Ryan J. Couzens

Ryan J. Couzens is a criminal defense attorney at Couzens Criminal Defense who represents clients in Sacramento, Placer County, and surrounding California communities. His practice focuses on DUI, drug crimes, domestic violence, felony charges, and misdemeanors. Mr. Couzens also assists people who are under investigation or facing possible charges before filing, using early intervention, case analysis, negotiation, and trial preparation to protect their rights throughout the criminal process.

Mr. Couzens earned a B.S. in Information Systems Management from the University of Maryland, Asian Division, in 1996. He began law school at McGeorge School of Law, where he ranked eighth in a class of 252 and received the American Jurisprudence Award in Criminal Law. He later earned his J.D. from Boalt Hall at the University of California, Berkeley, in 2001, externed for the California Supreme Court, and completed a federal clerkship in the Eastern District of California.

Mr. Couzens brings extensive prosecution and courtroom experience to his defense practice. He spent 16 years with the Yolo County District Attorney’s Office and served as an Assistant Chief Deputy District Attorney, supervising felony trial teams, the Case Charging Unit, and the Major Crimes Unit. During his prosecutorial career, he completed 46 jury trials involving homicides, drug conspiracies, domestic violence, DUIs, robberies, and other offenses. Earlier in his career, he also practiced civil litigation at Latham & Watkins LLP and Murphy Austin Adams Schoenfeld LLP.

Ryan J. Couzens has been recognized by colleagues for his prosecutorial work, including being voted Attorney of the Year twice. He also authored legislation that became California Penal Code Sections 13370 and 741, addressing justice data transparency and race-blind charging practices. A former U.S. Navy service member and a member of the Placer County Bar Association, Mr. Couzens combines prosecutorial insight, trial preparation, and legal analysis to guide clients through serious criminal matters.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, Couzens Criminal Defense
• Member, California State Bar

Licensed State

• California

Education

• University of California, Berkeley – School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of Maryland
  Bachelor of Science (BS)

Awards & Badges