Felony, Domestic Violence, Drug Crimes, Sex Crimes, Self Defense, and Homicide
keegan.smith@cohendefense.com
What is abundantly clear upon speaking with Keegan Smith is that he is not your run-of-the-mill defense attorney. While he brings to bear a razor-sharp mind and acute understanding of the law, he has a uniquely philosophical and holistic approach to his work. Even his path to becoming a defense attorney has nearly mythical origins.
In college, Keegan’s interest in philosophy led him to an elective course called “Will of the People.” It was an international law course about separatist movements breaking away from oppressive regimes, and it opened Keegan’s eyes to the impact of government oppression on individual citizens. A trip to India after college allowed Keegan to see that impact first-hand in McLeod Ganj, headquarters of the Tibetan government-in-exile. There Keegan had the extraordinary experience of attending a celebration of the Dalai Lama’s 75th birthday. At the celebration, the Dalai Lama locked eyes with Keegan and Keegan realized his calling: to be a voice for those without the power to speak up for themselves. Keegan went on to law school and has dedicated his entire career to standing between individuals and the massive resources of California’s criminal justice system.
Keegan dove into public defense right out of law school to gain as much experience as he could. He began in Madera, handling everything from fish and game infractions to homicide. He then moved to the Fresno County Public Defender’s office where he was rapidly promoted to the Major Crimes Team and given high exposure criminal cases involving arson, homicide, sexual assault, robbery, gangs, weapons, and domestic violence. After honing his skills as a public defender, Keegan’s desire to work with people from all walks of life brought him to the Cohen Defense Group. Here he can serve paying clients as well as the indigent, standing up for good people who’ve made mistakes and for those wrongly accused.
Keegan’s comprehensive approach to his work is client centered. He works hard to develop trust with his clients, making it a priority to keep each client apprised of his progress on their case. Keegan is acutely aware that the outcome of a person’s case can have long-lasting repercussions in their life and his big-picture approach allows him to bring multiple resources to bear for everyone he represents. Don’t assume, however, because he is a caring and compassionate man that Keegan is not a bulldog in the courtroom. As he says, “I feel that one of my jobs as a defense attorney is to humanize the client for the court, but I combine holistic client services with hard-hitting litigation. I think creatively, practice strategically and tactically. I’m going to give them a fight in the courtroom.”
According to his colleague, Barry Zimmerman, “Keegan is a breath of fresh air. He is innovative and thinks outside the box. He brings new resources to the table for his clients and his colleagues and his unique approach to each case creates positive outcomes for those he represents.”
Keegan earned his undergraduate degree at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado and his law degree from the San Joaquin College of Law in Clovis, California. Keegan and his family enjoyed backpacking in Placer County for years before relocating and are happy to call the foothills home. When he’s not working, Keegan is an avid outdoorsman and snowboarder, who also loves listening to live music.
Born and raised in Fresno, California, Keegan became a member of the California State Bar in 2016. Education: Fort Lewis College (B.A., English); San Joaquin College of Law (J.D., 2015.) Member: Placer County Bar Association, California Public Defenders Association.