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 been named 2026 Trial Lawyer of the Year by San Diego County Criminal Defense Bar Association. He 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

Rated by Super Lawyers

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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

  • 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

Ignoring a Jury Summons: What Happens If You Don’t Go To Jury Duty In California?

| Read Time: 4 minutes

What happens if you don’t go to jury duty in California? Ignoring jury duty summonses may result in contempt of court, punishable by a fine up to $1,000 or a jail term up to five days. The criminal defense lawyers at The Law Offices of Kerry L. Armstrong, APLC, have extensive experience representing clients facing a wide range of criminal...

Romeo and Juliet Laws in California

| Read Time: 7 minutes

The age of consent in California is 18 years old. Anyone under 18 is legally unable to consent to sexual activity, and sexual contact with a minor can lead to statutory rape charges under California Penal Code 261.5, even when both people believe the relationship is consensual. You may have heard of “Romeo and Juliet laws,” which are close-in-age...

What Happens in the First 24 Hours After an Arrest in San Diego County?

| Read Time: 6 minutes

One call can throw your whole night off balance. A loved one says police have arrested them, and suddenly you are trying to figure out where they are, whether they can get out of custody, and when they will go to court.  The first hours move quickly and can feel confusing. This process includes booking, possible bail, the prosecutor’s...