38+ years of experience | 150+ trials | 100+ media mentions
  • Achievment Badge
  • Achievment Badge
  • Achievment Badge
  • Achievment Badge
  • Achievment Badge
  • Achievment Badge
  • Achievment Badge
  • Achievment Badge
Read our news coverage

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

Rated by Super Lawyers

loading …

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

Alt Text! Alt Text! Speak with an award-winning criminal defense attorney

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.

Learn More About Kerry
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.

Learn More About Lindsay

  • 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

Probable Cause vs. Reasonable Suspicion in a Criminal Case

Feb 12, 2026 | By Kerry Armstrong | Read Time: 6 minutes

You should never feel like you are in a high-pressure interrogation when walking in your neighborhood or driving to work. Many Californians feel panicked when they see a patrol car signal them to stop. Those blue lights can make you wonder whether to answer questions or consent to a search when asked. It is unsettling to feel your privacy...

Read More

What Happens If You Get A DUI Out of State?

Feb 12, 2026 | By Kerry Armstrong | Read Time: 6 minutes

Crossing state lines for a trip often feels liberating, but that feeling fades when you see police lights. It is panic-inducing to face a legal system far from home, risking a court battle that follows you. Arrests in unfamiliar places make an already stressful situation worse. You need a lawyer who understands how DUI cases can affect drivers across...

Read More
how long does a domestic violence charge stay on your record

How Long Does a Domestic Violence Charge Stay on Your Record?

Jan 25, 2026 | By Kerry Armstrong | Read Time: 6 minutes

Domestic violence casts a long shadow, affecting people’s lives and leaving indelible marks on their records and futures. If you or a loved one is facing the difficult reality of a domestic violence charge, it is vital to understand the legal ramifications, the impact, and how to navigate the path to a clean slate. The Law Offices of Kerry L. Armstrong,...

Read More
See All Blog Posts