Facing federal asset forfeiture in San Marcos? Former federal prosecutor John D. Kirby defends property owners in civil and criminal forfeiture proceedings. Protect your assets — experienced forfeiture defense representation.
325 S. Melrose Drive, Vista, CA 92081
North County criminal cases
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
Not exactly—federal forfeiture cases are handled in U.S. District Court, not state court. However, if related state charges are filed, those proceedings would occur at the North County Regional Center — San Diego Superior Court in Vista, which serves the San Marcos area.
You should immediately consult a federal forfeiture defense attorney who can file a claim with the U.S. Marshals Service or the seizing agency. If your case involves state charges heard at the North County Regional Center — San Diego Superior Court, your attorney may also negotiate to delay forfeiture proceedings pending the outcome of that criminal case.
Federal forfeiture typically operates independently of state court proceedings, so the seizure remains under federal jurisdiction regardless of where your state case is heard. Your attorney should request a seizure hearing at the North County Regional Center — San Diego Superior Court only if the forfeiture is tied to a state charge, which is rare in federal forfeiture cases.
The North County Regional Center — San Diego Superior Court 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 San Marcos 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.