Marc Kohnen — the leading Criminal Defense Attorney in San Diego, CA. Putting your freedom, liberty and peace of mind first.
From a first-time charge to the most serious felony, every case gets a meticulous, individually-built defense.
DUI & DWI
Field-sobriety challenges, license hearings and hard negotiation to limit the impact on your life.
Defend this →Drug Crimes
Possession to trafficking — a strategy built to protect your record and your future.
Defend this →White Collar
Fraud, embezzlement and federal exposure, handled with discretion and precision.
Defend this →Assault & Violence
Aggressive defense against assault and violent-crime allegations.
Defend this →Homicide
The highest stakes demand the most relentless, meticulous defense.
Defend this →Sex Crimes
Sensitive, private and tenacious representation when your reputation is on the line.
Defend this →Domestic Violence
Protecting your rights, your family and your freedom.
Defend this →Juvenile Crimes
Protecting young clients — and the futures ahead of them.
Defend this →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.
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.
From CNN to the Washington Post, Marc’s cases — and his commentary — make national headlines.
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 KohnenWhether 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.
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.