About Zachary P
Zachary P Merliss is an attorney based at Cohen Defense Group who practices criminal defense and DUI defense. He earned his J.D. from the University of Southern California Gould School of Law in 2016. That education placed him in a rigorous academic setting during formative years for his legal approach. He emerged from law school prepared for trial work and the pressures of criminal litigation.
After graduating in 2016, Merliss began building a practice that centers on defending people accused of crimes. He joined professional organizations early in his career and has maintained active memberships that align with that work. He became a member of the California Lawyers Association and California Lawyers for Criminal Justice in 2017. He joined the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers in 2018 and added membership in the National College of DUI Defense in 2022. These affiliations give him regular exposure to developments in criminal and DUI law and to training opportunities offered by peers and specialty groups.
Colleagues describe his approach as methodical. He prepares cases for trial and for negotiation. He examines police reports, evidence collection, and procedural work to test the State’s case. He compiles factual records and explores available defenses. When motions are appropriate, he presses for suppression or dismissal. When plea options arise, he evaluates them against the risks and benefits of going to trial. His practice requires frequent courtroom appearances, and he spends substantial time handling pretrial hearings and evidentiary matters.
Merliss’s involvement in DUI-specific education and associations informs how he handles driving-under-the-influence matters. He reviews chemical testing, traffic stops, and arrest procedures. He also handles a range of other criminal cases, from misdemeanors to serious felonies, relying on case-by-case analysis rather than a single template. Client communication and clarity about options are part of his routine. He aims to explain legal processes plainly and to set realistic expectations about timing and outcomes.
At Cohen Defense Group he works alongside other defense attorneys and support staff to manage caseloads and trial preparation. The firm setting gives him access to shared resources while he represents clients in state courts. He continues to participate in professional programs and seminars that address changes in criminal and DUI law. He currently practices criminal defense and DUI defense at Cohen Defense Group.
