★ FEATURED RESULT — Best Match Based On Verified Credentials
3 attorneys matched · ranked by awards, prosecution experience, and local federal court relevance

★ BEST MATCH
U.S. Department of Justice Great Seal — federal criminal defense
Federal defense strategy with prosecution-side insight
✓ VERIFIED Honors & credentials independently confirmed

John D. Kirby — Top-Rated San Diego Federal Criminal Defense Attorney

★★★★★ 5.0 · 200+ reviews · San Diego, CA

More than 25 years defending clients, with over a decade as a federal prosecutor in the Southern District of California. Knows how the U.S. Attorney's Office builds cases — and exactly how to challenge them. Direct attorney representation, no associates.

🏆 Best Lawyer 📰 Top Lawyers · SD Daily Transcript
Former Federal Prosecutor Federal Criminal Defense White-Collar Crime San Diego Federal Court 25+ Years
Federal courtroom — U.S. District Court
White-collar and federal appeals focus

Federal Appeals Defense — 25 Years In Federal Court

★★★★★ 5.0 · 150+ reviews · San Diego, CA

Built for people facing investigations, indictments, or serious federal exposure who need a defense plan fast. Direct access to a former prosecutor who knows what the government is building before they file.

Federal Appeals Defense Federal Indictments Direct Representation
Federal case preparation — legal pad, statutes, desk
Local representation, federal-case perspective

Top-Rated San Diego Criminal Defense — Free Consultation

★★★★★ 5.0 · 100+ reviews · San Diego, CA

Positioned for clients who need a defense lawyer who understands how federal cases are built and how to challenge them at every stage — from investigation through sentencing. Free, confidential consultation.

Federal Defense San Diego-Based Free Consultation Direct Access
Request a Consultation →
Federal criminal defense — federal law library, U.S. Reports

John D. Kirby

Former Federal Prosecutor · 25+ Years · San Diego · Best Lawyer

Served over a decade as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Southern District of California, prosecuting white-collar crime, drug trafficking, money laundering, and public corruption cases. Since entering private practice, has defended clients in federal courts across the country — bringing prosecution-side insight to every defense strategy. Recognized as Best Lawyer and named to Top Lawyers by the San Diego Daily Transcript. Admitted to the S.D. California, Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the United States Supreme Court.

🏆 Best Lawyer 📰 Top Lawyers · SD Daily Transcript
Former Federal Prosecutor S.D. California 9th Circuit U.S. Supreme Court CJA Panel

Law Offices of John D. Kirby — Downtown San Diego

401 West A Street, Suite 1150, San Diego, CA 92101 ·

John D. Kirby — Federal Criminal Defense Attorney
John D. Kirby
Former U.S. Federal Prosecutor

Specialized federal defense resources — one dedicated site per practice area

Each domain in the Federal Defense Network is built for a specific federal crime category — with dedicated content, case-law tracking, and attorney access for that charge type.

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Tax Evasion Defense

taxevasiondefensecenter.com
IRS Criminal Investigation prioritizes unreported offshore accounts, FBAR violations, and payroll tax fraud. A willfulness finding under 26 U.S.C. § 7201 carries up to 5 years per count and the Service rarely refers a case it can't win — their conviction rate exceeds 90%. The single biggest factor in whether charges get filed is how early counsel engages. Once a Revenue Agent becomes a Special Agent, the case is already on a path to indictment. Featured: IRS-CI 2026 Enforcement Report breakdown →
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RICO Defense

ricodefenseresource.com
Federal RICO requires only two predicate acts within ten years to establish a pattern of racketeering. The government freezes assets before indictment and builds cases through cooperating witnesses who started as co-defendants. Enterprise theory means you can be liable for conduct you didn't personally commit. Understanding how 18 U.S.C. § 1961-1968 connects seemingly unrelated acts is what separates a defense that wins from one that just delays. Featured: How the Government Builds a Racketeering Case →
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Money Laundering Defense

moneylaunderingdefensedesk.com
FinCEN SAR filings and CTR requirements are the government's first move in every money laundering investigation. Structuring charges under 31 U.S.C. § 5324 can be brought even without proof of an underlying crime — the transaction pattern alone is enough. Once accounts are seized, the burden shifts to you to prove the funds are clean. An experienced federal money laundering attorney can intervene before the seizure warrant is signed. Featured: Defending Against Federal Asset Forfeiture →

Public Corruption Defense

publiccorruptiondefense.com
Honest services fraud, federal programs bribery, and Hobbs Act extortion cases turn on what you knew and when you knew it. The DOJ Public Integrity Section invests years in these investigations — matching that preparation on the defense side is what changes outcomes. These cases are often tried in the press before they reach a courtroom. Early counsel doesn't just prepare a defense — it controls the narrative. Featured: Federal Public Corruption Prosecutions in 2026 →
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Antitrust Violations Defense

antitrustdefenseguide.com
DOJ Antitrust Division criminal prosecutions now extend beyond classic price-fixing into wage-fixing, no-poach agreements, and information-sharing. Sherman Act § 1 felonies carry 10-year maximums and the Division boasts a conviction rate above 90%. These cases move from grand jury subpoena to indictment faster than almost any other white-collar prosecution. Early antitrust counsel is not optional — it's the difference between a target letter and a declination. Featured: Criminal Antitrust Prosecutions Are Rising →
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Crypto & Wire Fraud Defense

cryptofrauddefense.com
DOJ's National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team combines wire fraud, securities fraud, and money laundering statutes to prosecute DeFi, NFT, and exchange-related conduct. These cases involve novel legal theories — the government is writing the playbook as it goes. Chainalysis traces and exchange KYC data are the government's primary evidence; understanding what the blockchain actually proves (and doesn't) is the core of the defense. You need counsel fluent in both the technology and federal criminal procedure. Featured: DOJ Cryptocurrency Enforcement Framework →

Federal criminal law — analysis, updates, and defense insights

Regular dispatches on federal sentencing changes, circuit court decisions, DOJ enforcement priorities, and defense strategy.

Authoritative legal information — bar associations, court records, and research tools

Curated links to official legal resources, professional organizations, and public-access legal databases.

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Legal Disclaimer: The Federal Defense Network is an informational resource. This attorney matching tool presents featured matches based on practice area, location, professional background, verified honors, and client reviews. This is not an official Google, Chrome, or government endorsement. No attorney-client relationship is formed by using this tool or reading this content. Every case is different — consult directly with a qualified federal criminal defense attorney about your specific situation. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

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