Business Details
9 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Criminal Defense Team in Northern California
Founded in 2017 by Alison and David Cohen, the Cohen Defense Group has grown into the largest private criminal defense firm in the Sierra with offices in Auburn, Roseville, Nevada City, and Truckee. Our team of attorneys includes two State Bar-Certified Criminal Law Specialists and has been repeatedly recognized by Super Lawyers Magazine, Sacramento Magazine, and Sactown Magazine for excellence in criminal defense. With over 150 years of combined experience, we specialize in handling complex cases across all stages of litigation, including DUI/DWI, domestic violence, felony and misdemeanor charges, juvenile defense, and drug crimes.Our client-centered approach ensures clients are informed and supported throughout every stage of the legal process, with a focus on aggressive defense strategies and community involvement. We serve clients in Placer, Sacramento, El Dorado, Nevada, Yolo, Yuba, and Sutter Counties, offering free consultations and 24/7 availability for urgent cases.
Services
DUI/DWI Defense
Domestic Violence
Felony Defense
Misdemeanor Defense
Juvenile Defense
Drug Crimes
Details
- Year established: 2017
Highlights and features
- Team with over 150 years of combined criminal defense experience
- Two State Bar-Certified Criminal Law Specialists on staff
- Recognized by Super Lawyers and local legal publications
- 24/7 availability for urgent legal matters
- Proven success in complex felony and appellate cases
Associations and certifications
- Super Lawyers Magazine
- Sacramento Magazine
- Sactown Magazine
- State Bar-Certified Criminal Law Specialists
What people say
Excellent results
Supportive team
Knowledgeable attorneys
Timely communication
Successful dismissals
Services
DUI Defense
Our DUI attorneys provide aggressive defense strategies for alcohol and drug-related driving charges. With specialized training from the National College for DUI Defense, we challenge evidence, contest DMV license suspensions, and utilize scientific expertise to question blood alcohol testing. Our team includes attorneys with 25 years of DUI defense experience and membership in the California DUI Lawyers association.
Domestic Violence
We defend against domestic violence charges by challenging false accusations, proving self-defense, and minimizing consequences. Our attorneys investigate witness credibility, use electronic communications evidence, and negotiate with prosecutors to prevent restraining orders and protect clients' rights to custody and firearms.
Felony Defense
Our felony defense team handles charges ranging from drug trafficking to violent crimes. With two State Bar-Certified Criminal Law Specialists and decades of combined experience, we challenge charges pre-filing, negotiate plea agreements, and litigate at preliminary hearings to reduce charges to misdemeanors when possible.
Misdemeanor Defense
We defend clients against misdemeanor charges including assault, petty theft, and public intoxication. Our attorneys appear in court to minimize jail time, negotiate probation terms, and seek diversion programs to keep records clean while protecting clients' employment and professional licenses.
Drug Crimes
Our drug crime specialists challenge unlawful searches, contest possession and trafficking charges, and seek diversion programs for first-time offenders. We utilize fingerprint analysis, narcotics experts, and constitutional challenges to suppress evidence while negotiating reduced charges and alternative sentencing options.
People
David Cohen
Founding Partner
With 25 years of DUI defense experience, David Cohen is a member of the National College for DUI Defense and California DUI Lawyers association. He specializes in challenging scientific evidence and representing clients in complex drunk driving cases.
Alison Cohen
Founding Partner
Co-founder Alison Cohen leads the firm's appellate practice, handling complex legal arguments and post-conviction motions. She focuses on constitutional challenges and has successfully appealed numerous criminal convictions in state courts.
Barry Zimmerman
Senior Attorney
Barry Zimmerman brings decades of criminal defense experience, specializing in felony prosecutions and jury trials. He has handled hundreds of serious criminal cases, including homicide and sex crime defense throughout Northern California.
Sarah Einhorn
Juvenile Defense Specialist
Sarah Einhorn focuses on juvenile defense cases, advocating for young clients' rights and minimizing long-term consequences. She successfully dismissed charges in a high-profile juvenile case by demonstrating the client's inability to understand proceedings.
Keegan Smith
Drug Crimes Attorney
Keegan Smith specializes in drug crime defense, challenging evidence through forensic analysis. He secured dismissal of felony charges by proving a weapon was inoperable and negotiated reduced sentences for possession cases.
Questions
What should I do immediately after a DUI arrest?
Contact Cohen Defense Group immediately to request a DMV hearing within 10 days to prevent license suspension and schedule a free consultation with our DUI specialists.
Can domestic violence charges be dismissed?
Yes, our attorneys can challenge charges by proving self-defense, false accusations, or insufficient evidence through thorough investigation and courtroom litigation.
How do felony charges differ from misdemeanors?
Felonies carry potential prison sentences of over one year and severe penalties, while misdemeanors typically result in up to one year in jail and less severe consequences.
Do you handle juvenile defense cases?
Yes, we have the most experienced juvenile delinquency team in Placer County, focusing on minimizing long-term consequences for young offenders.
Are your attorneys available for emergencies?
Yes, we offer 24/7 availability for urgent legal matters and can appear in court on your behalf to minimize work disruption.
