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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  • 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

Illustration of circumstantial evidence types—fingerprints, shoeprints, used to connect a suspect to a crime scene.

What Is Circumstantial Evidence in a Criminal Case?

May 13, 2025 | By Kerry Armstrong | Read Time: 4 minutes

Imagine that the police found evidence such as a fingerprint on a doorknob, a shoeprint near a crime scene, or a suspicious search history on your phone, and you are wondering if this is enough to convict you of a crime. Individually, these clues may not amount to proof. But together, they can become the foundation of a criminal...

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What Is Negligent Homicide?

May 2, 2025 | By Kerry Armstrong | Read Time: 4 minutes

A car crash after a night of heavy drinking. A fatal accident on a construction site where basic safety rules were ignored. A forgotten baby left in a hot car. These tragedies share something in common: they may lead to criminal charges even without intent to harm. Are you wondering what does negligent homicide mean? You are not alone....

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Person being arrested after police find a ghost gun in their backpack in California.

What Happens If You Get Caught with a Ghost Gun in California?

May 2, 2025 | By Kerry Armstrong | Read Time: 4 minutes

You pull into a gas station, unaware that your backpack holds more than snacks and receipts. Moments later, blue and red lights flash, and a search reveals an unregistered, self-assembled firearm. You did not think of it as a crime. But now, you are wondering, What happens if you get caught with a ghost gun? In short, the consequences...

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