Introduction
Rick Cofer has prosecuted felony cases, misdemeanor cases, and juvenile cases, and then built a defense practice handling the same categories of charges. That prosecutorial background is not unusual for defense attorneys, but the breadth of it across juvenile, misdemeanor, and felony prosecution gives Cofer a perspective on how cases are built at each level of severity. His Austin juvenile defense practice handles serious matters: cases involving murder, robbery, sexual assault, and drug possession alongside lesser charges that still carry real consequences for young people at vulnerable stages.
The firm operates at austinjuvenilelaw.com. Clients and families can find contact information and practice details at that address.
Practice Areas
Juvenile Defense
Rick Cofer’s juvenile defense practice covers hundreds of handled cases across the full range of charges that can land a young person before an Austin-area juvenile court. Juvenile proceedings in Texas differ structurally from adult criminal cases: the goals are theoretically rehabilitative, the rules differ from adult court, and the collateral consequences of adjudication can follow a young person into adulthood in ways that are not always visible at the time of the case.
Serious charges handled by the firm include juvenile murder cases, robbery, sexual assault, and drug possession. Less severe charges still receive the same attention, because a juvenile record, even for a less serious matter, can affect educational opportunities, housing, and employment prospects.
Cofer’s experience as a prosecutor at both the felony and juvenile levels means he has developed cases against young defendants and understands how that process works from the inside. That knowledge informs defense strategy in ways that pure defense experience does not provide. As one client noted in a testimonial cited in the firm’s raw content, Cofer “knows that the best defense is oftentimes the least expected one.”
Approach to Defense
The firm’s approach is to evaluate each case on its specific facts rather than defaulting to expected defense patterns. Cofer’s prosecutorial background shapes his ability to identify weaknesses in cases brought by prosecutors who are using the same playbook he once used. Former colleagues from his prosecution years have described him as ethical and tough while being attentive to sympathetic situations, a combination that serves clients facing serious juvenile proceedings.
Attorney Profiles
Rick Cofer
Rick Cofer is a licensed Austin attorney with experience as a defense attorney and as a felony, misdemeanor, and juvenile prosecutor in Texas. He has handled hundreds of juvenile cases covering the spectrum from minor offenses to serious felonies including murder. His dual background gives him insight into both prosecution strategy and defense construction that is reflected in his case approach. Client accounts describe him as thorough, direct, and effective at managing high-stakes juvenile cases while maintaining realistic communication about outcomes.
Location and Service Area
The firm serves Austin and surrounding communities in Central Texas for juvenile defense matters. Contact and scheduling information is available at austinjuvenilelaw.com.
Client Focus
The firm serves juveniles facing criminal charges in the Texas juvenile justice system and the families trying to understand the process and protect their children’s futures. Juvenile cases carry unique stakes because adjudication at a young age can have lasting consequences that ripple through education, employment, and adult life. Families benefit from working with an attorney who has prosecuted at the juvenile level and understands how those cases are developed.
Cofer’s communication approach, as reflected in client accounts, includes keeping clients and families informed during the process and maintaining a realistic, direct assessment of what outcomes are achievable. The emphasis on unexpected defense strategies suggests the firm does not follow a template but evaluates each case for its actual opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of juvenile charges does Rick Cofer handle?
The firm handles serious juvenile charges including murder, robbery, sexual assault, and drug possession, as well as less severe matters. The broad range reflects Cofer’s experience at multiple levels of the Texas criminal justice system.
How does prosecutorial experience help in juvenile defense?
Having prosecuted juvenile cases gives Cofer direct knowledge of how the state builds its cases, what evidence prosecutors rely on, and where those cases have weaknesses. Defense strategy can be more precisely targeted when the defense attorney understands the opposing approach from personal experience.
Are juvenile records permanent in Texas?
Not necessarily. Texas juvenile records are generally sealed when a person reaches adulthood, but there are exceptions for serious felony adjudications. The specific outcome depends on the nature of the charge and the disposition. This is one reason why the charge level matters greatly in juvenile proceedings.
Do parents need to be involved in the representation?
Yes, in most cases. Juvenile proceedings in Texas involve both the juvenile and the parents or guardians. The firm works with families throughout the process.
How can I contact the firm?
Information and contact details are available at austinjuvenilelaw.com. The firm serves Austin and Central Texas.
Closing
Rick Cofer’s record across hundreds of juvenile cases, built on prosecution experience at the felony, misdemeanor, and juvenile levels, provides a foundation for defense representation that reflects genuine understanding of how the Texas juvenile justice system operates from both sides. Families in Austin and Central Texas whose children are facing juvenile charges can find contact information and learn more about the firm’s approach at austinjuvenilelaw.com