Former U.S. Federal Prosecutor John D. Kirby defends federal criminal cases in San Marcos and throughout San Diego County. 25+ years trial experience in federal court.
325 S. Melrose Drive, Vista, CA 92081
North County criminal cases
Fraud, embezzlement, insider trading, securities violations, public corruption
Federal trafficking, conspiracy, manufacturing, possession with intent to distribute
Organized crime, conspiracy charges, enterprise corruption, multi-defendant cases
Financial crimes, structuring, asset forfeiture, FinCEN and IRS investigations
IRS criminal investigations, failure to file, tax fraud, offshore account disclosures
2255 motions, direct appeals to the Ninth Circuit, post-conviction relief
Your case will be processed at the North County Regional Center — San Diego Superior Court in Vista, which handles federal criminal matters for San Marcos residents. This courthouse is the designated venue for initial appearances, arraignments, and pretrial hearings, so it's critical to have an attorney familiar with its specific procedures and judges.
Yes, federal cases are governed by the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure and typically involve more complex sentencing guidelines, unlike state court. At the North County Regional Center, your attorney will navigate federal prosecutors, grand jury indictments, and stricter bail considerations, which require specialized experience distinct from local San Diego state courts.
You should reach out immediately, ideally within 24 hours, because federal charges often involve fast-tracked timelines and mandatory minimum sentences. Your attorney can arrange for your initial appearance at the North County Regional Center, begin negotiating with the U.S. Attorney's Office, and work to secure your release before detention becomes a factor.
The North County Regional Center — San Diego Superior Court 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 Marcos 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:
Kirby Law — Full Federal Criminal Defense PracticeFormer federal prosecutor John D. Kirby — 25+ years federal trial experience. Confidential consultation available.
All communications are confidential and protected by attorney-client privilege.