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Rick Cofer
also known as Richard Lyn Cofer II
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About Rick
Biography
Attorney Rick Cofer is a partner with Cofer & Connelly, PLLC, law firm in Austin, Texas. Nationally known as among the top trial attorneys in the country, Mr. Cofer has more than 13 years of legal experience. Recognized in 2021 as Best Lawyer by the Austin Chronicle, a Rising Star by ThomsonReuters, and Top 1% by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel, he provides unmatched counsel and support to clients throughout Texas who have legal needs involving any of the following:
- Criminal defense
- Family law and divorce
- Personal injury
Over the course of his legal career, Mr. Cofer has served as both a prosecutor and a criminal defense attorney. He has tried more than 100 cases to a judge or jury, and has thousands of hours of courtroom experience.
Additionally, he is a statewide juvenile defense attorney, representing young adults in serious cases throughout Texas. He holds the distinction of being the only Austin attorney to have both prosecuted and defended Travis County juvenile murder charges.
Through his criminal defense practice, Mr. Cofer routinely handles some of the most complex and serious criminal cases across Central Texas, including murder charges, sex crimes, and other major felonies. He also handles DWI and drug possession cases, and he has notable experience with cannabis and marijuana laws.
From his efforts, Mr. Cofer has achieved a long record of securing successful outcomes for his clients, and he has earned numerous awards and honors for his outstanding professionalism and service. Among his accolades, he has received a Top 100 Trial Lawyers designation from The National Trial Lawyers, and Attorney & Practice Magazine named him among the Top 10 Criminal Defense Attorneys in 2019. He has also received Superb client ratings on Avvo along with the site's Clients' Choice Award.
Moreover, Mr. Cofer has received the Distinguished Service Certificate from the city of Austin along with the Individual Achievement Award from Keep Austin Beautiful. He has also received a Resolution of Appreciation from the Travis County Commissioners Court, and he is a graduate of the Austin Bar Association's Leadership Academy.
Mr. Cofer is also a member of the College of the State Bar of Texas, a fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation, and a board member of the Austin Bar Foundation. He is a member of the Capital Area Trial Lawyers Association, the Austin and Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Associations, the Austin LBGT Bar Association, and other local, state, and national legal organizations.
A 2004 graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, Mr. Cofer obtained his Juris Doctor from the University of Texas School of Law in 2007, where he was a member of the Leon Green Society and the American Constitution Society. He is admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court for the Southern and Western Districts of Texas, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit, and the U.S. Supreme Court.
Mr. Cofer has deep Central Texas roots. He has served in a number of public roles, including:
- Vice Chair, Texas Health Action Kind Clinic
- Chair, City of Austin Zero Waste Commission
- Vice Chair, City of Austin Parks and Recreation Board
- Chair, Ending Community Homelessness Coalition Board of Directors
- President, Pease Park Conservancy Board of Directors
Mr. Cofer is a 20 year resident of Central Texas. He splits time between his Clarksville neighborhood and Blanco ranch.
Best Lawyer - Austin Chronicle | Texas Super Lawyer | Former Prosecutor | 94% of Cases Dismissed in 2025 I Rated AV-Preeminent
Former juvenile prosecutor with experience in hundreds of complex juvenile cases.
Practice Areas
4
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
40%
17 years | 3,000 cases
DUI and DWI
20%
17 years | 1,000 cases
Juvenile Law
20%
11 years | 500 cases
Violent Crime
20%
14 years | 200 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2024 2023 2022
...
+
4
Licenses
Licensed in Texas for 17 years
State: Texas
Acquired: 2008
No misconduct found
Location
Cofer & Connelly
602 W 11th St, Austin, TX, 78701
coferconnelly.com/austin-criminal-defense-attorney/Cofer & Connelly
1116 Broadway Street,, STE 200,, Lubbock, TX, 79401
coferconnelly.com/austin-criminal-defense-attorney/Cofer & Connelly
136 E. San Antonio Street #107, San Marcos, TX, 78666
coferconnelly.com/austin-criminal-defense-attorney/Cofer & Connelly
100 Fairway Drive, Kerrville, TX, 78028
coferconnelly.com/austin-criminal-defense-attorney/Cofer & Connelly
300 Main Street, Blanco, TX, 78606
coferconnelly.com/austin-criminal-defense-attorney/Gallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Rick online.
Rick Cofer's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 66 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by MJ | December 6, 2024 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Outstanding Service and Expertise
I had the pleasure of working with Rick and I couldn't be more satisfied with the experience.He handled everything with confidence and efficiency, which gave me peace of mind during what could have been a stressful situation. I am beyond grateful for his dedication and hard work, and I would highl...
Posted by anonymous | December 6, 2024 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Rick is fantastic
Rick is the best lawyer in town. He listens without interrupting and fully pays attention. He is well worth every penny and I would hire him again if I needed to. He is aggressive when he needs to be but is also very empathetic and sensitive to his clients needs. Rick made me feel confident in my cas...
Posted by anonymous | December 6, 2024 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Excellent Lawyer
Rick is an excellent lawyer. Very professional and experienced. I was impressed by how we involved he is throughout the process and how much he cares for his clients.
Posted by Roscoe Pladder | December 6, 2024 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Rick Cofer Saved My Life!!
Somebody put false charges on me. They said I did about the wrost thing a person can do and it was totally, completely made up! I hired Rick to defend me. He did everything and then some to fix my problem. He got everything dismissed and I even got an apology from a district attoreny. I've gott...
Posted by anonymous | June 17, 2024 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Great lawyers
Rick and his firm were beyond helpful. Their assistance during the stressful time that I experienced as a result of a DWI was extraordinary. The whole firm knows exactly what they are doing, which resulted in a dismissal of my case. They are extremely professional, as well as being kind and sympat...
Rick Cofer's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer. I was the presiding judge on a very serious 1st Degree Felony charge. Mr. Cofer represented the defendant. He was always prepared and I found him to be incredibly knowledgeable and aggressive in his defense of his client. His preparation, knowledge of the law and procedure contributed to him obtaining a very good result for his client. His clients are fortunate to have Mr. Cofer on their side."
"I've known Rick for nearly twenty years and can attest to his legal acumen and extraordinary dedication to his clients. He treats each case as if his own family was the one being charged. Rick's prior experience as a prosecutor and his personal relationships with prosecutors, judges, and other members of the legal community give his clients an incredible advantage and assures that his client's cases get a fair shake. I consider Rick to be the best criminal defense attorney in Austin and would not hesitate to recommend my own family or friends if they were in trouble."
"I endorse Rick Cofer. Rick and I tried a case against each other a few years back, and he was a pleasure to work with despite us being on opposite sides. Rick's an excellent criminal defense attorney who cares about getting his clients the best outcome. He has a great rapport with the prosecutors and judges at the courthouse, and he achieves excellent results."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Rick since he was in law school and an intern. He has always been creative, and tries a good case. Now on the defense side, he uses his talents effectively representing his clients. Smart guy that does good work."
"Clients are in good hands with Rick. He's comprehensive, very knowledgeable, and thoughtful."
"Mr. Cofer is knowledgeable, thoughtful, and resourceful. I have always found his advice both intelligent and helpful. I endorse this lawyer."
"Rick is a great lawyer with whom I have had the occasion to work with on multiple cases. He is thorough, creative, and understands all the intricacies of local courts in the Austin, TX area. His years of experience are evidenced by his vast network and are reflected in the results he achieves. I highly endorse Rick."
"Rick is a hard working, dedicated lawyer who has been active in pro bono service and community involvement."
"Rick is a tenacious advocate and an excellent attorney. I strongly recommend him for any criminal defense matter. You will be in good hands."
