Felony, Misdemeanor, DUI/DWI, Domestic Violence, Drug Crimes, Sex Crimes, White Collar, and Homicide
roy.park@cohendefense.com
Roy Park has a thirst for knowledge that has driven him around the globe. A relentless traveler, Roy has visited over 50 countries and has lived in Australia, China, and South Korea. With an educational pedigree that includes Duke University, University of Sydney in Australia, University of California College of the Law, San Francisco, and Shanghai Jiao Tong University, KoGuan School of Law, Roy brings a wealth of knowledge and broad experience to his work for the Cohen Defense Group.
Roy’s international journey began after high school. Accepted at Duke University, but unsure of his path in life, Roy relocated to Australia where he enrolled at the University of Sydney. It was his travels outside of college, however, that helped Roy find his calling. Traveling the world broadened Roy’s perspective. Wherever he went, Roy was acutely aware of injustice, and it became clear to him that he wanted to stand up for those being treated unfairly. With this awareness and a renewed sense of purpose, Roy returned to Duke University and earned his bachelor’s degrees in political science and cultural anthropology.
Intent on continuing his education after college, Roy considered both economics and law. He ultimately decided that he could help people most effectively as a lawyer and has gone on to become one of the most educated lawyers practicing in California. He earned his Juris Doctor degree from UC Law San Francisco (formerly known as Hastings,) a Master of Laws from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, KoGuan School of Law, in Shanghai, China, and is currently pending his certification by the California State Bar as Criminal Law Specialist.
Roy began his legal career in Madera, California, but really honed his skills at the Fresno County Public Defender’s Office. There, Roy handled every kind of case, from DUIs to major felonies, including domestic violence, sex crimes, and homicides. Roy’s experience as a public defender allowed him to realize his dream of defending people from unfair outcomes. He remembers defending a young man charged with assaulting another prisoner while incarcerated. Roy won a “not guilty” verdict at trial with a self-defense argument, protecting his client from having additional years added to his sentence. “A couple of years later, I ran into my former client,” Roy says. “Turns out he was doing well, going back to school.” The man had been incarcerated when he was very young, served his time, and when he got out realized he wanted to change his life around. “As a public defender you have so many cases that are so hard, it’s really nice to see that you’ve made a difference and helped to change one life for the better,” he says.
Roy’s thirst for knowledge fuels his success as a defense attorney. He researches tirelessly with the goal of being over-prepared for every case he argues. “I believe it’s my job to know more about the case and the law than anyone else in the room. I’m very diligent in my research and leave no stone unturned in my representation of a client,” he says. “I’m going to work harder, know the law better, and know the facts better than anyone else in the room.”
Whatever you are facing, Roy Park is prepared to handle it. He will bring his work ethic and wealth of knowledge to your case so that you get the best possible result. As Roy’s colleague, Keegan Smith, says, “While I am always impressed by Roy’s razor-sharp legal mind, the preparation and care he puts into his cases, and his ability to eloquently speak on complex legal topics; it is his compassion for his clients, and his unwavering commitment to justice that make him stand out. When everyone is against you in the courtroom, Roy stands with you, making sure your rights are protected, and your voice is heard.”
Roy graduated from Duke University, earned his law degree from University of California College of the Law, San Francisco (formerly known as Hastings), and his Master of Laws from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, KoGuan School of Law, in Shanghai, China. When he’s not working, he enjoys skiing, surfing, and, of course, travelling. Roy gives back to his community by volunteering with the Community Collaborative of Tahoe Truckee, helping unhoused people clear up minor and low-level offenses that may create a barrier to housing.
Born in Glendale, California and raised in the American South (Texas and South Carolina), Roy became a member of the California State Bar in 2016. Education: Duke University (B.A. Political Science, Minor in Cultural Anthropology, 2011); University of California, College of the Law, San Francisco (J.D., 2014); Shanghai Jiao Tong University, KoGuan School of Law (Master of Laws, 2016). Member: Placer County Bar Association; Nevada County Bar Association; Tahoe-Truckee Bar Association; California Public Defenders Association; California Attorneys for Criminal Justice.