John D. Kirby — Former U.S. Federal Prosecutor

An independent guide to federal criminal defense by John D. Kirby, former U.S. federal prosecutor: how investigations work, how charges are built, how sentencing is calculated, and how appeals proceed — for readers in San Diego, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and federal courts throughout California and Arizona.

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25+Years Experience
AZ + CAFederal Districts Served
9thCircuit Appellate
Research Desk

Fresh Federal Defense Briefs

These are not filler posts. They are tight, useful federal-defense briefs designed to strengthen the site, deepen the topical map, and give visitors a reason to stay.

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Featured Brief

Federal Sentencing Mitigation Before the PSR

The best sentencing work starts before the presentence report. Build the mitigation packet early so the judge sees records, not guesswork.

  • 01Employment, treatment, and caregiving evidence should be assembled before the PSR interview.
  • 02Mitigation should connect directly to the 3553(a) factors the court must weigh.
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Federal Criminal Defense Practice

Former federal prosecutor now defending clients in the Southern District of California, Central District of California, District of Arizona, and nationwide.

Federal Criminal Defense

Full-spectrum federal defense from investigation through trial. Drug trafficking, firearms, immigration offenses, and all Title 18 charges.

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White Collar Defense

Fraud, embezzlement, insider trading, public corruption, and regulatory investigations. Former prosecutor who knows how these cases are built.

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Financial Crimes

Money laundering, wire fraud, bank fraud, securities violations, tax evasion. Complex financial cases demand experienced counsel.

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Complex Litigation

Multi-defendant conspiracy cases, RICO, continuing criminal enterprise. The most serious federal charges require the most experienced defense.

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Criminal Appeals

Ninth Circuit appellate practice. Direct appeals, habeas corpus, 2255 motions, and post-conviction relief. The appeal is not a do-over — it requires a specialist.

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Pre-Indictment Defense

The most critical window is before charges are filed. Target letters, grand jury subpoenas, search warrants — early intervention changes outcomes.

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Your Defense Attorney

John D. Kirby

Former U.S. Federal Prosecutor. Before defending federal criminal cases, John Kirby prosecuted them. He understands how federal investigations are structured, how charging decisions are made, and where the prosecution's case is weakest.

With over 25 years in federal courtrooms, he brings a perspective most defense attorneys cannot offer: firsthand knowledge of how the other side thinks. He practices in the Southern District of California, Central District of California, and District of Arizona, handling cases from San Diego to Los Angeles to Phoenix.

  • Former Assistant U.S. Attorney
  • 25+ years federal trial experience
  • Southern District of California — San Diego
  • Central District of California — Los Angeles
  • District of Arizona — all divisions
  • Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals
  • AV Preeminent — Martindale-Hubbell
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"The worst thing you can do when you suspect you're under federal investigation is wait. The second worst thing is hire the wrong lawyer. I know how these cases are built because I used to build them."

— John D. Kirby

Former U.S. Federal Prosecutor

How Federal Criminal Cases Work

Investigations, charges, sentencing, and appeals — explained by a former federal prosecutor. Explore the practice areas or read the blog.

Contact the Editorial Team

Questions about this guide can be sent through the contact form. Submissions go to the site's regular intake and are not a direct line to any attorney.

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U.S. Supreme Court Victory

Inyo County v. Paiute-Shoshone Indians of the Bishop Community
538 U.S. 701 (2003) · Argued March 31, 2003 · Decided May 19, 2003

Editor John D. Kirby personally argued this case before the United States Supreme Court and won a unanimous decision — one of fewer than 1% of attorneys to argue before the nation's highest court. Full biography and published works →

Commentary & Analysis

Expert legal commentary and practice-area analysis.

Federal Defense Trends

Analysis of shifting enforcement priorities and defense implications.

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Practice Area Focus

Deep-dive into emerging areas of federal criminal defense.

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Strategic Considerations

Practical guidance for complex federal defense scenarios.

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