Representation

If you've been arrested, your bail amount will be set by the police until your first court appearance (arraignment). If bail is too high—or set at no bail—we will appear on your behalf at the arraignment and fight for a reduction or seek release on your own recognizance.

Meeting You in Custody
If you're held in jail, we meet with you personally to gather crucial details.

Obtaining Evidence
Police reports are generally not available at this stage, but there may be opportunities for investigation and follow-up not done by the police to advance your position in the case.

Crafting a Defense Strategy
From challenging the arrest to uncovering police errors, we leave no stone unturned.

The actions we take immediately after an arrest can significantly impact the strength of your defense moving forward.

Your arraignment is the first time you'll appear before a judge, where the formal charges against you are read (or the DA asks for more time to make a charging decision). Having an attorney by your side at this stage is critical.

Protection from Remand
If you are out of custody, the DA can ask for you to be put in jail at your arraignment; this is called "a remand." You need an attorney by your side to keep you out of jail.

Fighting for Bail Reduction or Release
If you are in custody, we argue for bail reduction or release.  We also advocate for appropriate release terms and ensure that you understand your obligations, which can be many.

Managing Your Case Timeline
We often continue the case to allow time for investigation and preparation.

Ensuring You Don't Face the System Alone
The prosecution will already be building its case. You need an experienced defense team in your corner.

From the very first court date, Couzens Criminal Defense takes control of your defense strategy.

After arraignment, the case will be set for a series of "status conferences." These conferences allow your attorney to review and prepare the case. During this phase we evaluate your case, gathering crucial evidence to strengthen your defense. At the same time that we are building a defense, we also start a dialogue with the prosecutor. After hearing the facts from us, what does the prosecutor want to resolve the case? Would the prosecutor consider diversion or a program that the client will like? Or, is this a case where we do not negotiate and demand a jury trial?

Requesting Discovery
We obtain all police reports, 911 calls, bodycam footage, lab reports, and any evidence the prosecution has.

Conducting Our Own Investigation
When it can be helpful, we employ experienced private investigators to uncover facts the police may not have gathered and to otherwise strengthen your case.

Challenging the Evidence
We file pretrial motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence, weakening the case against you.

Negotiating the Case
We use our knowledge of the law, the case, and the client to push for the best outcome possible.  Sometimes the district attorney will agree to dismiss a case or will agree to “diversion” (a dismissal if the defendant takes certain steps like attending counseling or drug treatment or community service).  More often, the District Attorney may agree to a plea to a reduced charge.  Hard work puts the client at the best possible advantage during these negotiations.

Sometimes the client does not wish to negotiate, or the district attorney won’t accept terms acceptable to the client.  It is client's right at all times to fight the charges; we support that fight.  Sometimes this means requesting things like diversion from the court (over the objection of the district attorney), or taking the case to jury trial.  Advising a client about the risks and rewards of negotiating vs. jury trial is a key component of representation.

If the prosecution refuses to offer a fair resolution—or if you choose to fight the charges—we take your case to trial. Ryan Couzens is an accomplished trial attorney who has tried 48 jury trials to verdict, including serious felonies such as homicides, domestic violence, drug cases and DUIs.

Before trial, we prepare strategically by:

• Reviewing all the evidence in the case
• Developing effective cross examination of government witnesses
• Requesting that the Court set appropriate rules of engagement
• Attempt to keep out bad evidence and introduce favorable evidence
• Developing an overall strategy and theme for trial

Ryan's background as a former prosecutor gives him a unique edge—he knows how the other side thinks and exposes the weaknesses in their case.