CMK Defense, PLLC

CMK Defense, PLLC We are criminal defense attorneys with principal offices in Texas. We practice in state and federal courts.

A couple of weeks ago, partner Angelica Cogliano had the privilege of chairing NACDL’s forensic science conference and s...
05/07/2026

A couple of weeks ago, partner Angelica Cogliano had the privilege of chairing NACDL’s forensic science conference and speaking on something that’s been consuming a lot of our work lately: litigating fentanyl murder cases.

These cases are hard. The science is messy, the stakes are enormous, and the prosecution’s narrative is usually a lot tidier than the toxicology actually supports. Angelica shared what she has learned in the trenches - the good the bad and the ugly - with lawyers from across the country.

Three days of forensic science, AI in the courtroom, and a room full of people who refuse to take the State’s case at face value. Grateful to NACDL and every speaker who showed up to teach.

Attention attorney law firm owners (or wannabe firm owners): We’ve been working with How To Manage A Small Law Firm to h...
04/06/2026

Attention attorney law firm owners (or wannabe firm owners):

We’ve been working with How To Manage A Small Law Firm to help us grow our business since 2024. I wish I’d found them back when I was a solo practitioner. They’re bringing back a very popular program they used to run on how to start a successful law firm, and to kick it off, they’re running a completely FREE six day interactive live stream beginning on Wednesday, April 8th.

DM me if you would like to learn more.

Here’s the link if anyone wants to check it out:
https://lnkd.in/gRbRTDQh

Criminal defense is not just about reacting to the State’s case. It is about out-investigating it.Deniz Kadirhan recentl...
03/07/2026

Criminal defense is not just about reacting to the State’s case. It is about out-investigating it.

Deniz Kadirhan recently presented at a TCDLA seminar on how defense lawyers can use school, family, and CPS records to uncover hidden evidence, identify witnesses, and strengthen both trial strategy and mitigation.

When you know the facts better than anyone else in the courtroom, everything changes.

Five years ago today, Angelica delivered her first oral argument before the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth...
03/03/2026

Five years ago today, Angelica delivered her first oral argument before the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.

She won.

Appellate victories are earned through preparation, restraint, and absolute command of the record. That standard guides our federal practice to this day.

12/29/2025

just a little sneak peak at what's to come…

Breaking: New Research on Autism and Juvenile JusticeDr. Jill Fodstad's groundbreaking study just published in the Journ...
11/21/2025

Breaking: New Research on Autism and Juvenile Justice

Dr. Jill Fodstad's groundbreaking study just published in the Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law examines why autistic youth struggle in detention... and what actually works.This matters because autistic youth are overrepresented in the justice system and face worse outcomes when incarcerated.

The problem? Current practices directly contradict evidence-based autism care. Sensory overload, punitive discipline, untrained staff, and disrupted routines set autistic youth up to fail.

The solution? Trauma-informed approaches, environmental accommodations, staff training, and positive behavioral supports.

Nevada's DAAY program used these methods and achieved 93% success: only 6 of 86 youth returned to court.

This research gives correctional facilities and defense attorneys a roadmap for real change. Autistic youth in the system deserve evidence-based support, not just punishment.

(And yes, we're honored that Angelica was acknowledged in the research for her contributions to this critical work.)

🎉 MAJOR WIN ALERT! We just secured a huge victory on appeal that's going to protect self-defense rights for years to com...
11/14/2025

🎉 MAJOR WIN ALERT! We just secured a huge victory on appeal that's going to protect self-defense rights for years to come.

Here's what happened: Our client was wrongly convicted because the jury wasn't properly instructed on their right to self-defense. We fought hard on appeal, arguing that the trial court's jury instructions were inadequate and misleading.

THE RESULT? The appellate court agreed with us completely. They ruled that juries MUST receive clear, comprehensive instructions about self-defense law - not the watered-down version our client got.

This win means future clients facing self-defense cases will have a much better chance at justice. When juries understand the full scope of self-defense rights, they can make truly informed decisions.

Every criminal defendant deserves proper jury instructions. This victory ensures that right is protected. 💪

If you're facing charges where self-defense might apply, this precedent could be game-changing for your case. The law is on your side - you just need attorneys who know how to use it.

11/10/2025

"It freaks out prosecutors when Deniz files pretrial motions." That's a direct quote from a District Attorney. That's the energy we bring to every single case.

This clip is from a presentation Deniz gave to other defense lawyers, but it shows something way more important: we don't back down. We file the motions. We demand the evidence. We fight.

And yes… sometimes it freaks out prosecutors. Because they know we're not going to roll over. We're going to make them work for every piece of their case.

When you hire CMK Defense, you're not just getting lawyers. You're getting fighters who know the system, know the strategy, and know how to win.

That's what we do. Every case. Every time. Call CMK Defense today.

Discovery can make or break a case – especially in sexual assault defense.Our partners Deniz and Angelica just wrapped u...
11/03/2025

Discovery can make or break a case – especially in sexual assault defense.

Our partners Deniz and Angelica just wrapped up leading a TCDLA roundtable on discovery in these complex cases, sharing their innovative strategies with fellow defense attorneys across Texas.

Here's the truth: Discovery isn't just paperwork. It's your constitutional right to see the evidence against you. When prosecutors don't follow discovery rules, cases can crumble. We recently secured a dismissal for exactly this reason.

Know your rights. Demand compliance. Call CMK Defense today.

After Deniz’s hearing, another attorney she’d never met handed her this note. And that’s why she’s our discovery queen👑N...
10/24/2025

After Deniz’s hearing, another attorney she’d never met handed her this note. And that’s why she’s our discovery queen👑

No better review than respect from your peers. 👊⚖️

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505 West 12th Street
Austin, TX
78701

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Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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