"Rick is an extraordinary capable criminal defense who’s has a long track of great results for his clients. He is very connected in Austin and knows how to move a case from start to finish quickly. He’s top notch. Hire him if you need a criminal defense lawyer."
"Rick is an outstanding advocate. Rick is a former prosecutor and knows how to navigate a case through negotiation and trial if necessary. His background and attention to his clients distinguish him from other lawyers."
"Mr. Cofer is an excellent attorney and advocate on environmental issues for our community. As a prosecutor, I've found him to be ethical and tough, while also showing compassion for sympathetic situations. He has my respect as well as admiration in how he handles his business."
Natalia Tsokos
Criminal defense lawyer
Willa Staats
Family lawyer
Geoffrey Puryear
Criminal defense lawyer
Marc Chavez
Criminal defense lawyer
Christopher Perri
Criminal defense lawyer
Megan Rue
Criminal defense lawyer
Jason English
Criminal defense lawyer
Jeffrey Connelly
Criminal defense lawyer
Christopher Philley
Criminal defense lawyer
Experience
Honors
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2022
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2022
AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2021
Fellow, Texas Bar Foundation
2021
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2021
AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2021
Best Lawyer, The Austin Chronicle
2021
Rising Star - Criminal Law, Thomson Reuters
2020
Top 100 - Criminal Defense, National Trial Lawyers
2020
Client's Choice, Avvo
2020
Certificate, The College of the State Bar of Texas
2019
Client's Choice, Avvo
2019
Top 10 Criminal Law Attorney - Texas, Attorney and Practice Magazine
2019
Top 100 - Criminal Defense, National Trial Lawyers
2018
Client's Choice, Avvo
2016
Resolution of Appreciation, Travis County Commissioners Court
2015
Leadership Academy, Austin Bar Association
2015
Distinguished Service Certificate, City of Austin
2015
Individual Achievement Award, Keep Austin Beautiful
2010
Out & About 500, Austin American-Statesman
2010
Prosecutor Trial Skills Course Certificate, Texas District & County Attorneys Association
Work Experience
2020 - Present
Partner, Cofer & Connelly, PLLC
2018 - 2020
Attorney, Law Office of Rick Cofer, PLLC
2016 - 2018
Assistant County Attorney, Travis County Attorney's Office
2012 - 2016
Assistant District Attorney, Travis County District Attorney's Office
2009 - 2012
Assistant County Attorney, Travis County Attorney's Office
2008 - 2009
Attorney, Criminal Defense Private Practice
Associations
2020 - Present
Austin Bar FoundationMember, Board of Directors
2019 - Present
National Trial Lawyers AssociationTop 100 - Criminal Defense
2019 - Present
Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers AssociationMember
2019 - Present
Capital Area Trial Lawyers AssociationMember
2018 - Present
Austin Criminal Defense Lawyers AssociationMember
2018 - Present
Austin LBGT Bar AssociationMember
2014 - Present
Austin Bar Association, Criminal Law SectionTreasurer
2009 - Present
Austin Young Lawyers AssociationMember
2008 - Present
State Bar of TexasMember
2009 - 2018
Texas District and County Attorneys AssociationMember
Sample of Legal Cases
State of Texas v. C.P.
Case dismissed
State of Texas v. R.P.
Case dismissed
State of Texas v. J.P.
Case dismissed
State of Texas v. V.A.
Case dismissed
State of Texas v. A.W.
Case dismissed
State of Texas v. G.B.
Case dismissed
State of Texas v. O.J.
Case dismissed
Education
2007
The University of Texas School of Law
JD
2004
The University of Texas At Austin
BA
Speaking Engagements
2018
Parks Department Board wants more money for Austin pools
Municipal Aquatics Funding
2017
FOX 7 Discussion
Rainy day fund and Hurricane Harvey damage
Publications
2014
Austin American-Statesman
Cofer: One year later, Austin bag ban is working
Languages
Mandarin
Spanish
English