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Marc Steen Kohnen
About Marc
Biography
Marc Kohnen is San Diego’s premier criminal defense and DUI attorney. Since opening the Law Office of Marc S. Kohnen in 2008, his high-profile cases have been featured and reported on by the national news media on CNN, HLN, MSNBC, Discovery Channel, TMZ, The View, A&E, among many other national channels & shows. In local news, attorney Marc Kohnen and his cases have been featured on San Diego CBS, ABC, NBC, and FOX affiliates. San Diego criminal defense attorney Marc Kohnen has been quoted in national print media regarding his criminal defense expertise and his cases have been featured in local newspapers such as the San Diego Tribune, Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, Seattle Times, NY Post, in addition to national print publications such as the Huffington Post, Wall Street Journal and USA Today. In San Diego courtrooms Mr. Kohnen has obtained NOT GUILTY verdicts at trial for clients charged with offenses ranging from felony First Degree Murder to misdemeanor DUI. Within the state of California Mr. Kohnen has defended criminal cases in the courtrooms of San Francisco, San Diego, LosAngeles, San Bernardino, and Riverside Counties. He brings a wealth of courtroom and trial experience obtained fighting prosecutors throughout the state. Marc Kohnen has been nominated as one of San Diego’s Top Attorneys by the San Diego Daily Transcript, and featured as a criminal defense speaker at local law schools.
Marc Kohnen grew up both in the United States and abroad, and he speaks three languages. He has dealt with the incarceration of a family member first-hand, as well as the aftermath of imprisonment, and understands how it feels to be up against the justice system. Prior to attending law school Marc Kohnen worked as an assistant college football coach in Pennsylvania. He graduated from the University of Vermont in 1999, and Thomas Jefferson School of Law in 2006. He has been a San Diego resident since 2002. In his spare time he enjoys recreational sports, spending time with family, traveling and reading.
Practice Areas
4
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
50%
22 years | 200 cases
DUI and DWI
25%
22 years | 50 cases
Fees and Rates
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 18 years
State: California
Acquired: 2008
Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 2023
Location
The Law Office of Marc S. Kohnen
425 10th Ave, San Diego, CA, 92101
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Marc Steen Kohnen's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
16 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (16)
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Practice Areas
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 reviews | Responsiveness
Posted by William | November 08, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
Scam lawyer
Marc Kohnen failed to represent me from start to finish. He is a Con-Artist waiting for easy money. He NEVER met with me prior to my hearings nor did he have a game plan at anytime. It was always shoot from the hip approach to all my court hearings. Lack or no call backs. He gets upset when I re...
Posted by anonymous | October 28, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
AVOID
I personally hired Marc Kohnen without any knowledge of the existence of Avvo at that time. Marc stopped responding to my case questions, don't return my retainer, and never bother sending me a letter of case resolution.
Posted by anonymous | November 29, 2023 | Hired Attorney
Not worth it
Never calls back. Just a retainer to this firm. Shop around and get better more focused council.
Posted by Ondrea | August 31, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
One of a kind
Marc follows through and is available for his clients. Years after my case was settled, he was still available to help me tie up some loose ends. Thank you Marc and team!
Posted by anonymous | July 13, 2016 | Hired Attorney
Great Attorney!
I didn't know what to expect when I called Marc's office. It was last minute and worries they would blow me off, like other attorneys were doing. But I got help immediately and they told me to not worry at all. Marc and his staff were there to help me through the process and answered all the question...
Marc Steen Kohnen's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I've had the pleasure to work for attorney Kohnen as a law clerk before becoming a licensed attorney myself. I learned everything that I know from attorney Kohnen, from how to treat your clients with great compassion to how to present a winnable defense. There is no question that attorney Kohnen is one of the best criminal defense attorneys around, but more importantly, he is an outstanding human being. If my liberty interest were on the line, there is no one else I would trust more than attorney Kohnen in protecting my freedom and vindicating my rights. I highly recommend attorney Kohnen for anyone looking for top-notch criminal defense."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse Marc. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"Approachable, ethical, hard-working, and intelligent. Marc is an excellent criminal defense attorney. I endorse and recommend Mr. Kohnen without reservation."
"Marc and his staff are the firm that we always go to when our immigration clients have criminal issues. They are responsive, accurate and reliable. I endorse this lawyer."
