Sacramento / Placer
DUI / DWI Defense
Defending Your Rights
“You deserve an expert strategy. As a former prosecutor, I personally handled dozens of DUIs and tried several DUIs to a jury. DUIs are a science, and I was trained by the best law enforcement experts. Working closely with the police on many trials and investigations taught me the “inside baseball” of DUI prosecutions, which I can now use to help defend your case.” Ryan J. Couzens
Charged with a DUI or DWI?
Former Prosecutor of the Year getting great results for DUI clients
Facing a DUI charge in California can be overwhelming and life-altering. A conviction can put your driver’s license, your freedom, and your future at risk — bringing serious consequences like license suspension, heavy fines, increased insurance costs, and even jail time. If you’ve been arrested for DUI, getting experienced legal representation involved early can make a critical difference in how your case unfolds.
At Couzens Criminal Defense, we provide strategic DUI defense for clients throughout Sacramento and Placer County, and the surrounding communities. Our approach is shaped by firsthand experience on both sides of the courtroom — including years working within the prosecution. That insider perspective, combined with advanced legal training and a focused DUI defense strategy, allows us to identify weaknesses in the state’s case and fight for the best possible outcome in every situation.
"I want to thank Ryan for getting my DUI case dismissed.!"
Mark (Auburn)
"I recently got a DUI and found myself in need of an attorney. Luckily, I knew of Ryan Couzens … I honestly would have been lost without his help, and know my outcome would not have been as good… I would rate him higher than 5 stars if I could."
J. Green (Sacramento)
"Ryan is an impeccable defense lawyer. He is professional, quick to reply, and knows the law."
A. Singh (Davis)
"I want to express my deepest gratitude to Ryan Couzens … he demonstrated a deep understanding of the law, unwavering dedication, and a genuine commitment to protecting my rights."
Joe Hernandez (Sacramento)
Take Immediate Action – Contact Us Today
When you’re facing a DUI charge, time is critical. Evidence can disappear, deadlines approach quickly, and early legal decisions can significantly affect the outcome of your case. Don’t wait to get experienced legal guidance. Call today to schedule a free consultation with a DUI defense attorney and former prosecutor.
We will review the details of your situation, explain your legal options, and help you take the next steps toward protecting your license, your record, and your future.
Contact us at (916) 603-2000 to schedule your consultation, protect your license and begin building your defense.
Understanding DUI Charges in California
Being convicted of a DUI can have significant legal and personal consequences. However, many of these penalties can be reduced or avoided with the assistance of an experienced DUI attorney. A skilled lawyer can fight for your driving privileges at a DMV hearing, work toward a case dismissal, negotiate with the District Attorney for reduced penalties, and develop a strong defense on your behalf.
Under California law, it is illegal to operate a vehicle while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both. You may face DUI charges if:
- You are 21 or older with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher.
- You are a commercial driver with a BAC of 0.04% or higher.
- You are under 21 and have any measurable amount of alcohol (0.01% BAC or higher) in your system.
- You are impaired by drugs (including prescription medications) while driving.
Even if your BAC is below the legal limit, you can still be charged with DUI if an officer believes you are impaired and unable to drive safely.
A DUI can be classified as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances. Misdemeanor DUIs are less severe but still carry serious penalties, including probation, license suspension and possible jail time. Felony DUIs, however, come with much harsher consequences, including the potential for a state prison sentence of up to three years (up to six years if you caused a serious injury).
- A DUI may be charged as a felony if:
- It results in serious injury or death
- The driver has three or more prior DUI convictions, or
- The driver has a previous felony DUI conviction
A DUI can cost you your license and land you in jail for months. An experienced DUI attorney can help you avoid jail time, retain your driving privileges, and reduce the impact of a DUI conviction on your life. You must act within ten (10) days of your arrest to keep your driving privilege.
Call now to get a completely free and totally confidential consultation with a former DUI prosecutor about your DUI case.
What are Potential Consequences of a DUI Conviction?
A DUI conviction can affect far more than just your driving privileges. In addition to court-ordered penalties, a conviction often creates long-term financial, professional, and personal consequences that follow you for years. Depending on the circumstances of your arrest and any prior history, penalties may include:
- Criminal record and DMV record “points”
- Expensive fines and fees, thousands of dollars
- Installation of an ignition interlock device (IID)
- Possible jail time --- how much time and how it is served (in-custody vs. ankle monitor) depends on the facts and how successful your attorney is in negotiating your case
- Loss of employment opportunities
- Mandatory alcohol education programs, up to 18 months
- Requirement for SR-22 insurance
- Probation
- Impound of your car
- Driver’s license suspension
- DUI on your driving record for 10 years
- Increased insurance rates, potentially costing hundreds more per month
- Difficulty obtaining auto insurance or insurance becomes more expensive
- If a DUI results in a fatality, the charge could be elevated to murder
Court Punishment for Wet Reckless (1st, 2nd, & 3rd offense)
| Court Punishments | Wet Reckless | 1st Offense | 2nd Offense | 3rd Offense |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jail | 5 to 90 days | 48 hrs to 6 months | 96 hrs to 1 year | 120 days to 1 year |
| Probation | 0 to 3 years | 3 years | 4 years | 3 to 5 years |
| DUI Program | None to 6 weeks 3/6/9 months | 3/6/9 months | 18 months | 18 months |
| Fines | Up to $1000 | $390 to $1000 | $390 to $1000 | $390 to $1000 |
| Degree | Misdemeanor | Misdemeanor | Misdemeanor | Misdemeanor |
| Points | 2 points | 2 points | 2 points | 2 points |
| IID | No | 6 months to 1-3 years | Up to 3 years | Up to 3 years |
| Car Impound | No | Up to 6 months | 1-30 days DUI in 5 years | 1-30 days DUI in 5 years |
| DL Suspension | No | 6 months, 10 months if 0.20%+ Speed (20/30+) 60 days Under 14 in Car - 48 hrs Refusal - 96 hrs | 2 years Speed (20/30+) 60 days Under 14 in Car - 10d Refusal - 96 hrs | 3 year revocation Speed (20/30+) 60 days Under 14 in Car - 30d Refusal - 10 days |
| Enhancements | Wet 2nd - 9 month DUI class | 48 hrs |
DMV Suspension Period (1st, 2nd, & 3rd offense)
| DMV Suspension Period | 1st Offense | 2nd Offense | 3rd Offense |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 21 | 1 year, "Critical Need" Eligible | 1 year, No Restriction Eligible | 1 year, No Restriction Eligible |
| 0.08 or higher | 4 months. 6 months IID or 1 year work related. | 1 year. Restriction with IID | 1 year. Restriction with IID |
| DUI Probation | Restriction with IID Immediately. | Restriction with IID Immediately. | Restriction with IID Immediately. |
| Refusal | 1 year. No restriction eligibility. | 2 years. No restriction eligibility. | 3 years. No restriction eligibility. |
A DUI charge puts far more than your driver’s license at risk. Your freedom, your career, and your future may all be on the line. At Couzens Criminal Defense, we understand how serious this moment is.
As a former Assistant Chief Deputy District Attorney with 16 years of experience, Ryan Couzens knows how DUI cases are built — and how to break them apart. Today, he uses that insider knowledge to strategicly defend people facing DUI charges throughout the Sacramento area.
If you’re under investigation, recently arrested, or already facing charges, contact Couzens Criminal Defense for a free consultation and start protecting your future now.
How Do We Defend Against a DUI?
Experienced DUI Firm Serving Placer, Sacramento and Surrounding Areas
- Unlawful Traffic Stop: If the officer did not have reasonable suspicion to pull you over we can file a motion to suppress all evidence gathered after the stop—including breath or blood test results.
- Faulty Field Sobriety Tests: Standardized field sobriety tests are highly subjective and often misapplied. Medical conditions, nervousness, poor lighting, or uneven pavement can all lead to unfair “failures.”
