Sacramento / Placer
Cases We Handle
Defending Your Rights
A Process Built on Experience, Preparation, and Judgment
Effective defense is not about shouting or theatrics. It is about understanding how decisions are made — what facts affect charging decisions, how cases develop after arraignment, and what persuades judges and juries at trial. With experience on both sides of the courtroom, Ryan Couzens approaches each case with a clear view of how outcomes are shaped in practice.
That means early, careful evaluation; direct oversight of communications with law enforcement and prosecutors; and disciplined investigation and evidence review. When trial becomes necessary, preparation is focused and deliberate, aimed at testing the strength of the government’s case. Whether a matter resolves before charges, through negotiation, or in front of a jury, the approach remains measured and grounded in practical judgment.
Domestic Violence
Have You Been Charged with Domestic Violence? See how strategic legal defense can help you navigate harsh pretrial orders and protect your record.
Drug Crimes
Have You Been Charged with a Drug Charge? Learn how we fight possession, distribution, and related charges to protect your rights and your future.
DUI / DWI
Driving Under the Influence? Find out how we challenge DUI evidence, protect your license with the DMV, and fight for the best possible outcome.
Felony Cases
Arrested For a Felony Charge? Discover how early defense strategies can impact bail, settlement negotiations, charges, and long-term consequences.
Misdemeanors
Have You Been Charged with a Misdemeanor? Learn how we fight for dismissals, or resolve your case so that you can move on with your life.
Why Choose Us
Attorney Ryan Couzens was a prosecutor for 16 years, so he has a perspective on what motivates DA’s, what drives their decisions. Ryan knows what it takes for them to prove a case.
- Client-Focused Solutions and Results
- Trial-Tested. Relentlessly Prepared
- Smart Diversion When It Makes Sense
- Flexible, Value Focused Approach
Passion for Advocacy
Ryan practices criminal defense because he wants to help people — individual people — facing real, specific obstacles in their lives.
As Ryan says:
“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.”
Prosecutorial Experience
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Years
Jury Trials to Verdict
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+ Trials
Attorney of the Year
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x Winner
Defense Attorney
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-Star
FREE CASE EVALUATION
Get Expert Legal Help Today!
Contact today to at 916-603-2000 to schedule a free consultation.
“I'm beyond grateful to have had Ryan Couzens as my attorney. His expertise, dedication, and tireless efforts led to the dismissal of two felony charges, which carried a maximum sentence of 12 years.”
Hussein Majed
Sacramento
“They were ready to respond to all questions and meet my legal needs promptly ... Their service resulted in my dismissal on all counts and I am extremely satisfied with their legal expertise and would heartily recommend them to anyone seeking legal assistance.”
Lyle Hill
Rocklin
“He always responded quickly to my questions and concerns, which gave me so much peace of mind during a stressful time. ... it’s clear he genuinely cares about the people he represents.”
Jasmyne Smart
Fairfield
"I want to thank Ryan for getting my DUI case dismissed."
Mark
Auburn
"He was attentive, always quick to reply to any of my concerns or questions, and truly cared about the potential life-changing situation I faced, which made me feel understood and supported."
Kevin Smithson
Folsom
"Ryan was awesome! Just what we’d hope for! He responded immediately to all our questions and we asked a ton!"
Marcie Morrill
Sacramento
"Mr. Couzens explained the entire process to me and negotiated with the DA both before, and after the charges were filed. After these negotiations, the DA agreed to drop the charges..."
Gabriel Welch
Nevada City
"Mr. Couzens explained the entire process to me and negotiated with the DA both before, and after the charges were filed. After these negotiations, the DA agreed to drop the charges..."
Jonathan Fuqua
Lincoln
"I’m incredibly grateful for the outstanding job Mr. Couzens did getting my case dismissed. From start to finish, they were professional, responsive, and clearly knew the law inside and out."
Logan Slader
Castro Valley