John D. Kirby — Former U.S. Federal Prosecutor

Federal criminal defense attorney with 25+ years experience. When the government builds a case against you, you need someone who knows exactly how they built it and how to tear it apart. Serving San Diego, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and federal courts throughout California and Arizona.

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25+Years Experience
AZ + CAFederal Districts Served
9thCircuit Appellate
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Fresh Federal Defense Briefs

These are not filler posts. They are tight, useful federal-defense briefs designed to strengthen the site, deepen the topical map, and give visitors a reason to stay.

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Featured Brief

Federal Sentencing Mitigation Before the PSR

The best sentencing work starts before the presentence report. Build the mitigation packet early so the judge sees records, not guesswork.

  • 01Employment, treatment, and caregiving evidence should be assembled before the PSR interview.
  • 02Mitigation should connect directly to the 3553(a) factors the court must weigh.
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Related: 10 Critical Steps to Take Today If You Are Under Investigation in a Healthcare Fraud Case | Kirby Law — Federal Criminal Defense — 10 Critical Steps to Take Today If You Are Under Investigation in a Healthcare Fraud Case | Kirby Law — Federal Criminal

Federal Criminal Defense Practice

Former federal prosecutor now defending clients in the Southern District of California, Central District of California, District of Arizona, and nationwide.

Federal Criminal Defense

Full-spectrum federal defense from investigation through trial. Drug trafficking, firearms, immigration offenses, and all Title 18 charges.

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White Collar Defense

Fraud, embezzlement, insider trading, public corruption, and regulatory investigations. Former prosecutor who knows how these cases are built.

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Financial Crimes

Money laundering, wire fraud, bank fraud, securities violations, tax evasion. Complex financial cases demand experienced counsel.

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Complex Litigation

Multi-defendant conspiracy cases, RICO, continuing criminal enterprise. The most serious federal charges require the most experienced defense.

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Criminal Appeals

Ninth Circuit appellate practice. Direct appeals, habeas corpus, 2255 motions, and post-conviction relief. The appeal is not a do-over — it requires a specialist.

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Pre-Indictment Defense

The most critical window is before charges are filed. Target letters, grand jury subpoenas, search warrants — early intervention changes outcomes.

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Client Results

What Our Clients Say

Real outcomes from federal cases. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes — every case is unique.

★★★★★
10-year minimum reduced to 1-year probation
"Charged with conspiracy and insider trading. John got me down from a 10-year mandatory minimum to a 1-year probationary period. He quite literally saved my life."
Scott B.
Avvo
★★★★★
Facing 25 years — got a second chance
"I was facing up to 25 years in prison for financial crimes. John saved my life. Federal prosecutors are relentless, but John — having been one of them — was even more so."
Tom H.
kirbycriminallawyer.com
★★★★★
All charges dropped, no jail time
"I woke up to police executing a search warrant at my door. I hired John Kirby and never spent a day in jail. All charges were dropped. I'm free and get to watch my daughter grow up."
Way
kirbycriminallawyer.com
★★★★★
Released from federal prison 5.5 years early
"Due to his efforts, I was released from federal prison about five and a half years earlier than projected. His post-conviction work gave me my life back."
Dennis
Avvo
★★★★★
Federal charges dismissed; treatment over jail
"Mr. Kirby not only fought to get my charges dismissed but also fought to get me the help I desperately needed. I'm 16 months clean, a supervisor at work, and reunited with my family."
Candice S.
kirbycriminallawyer.com
★★★★★
Handled federal case and won
"Mr. Kirby is an amazing lawyer. He anticipates every necessary legal step. He handled my federal case and won. The staff speaks Spanish too, which made everything easier for my family."
Luis Caldino
kirbycriminallawyer.com
Your Defense Attorney

John D. Kirby

Former U.S. Federal Prosecutor. Before defending federal criminal cases, John Kirby prosecuted them. He understands how federal investigations are structured, how charging decisions are made, and where the prosecution's case is weakest.

With over 25 years in federal courtrooms, he brings a perspective most defense attorneys cannot offer: firsthand knowledge of how the other side thinks. He practices in the Southern District of California, Central District of California, and District of Arizona, handling cases from San Diego to Los Angeles to Phoenix.

  • Former Assistant U.S. Attorney
  • 25+ years federal trial experience
  • Southern District of California — San Diego
  • Central District of California — Los Angeles
  • District of Arizona — all divisions
  • Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals
  • AV Preeminent — Martindale-Hubbell
Full bio →

"The worst thing you can do when you suspect you're under federal investigation is wait. The second worst thing is hire the wrong lawyer. I know how these cases are built because I used to build them."

— John D. Kirby

Former U.S. Federal Prosecutor

Under Federal Investigation in California or Arizona?

Every conversation with John D. Kirby is protected by attorney-client privilege. Serving San Diego, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and all federal districts in the Ninth Circuit. Free. Confidential. No obligation.

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Contact John D. Kirby

Available 24/7 for emergency federal criminal defense matters in San Diego, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and nationwide.

Phone

(619) 557-0100

Answered 24/7 for federal criminal emergencies

Office

San Diego, California • Los Angeles, California • Phoenix, Arizona

By appointment only. Address provided upon scheduling.

Courts Served

U.S. District Court — Southern District of California

U.S. District Court — Central District of California

U.S. District Court — District of Arizona (all divisions)

Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals

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Submitting this form does not create an attorney-client relationship. All communications are confidential.

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U.S. Supreme Court Victory

Inyo County v. Paiute-Shoshone Indians of the Bishop Community
538 U.S. 701 (2003) · Argued March 31, 2003 · Decided May 19, 2003

Editor John D. Kirby personally argued this case before the United States Supreme Court and won a unanimous decision — one of fewer than 1% of attorneys to argue before the nation's highest court. Full biography and published works →

Commentary & Analysis

Expert legal commentary and practice-area analysis.

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John D. Kirby
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