Kathleen Belle Cannon

Kathleen Belle Cannon

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 48 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Vista, CA
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, Domestic Violence, DUI & DWI

380 S Melrose Dr Ste 300, Vista, CA

About Kathleen

Biography

Practice Areas

3

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 80%

Extensive experience in defending high profile complex criminal trials, including death penalty, special circumstance, murder, serious felony matters, as well as other felony and misdemeanor and juvenile cases.

41 years

80%
DUI and DWI 10%

I have experience handling numerous misdemeanor and felony DUI/DWI matters, including manslaughter and murder allegations arising from these matters.

41 years

10%
Domestic Violence 10%

Extensive experience with domestic violence cases giving rise to criminal charges.

41 years

10%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 30 minutes


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Licenses

Licensed in California for 48 years

State: California

Acquired: 1977

Inactive

No misconduct found

Location

LAW OFFICES OF KATHLEEN CANNON

380 S Melrose Dr Ste 300, Vista, CA, 92081

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Kathleen Belle Cannon's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

12 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (12) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 4 of 4 reviews | Communication Style

Posted by anonymous | March 16, 2017 | Criminal Defense

Best in the business!

I was a part of an incident that I never wanted to be a part of. The police had misinterpreted what had happened and I was facing felony charges that could have sent me to jail for a while and ultimately ruined my life. I went to a very good attorney, explained my case and even HE told me to go to Ka...thleen Cannon. From the moment we had our initial meeting, Kathleen made me feel like I was in good hands and that there was nothing to worry about. She is widely viewed as one of the most FEARED attorneys in all of San Diego. She knew exactly what to do, told me exactly what I needed to know and at the end of the day, she was able to get the charges dropped. There was never a time that I didn't know what was going on since she kept a very constant stream of communication every step of the way, whether it be through a phone call, email or text message. I understand that people are very skeptical about hiring attorneys and might not trust the whole legal system, but I can guarantee you that you absolutely WILL NOT regret hiring Kathleen to fight for your freedom.

Posted by anonymous | March 14, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

She has my highest regard and trust

At the worst of times after an emotionally distressing breakup with a longtime girlfriend, I found myself in a bad situation that was embarrassing and very stressful for me and residually, hard on my family. I required someone who could do very strategic negotiation and knew the law as well as having... relationships of respect with the prosecutor’s office and other court officials. I found just that in Kathy Cannon. Ms. Cannon was a San Diego public defender for over 25 years before going into private practice. The body of her experience and knowledge of the law made her a true asset and champion for me as I faced serious charges. She provided realistic and honest feedback on each aspect of my case and described in depth each possible scenario. She had a vision for a positive outcome and worked to achieve the best possible outcome for me in the end. Her expertise, communication skills, and the valuable relationships of mutual respect she has built in the courthouse achieved a positive and realistic resolution. She is proactive, in constant communication, open to discussion, straightforward, and an empathetic professional. I am in debt to Ms. Cannon for the superb service she provided for me. She is even thinking ahead to a future better resolution as we work together as a team to have my charge reduced. Ms. Cannon has my highest regard and respect. I recommend her without reservation as a top defense attorney.

Posted by anonymous | October 05, 2015 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

The best! Calm, cool, and collected!

Kathleen Cannon was my lawyer for some charges in 2013/2014. She did a great job at understanding me and the case and advocating for me. I felt she was truly on my team and did the best job possible for me. I was truly pleased with this experience and with her as my lawyer. She made something dre...adful palatable. She took me through all of the steps and explained what I did not understand. She came highly recommended and I am so glad I went with her! I interviewed several lawyers, but felt the strongest bond of kinship with Kathleen and think that she made the most sense for me. Meet her, hire her, be glad you did!

Posted by David | September 30, 2015 | Hired Attorney

Great Attorney for Temporary Restraining Orders

Mrs. Cannon was very steadfast despite the opposition. Explained the law and my options to me in lay terms. Worked with me on payment options and did not try and charge me for "extra services".

