Central Courthouse, San Diego
1100 Union St., San Diego. Most of the City of San Diego and Poway.
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San Diego Criminal Defense & Domestic Violence Attorney
Marc Kohnen, San Diego Criminal Defense Attorney. Putting your freedom, liberty and peace of mind first.
75+ Client Reviews on Yelp·Defending San Diego Since 2008
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Comprehensive Criminal Defense
What we defend
From a first-time charge to the most serious felony, every case gets a meticulous, individually-built defense.
01
Domestic Violence
PC 273.5 and 243(e)(1) arrests, protective orders and false accusations. The charges Marc defends most.
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DUI & DWI
Field-sobriety challenges, license hearings and hard negotiation to limit the impact on your life.
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Drug Crimes
Possession to trafficking. A strategy built to protect your record and your future.
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Diversion Programs
Misdemeanor, mental health, military and drug diversion. A dismissal instead of a conviction.
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White Collar Crimes
Fraud, embezzlement and federal exposure, handled with discretion and precision.
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Assault & Violence
Aggressive defense against assault and violent-crime allegations.
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Homicide
The highest stakes demand the most relentless, meticulous defense.
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Sex Crime Defense
Sensitive, private and tenacious representation when your reputation is on the line.
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PC 273.5Felony counts dismissed
Domestic Violence Defense
Arrested for domestic violence in San Diego? The next few days decide the case.
Domestic violence is the largest part of Marc’s practice. In San Diego, officers who answer a domestic call almost always make an arrest, an emergency protective order can bar you from your own home that night, and the District Attorney decides within days whether to file Penal Code 273.5 or 243(e)(1) charges, with or without the alleged victim’s cooperation.
That filing window is where Marc does his most important work. Reaching the prosecutor with the texts, witnesses and context before charges are filed has repeatedly ended cases with no charges at all, and in one case two felony PC 273.5 counts were dismissed outright. If charges are filed, he fights at arraignment to turn a full stay-away order into peaceful contact so your family is not split apart while the case is pending. Every case is different, and prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Client Reviews
In their own words
Real reviews from real clients — the people who stood where you’re standing now.
★★★★★
“Marc was the defense attorney for my brother back in 2013. He was awesome. The prosecutor was trying to pin 21 counts and 10 years on my brother — Marc was able to get it down to 3 counts and 3 years. Thank you thank you thank you for the wonderful work you were able to do.”
★★★★★
“Please don't go anywhere else, call Marc Kohnen. I was a nervous wreck when my son got his SECOND DUI — I just knew his life was over. He really influenced my son. As of now my son is sober, completed his education, and is flourishing at his job.”
★★★★★
“Far beyond the best attorney you will find! Five years ago I hired him for my DUI case; I revisited him for an expungement to clear my record — approved! Now I can apply for my real estate license. Marc Kohnen and his assistant go above and beyond.”
★★★★★
“I consulted several well-known local attorneys but they all seemed so phony. I brought my case to Marc one day, and he actually read my police reports and witness statements. None of the other attorneys made any effort to actually read it and see what was happening.”
★★★★★
“While going through one of the most terrifying experiences of our lives, Mr. Kohnen eased our worries and fears quickly and guided us to an outcome better than any we could have hoped for. You won't be disappointed.”
★★★★★
“Very knowledgeable, extremely professional, friendly and communicative. Marc advised me to do one thing prior to my hearing which probably saved me $1,000 in fines. He always replied to emails and calls, usually within a day. The best possible representation, and his retainer was very reasonable.”
★★★★★
“Marc is a great lawyer. Long story short: with Marc on my team I only did a year in county while facing 6 in prison. He helped me with a payment plan and was always prompt responding to my frantic calls.”
★★★★★
“Amazing lawyer! He saved my case after another incompetent lawyer almost ruined it. He is very diligent and has great attention to detail. Thank you Marc!”
★★★★★
“Just wrapped up my DUI case and couldn't be more content with the end result. Marc was open and honest about the possible outcomes and came through with the best deal I could get in my situation. I would recommend Marc and his team with no hesitation.”
Reviews migrated from clients’ public postings. Every case is different — prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Providing Legal Insight Like Never Before
Ask any other attorney if they’ve ever put a not guilty verdict on the front page.
Most lawyers promise the world. Marc has the headlines to prove it — including a San Diego Union-Tribune front-page acquittal.
When your freedom is on the line, experience and results are everything. With Marc by your side, you avoid a permanent criminal record and keep your reputation intact.
Front Page
In the News
The attorney the cameras turn to
From CNN to the Washington Post, Marc’s cases — and his commentary — make national headlines.
By the Numbers
A record that speaks
18Years Defending San Diego
4.6★75+ Yelp Reviews
62+Documented Case Results
24/7Available to You
2008Defending San Diego since
Meet Marc
Experienced San Diego trial counsel — personal attention on every case.
As a highly-acclaimed criminal defense attorney in San Diego, Marc has defended highly complex criminal cases over the years — even representing Hollywood celebrities. He believes everyone deserves the right to defend themselves.
Carrying glowing recommendations and 5-star Yelp reviews, Marc understands the emotionally rattling experience you’re going through, and is here to deliver the high-quality results that earned his reputation.
Meet Marc KohnenIf You’ve Just Been Arrested
The first 24 hours matter most
Whether the arrest happened downtown, in North County or anywhere in San Diego County, the same three rules apply. First, stay silent — you are required to identify yourself, but nothing else. Politely say you won’t answer questions without your attorney, and then stop talking; anything you say in the patrol car or at booking can be used against you. Second, don’t consent to searches of your phone, car or home. Third, get a lawyer before your arraignment — in California you must generally be arraigned within 48 hours, and decisions made at that first hearing (bail, protective orders, plea) shape the entire case.
The earlier Marc is involved, the more he can do. Before charges are filed he can contact the detective or the District Attorney directly — in past cases that pre-filing work has ended with no charges filed at all. If you can’t call yourself, a parent, spouse or friend can call for you: a large share of Marc’s clients start with a family member’s phone call in the middle of the night. Every case is different and no outcome can be promised — but silence, speed and an experienced San Diego defense attorney are always the right first moves.
Law Office of Marc S. Kohnen · 425 Tenth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101 — downtown, one block from the Gaslamp Quarter and minutes from the central courthouse and county jail. Available 24/7 at (619) 398-2500.
Where Your Case Will Be Heard
San Diego County’s four criminal courthouses
San Diego County Superior Court hears adult criminal cases at four courthouses, and which one handles your case depends on where the arrest happened. Marc Kohnen has handled cases at each of them since 2008.
Vista Courthouse
325 S. Melrose Dr., Vista. Oceanside, Carlsbad, Escondido, San Marcos, Encinitas, Del Mar and the rest of North County.
Courthouse guide →El Cajon Courthouse
250 E. Main St., El Cajon. El Cajon, La Mesa, Santee, Lemon Grove, Lakeside, Spring Valley and Ramona.
Courthouse guide →Chula Vista Courthouse
500 Third Ave., Chula Vista. Chula Vista, National City, Imperial Beach, San Ysidro, Otay Mesa and Coronado.
Courthouse guide →
Don’t wait. Get Marc on your side.
The sooner Marc is on your case, the more he can do. Get a free, confidential consultation today and let Marc become your voice in the court.