- Improper Breath Test Procedures: Breathalyzers must be calibrated and maintained properly. If the machine was faulty or the officer did not follow strict procedures, we can challenge the results.
- Rising Blood Alcohol Defense: Your blood alcohol level may have been below the legal limit while driving, and only rose afterward due to natural absorption. This can be key if your BAC was close to 0.08%.
- No Proof of Driving: If police didn’t actually observe you driving (such as in a crash or parked vehicle case), the prosecution may struggle to prove that you were behind the wheel while intoxicated.
- Medical or Dietary Issues: Acid reflux, diabetes, or certain high-protein/low-carb diets can produce mouth alcohol or acetone that triggers a false positive on a breath test.
- Violation of Title 17 Regulations: California law mandates strict procedures for DUI chemical testing. Failure to follow these rules can lead to test results being thrown out.
- Improper Officer Conduct: If the officer failed to advise you of your rights, coerced a statement, or used excessive force or intimidation, we can use that misconduct to challenge the case.
- Contaminated or Mishandled Blood Samples: Blood must be drawn, stored, and tested under very specific conditions. Contamination, fermentation, or improper chain of custody can compromise the test.
- Negotiation or Alternative Sentencing: Even when the evidence is strong, we may be able to negotiate for a reduced charge (such as wet reckless), or minimize consequences through DUI school, community service, or a restricted license instead of full suspension.
How to Challenge a DMV Suspension
- Request an Administrative Hearing – Exercise your right to contest the suspension and present a defense.
- Seek a Stay of Suspension – Petition to delay the suspension, allowing you to continue driving while your case is pending.
- Gather Key Evidence – Obtain and review the DMV’s supporting evidence to build a strong defense.
- Legal Representation at the Hearing – Have an experienced attorney advocate for you, presenting arguments to help retain your driving privileges.
Criminal Court & DMV Hearings
When arrested for DUI, it's important to understand the two-part DUI process. You must address criminal court and DMV hearings as separate proceedings:
DMV Hearing: You only have 10 days from your arrest to request a DMV hearing to challenge your driver’s license suspension. If you fail to request a hearing, your license will be suspended automatically 30 days after your arrest.
We will handle this hearing at no additional cost and help you if you need to get a restricted license.
Criminal Court Case: This process begins with an arraignment, where you are formally notified of the charges and potential penalties. Your attorney will work to negotiate a reduction or dismissal of charges and, if necessary, present a strong defense in court. “As a prosecutor for sixteen years, I negotiated hundreds of cases; I know what the DA does and does not want to hear to resolve your case for the terms you want.” Ryan Couzens.
Do I have to go to Court? For most court appearances we can appear in Court for you; we have represented clients and received great results without a client ever having to set foot in Court.
Are you Eligible for Diversion? We are a veteran-owned firm and we take our obligations to servicemen and servicewomen very seriously. As a veteran or active member of the armed forces, you have the opportunity for “diversion” for your DUI, which means it is possible to receive counseling and a dismissal, depending on the facts.
What Sets Couzens Criminal Defense Apart
At Couzens Criminal Defense, you benefit from:
- A former award-winning prosecutor who now defends people accused of DUI / DWI
- Nearly two decades of courtroom experience with driving while intoxicated and driving under the influence
- Early, pre-filing intervention to stop charges before they start
- A firm that knows how to investigate, challenge, and negotiate on your behalf
- Customized defense strategies including self-defense, mutual combat, lack of intent, and false accusation
Contact Us Today
A DUI arrest sets multiple legal processes in motion — and some of them move fast. From DMV deadlines to criminal court proceedings, early action can make a critical difference in protecting your license, your record, and your future. At Couzens Criminal Defense, we provide focused DUI defense backed by the insight of a former prosecutor who understands how these cases are built — and how to challenge them.
Call 916-603-2000 today to schedule a free, confidential consultation and start protecting your rights immediately.
