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. He was also named Top 50 San Diego Super Lawyers for 2025, and was the only criminal defense attorney in the entire county who made the top 50.

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

Kerry L. Armstrong

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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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Lindsay S. Cortez Headshot

Lindsay S. Cortez

Lindsay Cortez is a passionate and dedicated criminal defense attorney committed to fighting for everyday people against the power of the government. She earned her Juris Doctor from California Western School of Law in December 2024. She then went on the pass the California Bar Exam on her first try and became a licensed attorney in May 2025. Lindsay brings integrity, experience, and an unwavering dedication to protecting the rights of the accused. She is proud to use her voice and skills to serve her clients with tenacity and compassion.

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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

how long can you go to jail for assault and battery

How Long Can You Go to Jail for Assault and Battery in California?

Jul 28, 2025 | By Kerry Armstrong | Read Time: 3 minutes

How long can you go to jail for assault and battery? In California, assault and battery are two separate crimes. While you can be charged for both or one, the amount of jail time depends on the severity of the offense and the class of the victim. In California, criminal assault is an act that might result in physical...

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Can Victims of Domestic Abuse Drop the Charges

Can Domestic Violence Charges Be Dropped In California?

Jul 28, 2025 | By Kerry Armstrong | Read Time: 3 minutes

If your significant other calls the police to report domestic abuse, they might not realize that this call sets in motion events that are likely to result in you going to jail. This is true even if the accuser does not want you arrested. Now you face serious criminal allegations that carry severe consequences. Your partner might never have...

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What Is California Penal Code Section 647?

Jul 27, 2025 | By Kerry Armstrong | Read Time: 4 minutes

Maybe you were out late, had too much to drink, said something foolish, or found yourself in the wrong place when someone called the police. Whatever the case, you never expected it would result in criminal charges. Now, you are holding a citation, or worse, facing arraignment and frantically trying to understand what California Penal Code section 647 entails....

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