Federal criminal defense attorney serving La Mesa and San Diego County. Experienced federal trial representation from former federal prosecutor John D. Kirby.
250 E. Main Street, El Cajon, CA 92020
East County felony & misdemeanor 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
Federal cases originating in La Mesa are typically adjudicated at the East County Regional Center — San Diego Superior Court, located at 250 E. Main Street in El Cajon. This courthouse handles federal criminal proceedings for the region, so your initial appearance and any subsequent hearings will likely take place there.
A federal charge involves violations of U.S. law—such as drug trafficking across state lines or federal fraud—and is prosecuted by a U.S. Attorney, whereas a state charge would be handled by the San Diego County District Attorney. For La Mesa residents, federal cases proceed through the East County Regional Center, which has specialized federal magistrates and judges, while state cases would go to the El Cajon courthouse for state offenses.
First, exercise your right to remain silent and do not discuss the case with anyone except your attorney, as federal agents often conduct interviews near La Mesa. Then, retain a federal criminal defense lawyer who is familiar with procedures at the East County Regional Center — San Diego Superior Court, since that court will handle any indictment, arraignment, or pretrial motions.
The East 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 La Mesa 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.