a meticulous examination of the facts, aiming to provide a clear and realistic assessment of the prosecution's position, as well as your individual risk. As Ryan J. Couzens notes, "Case facts cannot be changed, but all sorts of strategies for using those facts can be developed."
Our Defense Strategies Include:
Challenging a lack of proof beyond reasonable doubt
Asserting self-defense or alibi defenses
Demonstrating an accident or lack of criminal intent
Arguing intoxication as a mitigating factor
Proving entrapment by law enforcement
Highlighting insanity/mental health issues for diversion programs
Negotiating rehabilitation programs or community service for dismissals
Building Your Defense - Our Meticulous Approach:
Your Account: Thoroughly understanding your version of events
Witness Statements: Assessing credibility and inconsistencies
Physical Evidence: Evaluating reliability and proper handling
Police Reports & Misconduct: Scrutinizing procedures for errors
Expert Testimony: Utilizing specialists to challenge forensic evidence
Prosecutor's Strategy: Leveraging Ryan's prosecutorial background to anticipate moves
Trial-Ready Representation
With over 48 jury trials to verdict, including complex felony cases such as homicides, drug conspiracies, and DUIs, Attorney Couzens brings unmatched courtroom experience. If a fair resolution cannot be reached, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial and fight aggressively for a "Not Guilty" verdict.
Cases We Handle
Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
Facing a DUI or DWI charge in Rio Linda California can have severe consequences, including license suspension, significant fines, and potential jail time. Attorney Ryan J. Couzens, a former Prosecutor of the Year, offers invaluable insight and expertise, having personally handled numerous DUI cases and jury trials.
Time-Sensitive: You have only 10 days from your arrest to protect your driving privileges by requesting a DMV hearing.
Understanding DUI Charges:
Misdemeanor DUIs: Probation, license suspension, potential jail time
Felony DUIs: State prison sentences up to 3 years (6 years if serious injury caused)
Legal Limits: 0.08% BAC (0.04% commercial drivers, 0.01% under 21)
Comprehensive DUI Defense Strategies:
Challenging unlawful traffic stops
Questioning faulty Field Sobriety Tests (FSTs)
Attacking improper breath test procedures
Rising Blood Alcohol Defense
Challenging cases with no proof of driving
Medical or dietary issues causing false positives
Title 17 regulation violations
Improper officer conduct
Contaminated or mishandled blood samples
Negotiating "wet reckless" reductions
The Two-Part DUI Process: A DUI arrest involves both a DMV hearing (for license suspension) and a criminal court case. We handle both proceedings at no additional cost.
DUI Arrest? Protect Your License and Freedom
Call Now: (916) 603-2000 | Free DUI Consultation: ryan@couzenslaw.com
Domestic Violence Defense
Domestic violence charges in Rio Linda, involving alleged crimes against intimate partners or family members, carry severe consequences. Attorney Ryan J. Couzens, having exclusively prosecuted domestic violence cases, possesses unique expertise in their evidentiary rules, sentencing dynamics, and witness complexities.
Understanding Domestic Violence Charges:
Misdemeanor Domestic Battery (PC § 243(e)(1): Force against intimate partner, no visible injury required
Corporal Injury (PC § 273.5): Intentional physical injury with visible wound
Stalking (PC § 646.9): Repeated harassment causing fear
False Imprisonment (PC § 236): Unlawful restraint
Restraining Order Violation (PC § 273.6): Knowingly violating court orders
Consequences of Conviction:
Substantial jail or prison time
Permanent criminal record
Loss of professional licenses and gun rights
Adverse child custody outcomes
Protective orders lasting up to 10 years
Mandatory 52-week Batterer's Intervention Program
Defense Strategies:
Self-defense or defense of others
False allegations (investigating motives, credibility, inconsistencies)
Lack of evidence
Mutual combat
No intent to harm
Constitutional rights violations
Alibi defenses
Improper police investigation
Plea negotiation or diversion programs
Important: The alleged victim cannot unilaterally drop charges - only the District Attorney makes that decision. Early intervention by an experienced attorney is critical.
Drug Crime Defense
Facing drug charges in Rio Linda California can result in penalties ranging from significant fines and probation to extensive state prison time. Attorney Ryan J. Couzens, with experience prosecuting over a hundred drug cases, possesses unique insights into the technical challenges involving searches, informants, and expert testimony.
