The Challenge
Our client was charged in federal court in Washington, D.C. with conspiracy and obstruction of an official proceeding arising from events surrounding the joint session of Congress on January 6, 2021, where lawmakers met to certify the results of the 2020 presidential election. Federal prosecutors alleged that our client and several others coordinated travel to Washington, D.C. for the “Stop the Steal” rally and communicated through social media regarding logistics for the trip. The indictment also referenced posts discussing the transportation of firearms and medical supplies to the nation’s capital. During the month-long federal jury trial, the government introduced social media posts, photographs, and other evidence that it argued showed preparation for violent activity and linked our client to the “Three Percenters” militia group. Prosecutors contended that these actions were part of a coordinated effort to obstruct the certification of the election results and interfere with the congressional proceeding.
Our Strategy
Our defense focused on challenging the government’s theory of criminal intent. We argued that our client traveled to Washington, D.C. to attend the rally and believed he was helping provide protection for attendees amid concerns about potential violence. At trial, we disputed the prosecution’s interpretation of our client’s social media posts and argued that they were taken out of context. Through cross-examination and presentation of defense evidence, we sought to demonstrate that our client did not intend to obstruct the congressional proceedings or participate in any coordinated effort to disrupt the certification process.
Media Coverage
The Result
WE MOUNTED A VIGOROUS DEFENSE
Your Case Belongs at the Southwest Justice Center.
Your Defense Belongs Here.
If you were arrested in Temecula, Murrieta, Menifee, Wildomar, Lake Elsinore, Winchester, or French Valley, your future will likely be decided at the Southwest Justice Center (SWJC) on Auld Road. In these courtrooms, local knowledge is the ultimate advantage. Since 1999, Nic Cocis has been a weekly fixture in the SWJC, appearing before the same judges and negotiating with the same Riverside County prosecutors for over 25 years. We don’t just know the law — we know the specific nuances, procedural quirks, and judicial tendencies of the Southwest District. Whether you are facing a felony or a misdemeanor, you need a firm that treats the Southwest Justice Center as its home turf.
