Former federal prosecutor John D. Kirby defends federal criminal cases in San Diego, San Diego County. Cases heard at San Diego Superior Court — Central Division. 25+ years federal trial experience. Confidential consultation available.
Federal CourtFederal Criminal DefenseSan Diego CountyFormer Federal Prosecutor25+ Years
Judges: Superior Court Judges: Hon. Michael T. Smyth (Presiding Judge), Hon. Peter C. Deddeh, Hon. Kenneth K. So, Hon. Joan P. Weber, Hon. Charles G. Rogers
The Central Division is the main state courthouse for San Diego County. It handles the highest volume of felony arraignments, preliminary hearings, and trials in the county. Federal cases are heard separately at the U.S. District Court on West Broadway.
Federal Criminal Defense Practice Areas — San Diego
White Collar Crime
Fraud, embezzlement, insider trading, securities violations, public corruption
Drug Crimes
Federal trafficking, conspiracy, manufacturing, possession with intent to distribute
2255 motions, direct appeals to the Ninth Circuit, post-conviction relief
Healthcare Fraud
Medicare/Medicaid fraud, false claims, anti-kickback statute, Stark law violations
PPP & COVID Fraud
PPP loan fraud, EIDL fraud, pandemic relief program investigations
Federal Criminal Defense in San Diego — What You Need to Know
If I’m charged in San Diego, should I hire a federal criminal defense attorney even if my case starts at the San Diego Superior Court on Union Street?
Yes, because many federal investigations in San Diego begin with state-level charges at the San Diego Superior Court — Central Division, 1100 Union Street, before being indicted federally. The Central Division handles the highest volume of felony arraignments in the county, so an attorney experienced there can spot early signs of federal involvement. A federal defense lawyer can also coordinate with state prosecutors to avoid conflicting strategies that might later harm you in U.S. District Court on West Broadway.
Does the location of the San Diego courthouse affect how quickly I need to hire a federal defense attorney?
It absolutely can—the San Diego Superior Court — Central Division schedules felony arraignments within 48 hours of booking, often at the 1100 Union Street facility, leaving little time to prepare. Your attorney must immediately assess whether your case involves federal agencies like the FBI or DEA, which are heavily active in San Diego due to the border. With the federal courthouse just a few blocks away on West Broadway, early representation ensures your rights are protected from the very first hearing.
What should I know about federal sentencing in San Diego that’s different from state sentencing at the Central Division?
Federal sentencing in San Diego follows strict guidelines with mandatory minimums, unlike the more flexible state sentencing you’d face at the San Diego Superior Court — Central Division on Union Street. For example, drug trafficking charges near the border can trigger federal enhancements that add years to a sentence, often with no possibility of probation. A federal defense attorney familiar with the Southern District of California’s practices can negotiate plea deals that avoid these severe outcomes.
Why Local Counsel Matters for Federal Cases in San Diego
The San Diego Superior Court — Central Division operates under its own local rules, its own judges, and its own assigned federal prosecutors. An attorney who regularly practices in this courthouse understands how specific judges handle suppression motions, what the assigned AUSA typically offers in plea negotiations, and what sentencing outcomes are realistic for cases from the San Diego area. Do not hire a general practitioner who will be learning the federal system at your expense — your freedom deserves experienced representation that knows this courthouse.
Facing Federal Charges in San Diego?
Former federal prosecutor John D. Kirby — 25+ years federal trial experience. Confidential consultation available.
(619) 557-0100
All communications are confidential and protected by attorney-client privilege.