Drug Charges We Defend:
Possession of a Controlled Substance (H&S § 11350)
Possession for Sale (H&S § 11351)
Transportation of Controlled Substances (H&S § 11352)
Cultivation of Marijuana (H&S § 11358)
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (H&S § 11364)
Possession with Loaded Firearm (H&S § 11370.1)
Manufacturing Controlled Substances (H&S § 11379.6)
Alternative Sentencing Programs:
Pre-Trial Diversion
Deferred Entry of Judgment (DEJ)
Drug Court Programs
Treatment and rehabilitation focus
Defending Against Constitutional Violations: We meticulously examine every search and arrest, challenging unlawful traffic stops, warrantless searches, illegal surveillance, entrapment tactics, and due process violations.
Felony Defense
Felony charges in Rio Linda CA carry potentially life-altering consequences, including state prison sentences, loss of fundamental civil rights, and revocation of professional licenses. Early legal intervention is absolutely critical.
Felony Charges We Defend:
Violent Crimes: Robbery, Assault with Deadly Weapon, Kidnapping
Property Crimes: Burglary, Grand Theft, Felony Vandalism
Drug-Related: Possession for Sale, Manufacturing
Vehicle-Related: Auto Theft, Hit and Run with Injury, Felony Evading
Against Persons: Domestic Violence, Elder Abuse, Child Abuse
Other Felonies: Identity Theft, Felon in Possession, Organized Retail Theft
Strategic Felony Defense:
Challenging lack of evidence
Constitutional violations
Mistaken identity
Self-defense or defense of others
False accusations
Mental health defenses and diversion
Entrapment
Lack of criminal intent
Alibi defenses
Plea bargaining and alternative sentencing
Facing Serious Charges in Rio Linda, CA? Get Aggressive Defense Now
Urgent Consultation: (916) 603-2000 | Email: ryan@couzenslaw.com
Misdemeanor Defense
While often perceived as less severe than felonies, misdemeanor charges in Rio Linda California can lead to significant, life-altering consequences. We treat every misdemeanor case with utmost urgency.
Common Misdemeanor Offenses:
Theft-related: Petty theft, shoplifting
Assault and public order: Simple battery, trespassing, disorderly conduct, public intoxication
Driving offenses: Driving without license, suspended license
Drug offenses: Paraphernalia possession, under the influence
Other charges: Minor in possession, false ID, unlawful fireworks possession
Potential Consequences:
Up to one year in county jail
Substantial fines and informal probation
Mandatory classes (anger management, theft education)
Community service
Impact on professional licenses and firearms rights
Immigration consequences for non-citizens
Employment difficulties
Why Rio Linda Chooses Couzens Criminal Defense
Unmatched Experience and Insight
Attorney Ryan J. Couzens brings 16 years of prosecutorial experience as a former Assistant Chief Deputy District Attorney in Yolo County. He oversaw felony trial teams, the Case Charging Unit, and Major Crimes Unit, providing invaluable insight into prosecution strategies.
Unique Advantages:
Deep understanding of how prosecutors build cases - and how to dismantle them
48+ jury trials including complex felony cases
Twice recognized as Attorney of the Year by colleagues
Authored significant legal reforms including Penal Code sections 13370 and 741
Contributed to State's Mental Health Diversion program guide
Comprehensive Legal Representation
We offer robust legal representation at every stage of the criminal justice process, from initial investigation through jury trial. Whether you are under suspicion or have already been arrested, we prioritize swift action to safeguard your rights.
Key Stages of Representation:
Pre-Filing Stage: Critical intervention before charges are filed
Arrest: Working to secure release and begin defense preparation
Arraignment: Arguing for release or lower bail
Post-Arraignment: Investigation, evidence gathering, and negotiation
Trial: Aggressive preparation and skilled courtroom advocacy
Initial Consultation Process
Initiating contact with Couzens Criminal Defense is straightforward. During your complimentary consultation, Attorney Couzens will thoroughly review your case details, clarify the legal process, address your questions, and provide an initial assessment of your defense options.
What to Expect During Consultation:
Active Listening: Full opportunity to explain your side of the story
Charge and Evidence Analysis: Discussion of legal implications and potential penalties
Legal Strategy Discussion: Potential defenses and options for resolution
Cost and Next Steps: Clear explanation of fees and process
Attorney-Client Privilege: Every conversation is protected by attorney-client privilege, meaning all disclosed information is strictly confidential. Complete honesty enables us to build the strongest possible defense.
Contact Rio Linda's Top Criminal Defense Attorney
Phone: (916) 603-2000
Email: ryan@couzenslaw.com
Free, Confidential Consultation | Attorney-Client Privilege Protected
Serving Sacramento, Placer, Nevada, Sutter, and Yuba Counties