Joseph J. Cox

Joseph J. Cox is a criminal defense attorney and partner based in Livermore, California. His practice is devoted to defending individuals accused of criminal offenses, including DUI, drug crimes, assault, domestic violence, theft, white collar offenses, and other serious charges. Joseph represents clients throughout contested criminal proceedings, from negotiating with prosecutors to preparing cases for trial. His litigation-focused work emphasizes protecting constitutional rights and examining the evidence behind each charge before advising clients on their legal options.

Joseph earned a B.S. in Business Administration with a concentration in Business Management from Lynn University in 2007. He attended on baseball and academic scholarships and was recognized for academic achievement. He later received his J.D., cum laude, from Western Michigan University Cooley Law School in January 2011. During law school, he served as an associate editor of the Journal of Practical and Clinical Law and received an Outstanding Associate Editor Award. His training developed skills in legal research and courtroom preparation.

Joseph returned to California after law school and began working with criminal defense attorney Timothy B. Rien and Melissa Adams. He served as an associate attorney from 2011 to 2016 and subsequently became a partner. His criminal practice involves felony and misdemeanor allegations, including cases that require jury trials and substantial negotiation with prosecutors. He was admitted to practice in California in 2011 and in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California in 2016. His work is entirely devoted to criminal defense litigation.

Joseph J. Cox belongs to professional groups including California Attorneys for Criminal Justice, the California Public Defender’s Association, and criminal defense lawyer organizations at the national and local levels. His professional activities keep him connected to issues affecting courtroom practice and the protection of accused people. He places importance on preparation and the individual consequences of each criminal case. By evaluating evidence and explaining defense choices, Joseph helps clients participate more effectively in decisions about their representation.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Rien, Adams & Cox, LLP
• Member, The State Bar of California
• Member, American Bar Association, Criminal Law Section
• Member, California State Bar Association, Criminal Law Section
• Member, California Attorneys for Criminal Justice (CACJ)
• Member, National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys
• Member, San Francisco Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
• Member, Criminal Trial Lawyers Association
• Member, Eastern Alameda County Bar Association
• Member, The California Public Defender’s Association (CPDA)

Licensed State

• California

Education

• Western Michigan University, Cooley Law School
  J.D.
• Lynn University
  B.S.

Awards & Badges