Former U.S. Federal Prosecutor John D. Kirby defends federal criminal cases in San Diego and throughout San Diego County. 25+ years trial experience in federal court.
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 with a federal crime in San Diego, will my case be heard at the San Diego Superior Court on Union Street?
No. Federal cases are handled exclusively at the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California on West Broadway, not at 1100 Union Street. The San Diego Superior Court — Central Division handles only state-level felony charges, including arraignments and trials for offenses under California law. Knowing which courthouse has jurisdiction is critical to determining whether you need a federal criminal defense attorney rather than a state public defender.
Why does hiring a San Diego federal defense attorney matter when the courthouse is just downtown?
The U.S. District Court on West Broadway operates under the Southern District of California’s specific local rules, which differ from the state procedures at 1100 Union Street. For example, federal preliminary hearings in San Diego often involve sealed grand jury indictments and mandatory discovery timelines that require familiarity with the local federal bench. An attorney who regularly practices in the downtown federal courthouse knows how judges like those in the Edward J. Schwartz Courthouse handle bail arguments and sentencing guidelines unique to this district.
What specific procedural step at the San Diego Superior Court — Central Division could affect a federal case if I’m also facing state charges?
If you’re juggling both state and federal charges, your arraignment at 1100 Union Street can set a timeline that conflicts with federal deadlines, since the Central Division schedules felony preliminary hearings within 10 court days of arraignment. A San Diego federal defense attorney can coordinate with your state counsel to avoid self-incrimination across the two systems, ensuring that statements made in state court aren’t used against you on West Broadway. This dual-jurisdiction strategy is essential given the close proximity of both courthouses in downtown San Diego.
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.
For full practice area coverage — white collar crime, drug crimes, RICO, money laundering, tax evasion, healthcare fraud, PPP fraud, and federal appeals: