38+ years of experience | 150+ trials | 100+ media mentions
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Facing a criminal charge can change your life, but legal representation can minimize or completely alleviate the damage that it has already done.

Kerry L. Armstrong became certified by the State Bar of California’s Board of Legal Specialization for criminal law, making him one of the few criminal defense attorneys with a criminal law legal specialization certificate in San Diego County. Kerry has also won the elite distinction of Best Lawyers® and Best Law Firms® for 2024.

We’ve tried 100s of cases and are ready to offer you the emotional support and advocacy that you deserve.

Board-certified by the State Bar of CA legal specialist in criminal law

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Our Criminal Defense Team

Kerry L. Armstrong Headshot

Kerry L. Armstrong

Kerry’s successes have been covered by some of the most reputable news outlets in the nation. In 2012, Kerry was named “Trial Attorney of the Year” by the San Diego Criminal Defense Bar Association. Additionally, The Recorder, a legal magazine in San Francisco, named Mr. Armstrong “Attorney of the Year” for 2012 based on these victories. In 2020, Kerry Armstrong became approved by the State Bar of California as a board-certified legal specialist in criminal law.

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Jacob H. Katz Headshot

Jacob H. Katz

Jacob H. Katz is a senior associate at The Law Offices of Kerry L. Armstrong, APLC. Most recently, Jacob was nominated and accepted as a Lawyer of Distinction for 2023.

Jacob’s passion for criminal law is reflected in his legal background. Jacob was published twice in the Jury Trial Committee Improvement Newsletter for his articles “Dealing with Daubert: Finding the Right Balance” and “Judicial Problems: Answering Jurors Questions”.

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  • I did my fair share of research trying to find an attorney to handle a very serious criminal matter of mine. Of all the offices I visited, this firm was by far the most informative of them all. From the beginning, they were on top of communication and very proactive with my case the entire way. They live up to their reputation of being some of the top trial attorneys in San Diego. Attorney Kerry Armstrong handled my case. He is very dedicated to his profession and serving his clients. In the time that I spent with him, I can tell that he really cared about getting me the best outcome possible.

    - Charlie M.

  • Mr. Armstrong is a one of a kind exceptional criminal defense attorney He is always patient, positive, honest and upfront with you on his opinion of your case. Always committed and diligent in his work ethics. He is highly respected in and out of the courtroom, went above and beyond for my husband on his case and has a great sense of humor that puts you at ease. Would recommend him to anyone in need of a top criminal defense attorney.

    - Melissa S.

  • Vanessa is very knowledgeable in what she does. Her professionalism and passion made this extremely tough time for me remarkably smooth. She was always able to give me all the information I needed and made very clear of the possible outcomes. Communication with her was open at all times and if she was busy, she would make sure to get back to you as soon as she could. I had 4 misdemeanors charged against me with 60 days custody over my head. With a couple of months of negotiating, I get a call with great news. 60-day custody was dropped and 3 of 4 misdemeanors were dropped. The outcome was truly more than I can ask for.

    - Jonathon

  • I was facing LIFE in prison and the prospect of never seeing my family again for a crime I did not commit. Dan Greene took my case and fought for me every step of the way. Against all odds, a corrupt system, a ruthless prosecution and a hanging judge, my lawyer defended me and proved to the world that I had been falsely accused. I owe this man my life. Dan wasn't my first lawyer, but he is definitely my last. I would recommend Dan Greene to everyone. If you are in trouble, you MUST call Dan!

    - Steven P.

Recent Blog Posts

Kerry Armstrong Wins Child Molestation Trial For Client Facing Thirty-To-Life

Mar 10, 2025 | By Kerry Armstrong | Read Time: 2 minutes

Kerry Armstrong won a thirty-to-life Penal Code 288.7(b) trial in Vista on Wednesday before a Judge. Kerry’s client had been in jail for fifteen months awaiting trial, and he is now happily at home with his two teenage children and other family members.   The alleged victim, now sixteen, claimed that the client forcibly made him orally copulate him between...

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can Immigrant Be Deported for Domestic Violence in California

Can an Immigrant Be Deported for Domestic Violence in California?

Mar 6, 2025 | By Kerry Armstrong | Read Time: 5 minutes

An argument with your partner escalates unexpectedly. A knock at the door signals the arrival of law enforcement, and suddenly, your life is turned upside down. Facing domestic violence allegations is overwhelming, but for non-citizens in California, the stakes go far beyond the immediate charges. Your immigration status, ability to stay in the United States, and family’s stability are...

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Can a Domestic Violence Victim Refuse to Testify in Ca

Can a Domestic Violence Victim Refuse to Testify in California?

Mar 6, 2025 | By Kerry Armstrong | Read Time: 4 minutes

The courtroom feels like the last place you want to be. Yet, a subpoena arrives, or you get a call from the district attorney’s office requiring you to testify in a domestic violence case. What happened is bad enough without standing before strangers to recount it all. Now you are left wondering: Can a domestic violence victim refuse to...

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