See All Client Reviews

Kathleen Belle Cannon's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Kathleen
Joni Kay Eisenstein headshot
Joni Eisenstein

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Kathleen Cannon has more experience, skill and compassion than any other lawyer I have encountered in my 23 years of practice. Her command of the law and her incredible advocacy skills are sought after not only by people in need of her services but by her colleagues and new lawyers who want her to teach them how to be as effective as she is."

Elic Eliahu Anbar headshot
Elic Anbar

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 18

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"Put really simply, there isn't a better criminal defense attorney anywhere."

Patrick Charles Kingsley headshot
Patrick Kingsley

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 06

Relationship: Other

"I was lucky to have Kathy teach my trial skills class while in law school. Kathy is a passionate knowledgeable attorney and friend."

James Nelson Dicks headshot
James Dicks

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"An extremely motivated, honest, caring, and intelligent attorney who works hard for the clients rights. She keeps up with the law by attending seminars on a regular basis. I give this attorney my wholehearted recommendation."

Christina Jonae Oleson headshot
Christina Oleson

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I was privileged to have Attorney Cannon as my instructor at the California Public Defender's Association Trial Skills Institute in August 2013. Attorney Cannon not only puts in the time that it takes to obtain excellent results for her clients, but she takes the time to teach and help her fellow lawyers as well. Attorney Cannon consistently serves as an excellent role model for other professionals for her approach to law practice by her knowledgeable, competent, aggressive representation of clients and impeccable work ethic. I highly recommend her."

Judith Rochlin headshot
Judith Rochlin

Criminal defense lawyer | May 07

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer. Kathy Cannon is a formidable advocate. She is just wonderful in front of a jury. Kathy is highly persuasive, empathetic, humorous and knowledgeable. I have watched her in trial and jurors hang on her every word. When the stakes are high you want Kathy in your corner. Judy R"

Peter Michael Liss headshot
Peter Liss

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Kathy Cannon is the lawyer you want in your corner when you are fighting for your life. There is no better trial lawyer in San Diego. Kathy is fiercely dedicated to her clients. Prosecutors respect and fear her. Her trial skills are so formidable she is widely sought as a teacher of trial skill to other trial lawyers."

View All Endorsements
Elic Eliahu Anbar headshot
Elic Anbar

Criminal defense lawyer

Joni Kay Eisenstein headshot
Joni Eisenstein

Criminal defense lawyer

James Nelson Dicks headshot
James Dicks

Criminal defense lawyer

Judith Rochlin headshot
Judith Rochlin

Criminal defense lawyer

Peter Michael Liss headshot
Peter Liss

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2014

Top 100, National Trial Association

2012

Special Recognition Award and Lifetime Membership, California Public Defenders Association

2011

Top Ten Attorney in San Diego, San Diego Daily Transcript

2002

Attorney of the Year, North County Bar Association

2002

Public Defender of the year, Office of the Public Defender San Diego County

Work Experience

2011 - Present

Attorney, Law Offices of Kathleen Cannon

1994 - Present

Adjunct Professor, California Western School Of Law

1993 - Present

Instructor, Trial Advocacy, NITA

1989 - 2011

Senior Felony Attorney; Branch and Training Supervisor, Office Of The Public Defender San Diego County

1978 - 1989

Supervisor, Capital, felony and misdemeanor attorney, Los Angeles County Office Of Public Defender

1977 - 1978

Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, City Attorney, City Of Los Angeles

Associations

2001 - Present

North County Bar Assoication

Member

1980 - Present

California Public Defenders Association

Past President and member

1977 - Present

State Bar of California

Member

Education

1977

Southwestern Univ School of Law

J.D.

1973

Michigan State University

B.A.

Speaking Engagements

N/A

Statewide seminars

Trial Tactics and Instruction

N/A

National Institute for Trial Advocacy

Trial Advocacy Programs - National and International

Avvo Rating

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  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
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Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution