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

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

List of Sex Crimes in Each Tier Under California’s Tiered Registry System

| Read Time: 6 minutes

If you are facing a sex offense charge in San Diego, it is important to understand the consequences that may apply. California currently requires individuals who have been convicted of designated sexual offenses to register with their local police station or sheriff’s department. The current registration requirement is lifetime registration. Starting January 1, 2021, however, the sex-offender registry system...

What Is Simple Assault: Understanding the Basics

| Read Time: 7 minutes

Simple assault is a common crime, but exactly what is simple assault? California law defines simple assault as an unlawful attempt, with the present ability, to inflict a violent injury on another person. This means that you can be charged with simple assault even if you don’t actually hit or hurt the other person, as long as you were capable of...

What Is Entrapment In Criminal Law?

| Read Time: 6 minutes

Key Points: Entrapment in California criminal law generally refers to situations where law enforcement pressure or persuasion causes someone to commit a crime they would not have committed on their own. The central issue in entrapment cases is whether police conduct crossed the line from offering an opportunity into inducing criminal behavior through repeated requests, manipulation, or coercion. Entrapment...