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Ryan James Couzens

Ryan James Couzens

Former DA helping people defeat criminal charges and avoid charges being filed
  • Criminal Law, Domestic Violence, DUI & DWI ...
  • California
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Marcus B Wiggins
Marcus B Wiggins November 18, 2023
Rating: 10 Lawyer Rating - 10 out of 10
He was a great teacher to a young lawyer just getting started, and I have always remembered that and do the same with my law students and young lawyers. I've referred clients to him because his experience and skills set is better than mine, and I wouldn't refer him to a client if I didn't have complete confidence in his abilities.
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Biography

Ryan Couzens brings a unique perspective, having spent sixteen years with the Yolo County District Attorney’s Office. His deep understanding of what motivates district attorneys and what they need to prove a case is a valuable asset for his clients. During his tenure, he tried 46 jury trials and served as an Assistant Chief Deputy District Attorney where he supervised Yolo’s felony trial teams, Case Charging Unit, and Major Crimes Unit, before transitioning into criminal defense.

Ryan’s extensive experience in prosecution gives him a distinct advantage as a criminal defense attorney in Sacramento County and Placer County (Roseville, Rocklin and Lincoln). His insight into prosecution strategies is invaluable to his clients, allowing him to craft robust defense tactics. David Cohen of the Cohen Defense Group noted: “Ryan had a reputation in Yolo as a compassionate but tough-as-nails DA who gave his all to every case, working hard, using bold tactics, and checking every detail. He was a fierce and respected prosecutor.” Ryan switched to defense out of passion for helping individuals. He explains, “When you’re a prosecutor, you’re representing the interests of the community at large – the People of the State of California. When you’re defending, you’re representing that person sitting right next to you in court, and only that person. I want to advocate for that person who is in trouble and help them move past it.”

As a third-generation attorney, Ryan views law as a profession dedicated to community service and is committed to improving the justice system. He has a profound commitment to mental health issues, stemming from raising two severely disabled children. His advocacy extends to contributing to the definitive guide for California’s new Mental Health Diversion program. He also authored the Justice Data Accountability and Transparency Act (Penal Code section 13370) and Penal Code Section 741, mandating race-blind charging in criminal cases.

Practice Areas
Criminal Law
Drug Crimes, Expungement, Fraud, Gun Crimes, Internet Crimes, Sex Crimes, Theft, Violent Crimes
Domestic Violence
Domestic Violence Criminal Defense, Domestic Violence Restraining Orders, Victims Rights
DUI & DWI
White Collar Crime
Video Conferencing
  • Google Meet
  • Skype
  • Zoom
Fees
  • Free Consultation
    I will meet or have a phone call and discuss your case for free before hiring.
  • Credit Cards Accepted
Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
California
State Bar of California
ID Number: 215818
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Professional Experience
Criminal Defense Attorney
Couzens Criminal Defense
- Current
Criminal Defense Attorney
Cohen Defense Group
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Providing criminal defense to people accused of crimes in Placer, Sacramento and Nevada Counties.
Assistant Chief Deputy District Attorney
Yolo County District Attorney
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Supervised the trial team supervisors; ran point on legal issues in trials and responded to claims of prosecutor misconduct; wrote policy and two laws for prosecutor transparency and race blind charging. Along with regular assignment, handled small caseload (usually particularly challenging or complicated cases), including multiple jury trials.
Supervising Deputy District Attorney
Yolo County District Attorney
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Manager of the Year 2018. Supervised Charging Team, Conviction Integrity, Data Driven Intervention and Major Crimes; Manager of the Year 2018. Trained Deputy District Attorneys on trial practice and case management.
Deputy District Attorney
Yolo County District Attorney
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Attorney of the Year 2011 and 2016. Worked on hundreds of cases from DUIs, to domestic violence, to drug sales, to homicides; took 46 cases to jury trial as well as multiple court trials. Worked grants for Drugs and Domestic Violence and Elder Abuse. Known as a compassionate prosecutor who used bold tactics and worked hard.
Litigation Associate
Murphy Austin Adams Schoenfeld LLP
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Worked as litigation associate for construction law, litigation and healthcare divisions.
Litigation Associate
Latham & Watkins LLP
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Worked as a Litigation Associate assisting in the work on teams for clients such as Chevron, the City of San Diego, Charlotte Russe, Crittall Steel, and the National Football League. Learned to conduct legal research and writing from the finest civil law firm in the world. Did work in state and federal courts.
Judicial Clerk
U.S. District Court, Eastern District California
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Reviewed pleadings and filings and conducted legal research to advise the Judge, the Honorable Milton L. Schwartz.
Judicial Extern Clerk
California Supreme Court
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Worked a semester in school reviewing attorney submissions for review by the Supreme Court for Hon. Justice Marvin R. Baxter.
Education
University of California, Berkeley School of Law
J.D. (2001) | Law
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Activities: 1999-2000 Associate Editor, Berkley Technology Law Journal
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University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law
Law
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Honors: American Jurisprudence Award for Top Class Grade in Criminal Law and Contracts
University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law Logo
Univ of Maryland Asian Division
B.A. (1997) | Information Systems Management
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Honors: Multiple scholarships for writing; Dean's List
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Awards
Manager of the Year
Yolo County District Attorney
Attorney of the Year
Yolo County District Attorney
Attorney of the Year
Yolo County District Attorney
ABA Pro Bono Challenge
Latham & Watkins LLP
ABA Pro Bono Challenge
Latham & Watkins LLP
Professional Associations
California State Bar  # 215818
Member
- Current
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California District Attorneys Association
Board Member
-
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Publications
Articles & Publications
Can I Go To Jail For A Misdemeanor in California?
Cohen Defense Group
How Mental Health Diversion Can Help You Avoid Jail Time and Get Treatment
Cohen Defense Group
California Penal Code 741 (Crimes: Race Blind Charging)
California Penal Code
Penal Code Section 13370 (Justice Data Accountability and Transparency Act)
California Penal Code
Speaking Engagements
California Committee on Revision of the Penal Code, Committee Meeting/Webinar, Webinar
California Committee on Revision of the Penal Code
Presented on Restorative Justice concepts.
California Committee on Revision of the Penal Code, Committee Meeting/Webinar, Webinar
California Committee on Revision of the Penal Code
Provided testimony on proposed revisions to criminal justice processes and statutes.
Contact & Map
Couzens Criminal Defense
1209 Pleasant Grove Blvd., Suite 102
Roseville, CA 95678
Telephone: (916) 603-2000
Fax: (916) 603-3190
Monday: 9 AM - 5 PM
Tuesday: 9 AM - 5 PM
Wednesday: 9 AM - 5 PM (Today)
Thursday: 9 AM - 5 PM
Friday: 9 AM - 5 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Notice: We answer off-hours calls, usually within an hour.
Couzens Criminal Defense
3001 J Street, Suite 300
Sacramento, CA 95816
Telephone: (916) 603-2000
Fax: (916) 603-3190
Monday: 9 AM - 5 PM
Tuesday: 9 AM - 5 PM
Wednesday: 9 AM - 5 PM (Today)
Thursday: 9 AM - 5 PM
Friday: 9 AM - 5 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Notice: We respond to off-hours calls, usually within the hour.