Need to appeal a federal conviction or sentence in Point Loma? Former federal prosecutor John D. Kirby handles Ninth Circuit appeals, 2255 motions, and post-conviction relief with 25+ years of federal appellate experience.
1100 Union Street, San Diego, CA 92101
All San Diego County criminal matters
Fraud, embezzlement, insider trading, securities violations, public corruption
Federal trafficking, conspiracy, manufacturing, possession with intent to distribute
Organized crime, conspiracy charges, enterprise corruption, multi-defendant cases
Financial crimes, structuring, asset forfeiture, FinCEN and IRS investigations
IRS criminal investigations, failure to file, tax fraud, offshore account disclosures
2255 motions, direct appeals to the Ninth Circuit, post-conviction relief
No, federal appeals from convictions in Point Loma go to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, not the San Diego Superior Court — Central Division. However, the trial errors that form the basis of your appeal would have occurred at the Superior Court, making the trial record a critical starting point for your federal appeal.
Your Point Loma address does not change the strict 14-day deadline to file a notice of appeal after a conviction in San Diego Superior Court — Central Division. But being local can help you meet with your appellate attorney more quickly to review the trial transcript and prepare the necessary filings.
The San Diego Superior Court — Central Division is where your original trial and sentencing took place, and its certified record—including transcripts and evidence—is sent directly to the Ninth Circuit for federal review. An attorney experienced in Point Loma cases will scrutinize that record for reversible errors specific to your trial there.
The San Diego Superior Court — Central Division operates under its own local rules, its own judges, and its own assigned federal prosecutors. An attorney who regularly practices in this courthouse understands how specific judges handle suppression motions, what the assigned AUSA typically offers in plea negotiations, and what sentencing outcomes are realistic for cases from the Point Loma area. Do not hire a general practitioner who will be learning the federal system at your expense — your freedom deserves experienced representation that knows this courthouse.
For full practice area coverage — white collar crime, drug crimes, RICO, money laundering, tax evasion, healthcare fraud, PPP fraud, and federal appeals:
Kirby Law — Full Federal Criminal Defense PracticeFormer federal prosecutor John D. Kirby — 25+ years federal trial experience. Confidential consultation available.
All communications are confidential and protected by attorney-client privilege.