"I have known Marc for several years and I have seen him in action on many occasions. He is extremely well-respected in the legal community and is an excellent advocate for his clients. Marc has obtained truly exceptional results for his clients over the years, whether they be as a result of court hearings or achieving excellent plea deals. His clients rave about his attentiveness and attention to detail. He works very hard to obtain the results he does. He is an excellent option for anyone in need of quality, first-rate representation."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Mr. Kohnen for many years, and he used to be my associate. Mr. Kohnen is a very hard worker who always goes to bat for his clients. He researches the relevant issues and is always prepared. Whether you need a good plea-bargain or need to go to trial, Mr. Kohnen is a good choice for you."
"Marc Kohnen is an excellent, passionate, well respected lawyer in the San Diego legal community. He is very compassionate towards his clients and always gives 150% to provide the best defense possible. I really respect Marc's legal judgment, his trial skills, and his professionalism as an attorney."
"I have known Mr. Kohnen for a number of years and he is one of the more intelligent and dedicated attorneys I have worked with. Mr. Kohnen is well known and respected as a successful trial attorney throughout Southern California. I have personally seen him obtain tremendous results for his clients through his tireless work ethic and unmatched passion for criminal defense. I highly endorse Mr. Kohnen and wish nothing but continued success for him and his firm."
"This attorney works very hard for the client and keeps up with the law by attending legal seminars to assist them in this regard. I endorse this attorney."
"Marc is a fierce advocate for his clients. He is passionate about his job and obtaining the best results possible on his cases. He is well respected in the courts not only by the defense bar, but more importantly by the prosecutors and judges. I would be confident referring anyone to him for representation."
"Marc's experience working on high profile, complex, serious felonies makes him an invaluable resource to his colleagues, but most importantly to his CLIENTS. He is a good friend, but an even better lawyer."
Isaac Blumberg
Criminal defense lawyer
Michael Hernandez
Criminal defense lawyer
Lindsey Mercer
Criminal defense lawyer
Daniel Greene
Criminal defense lawyer
Kerry Armstrong
Criminal defense lawyer
Aaron Hicks
DUI and DWI lawyer
David Shapiro
Criminal defense lawyer
Experience
Professional misconduct
This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2023.
Discipline, Probation; no Actual Suspension issued in CA, 2023
updated on 11/07/2023This sanction means the attorney had a suspension placed on hold (and ultimately removed) by complying with certain requirements.
Honors
2018
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2017
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2016
People Love us on Yelp!, Yelp
2014
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association
2014
Top 10 Attorneys Under the age of 40, National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys, Inc.
2013
Top Attorney Semi Finalist, San Diego Daily Transcript
Work Experience
2008 - Present
President, The Law Office of Marc S. Kohnen
2008 - 2008
Associate, Law Offices Of Kerry L. Armstrong, Aplc
2004 - 2008
Attorney/Law Clerk, Steigerwalt and Associates
2001 - 2003
Assistant Football Coach, California University of Pennsylvania
Associations
2008 - Present
Criminal Defense Bar Association of San Diego
2008 - Present
California Attorneys for Criminal Justice
2008 - Present
San Diego County Bar Association
2008 - Present
California Public Defenders Association
Sample of Legal Cases
People v. Peter Robbins
Probation
People v. Jennifer Trayers
Not Guilty - First Degree Murder
People v. Valerie Carlson
Probation
Education
2006
Thomas Jefferson School of Law
Juris Doctorate
2003
California University of Pennsylvania
MS - Master of Science
1999
University of Vermont
English
Speaking Engagements
2012
USD Criminal Law Society
Criminal Law Practitioner Seminar
Publications
2016
CBS Channel 8 San Diego
Man Accused of Trying to Pepper Spray Detective to Stand Trial
2016
Reporting San Diego
Branch Bound for Trial
2016
Reporting San Diego
State of Mind During the Confrontation Between Branch and Detective Ward
2016
San Diego Union Tribune
More Charges Filed Against Man in Chokehold Case
2016
San Diego Union Tribune
Detective Recounts Encounter, Chokehold
2016
2016
San Diego Union Tribune
Security Guard in Choke Hold Case to Stand Trial
2015
Photography is Not a Crime
San Diego Deputy Places Man in Chokehold in Apparent Road Rage Incident
2015
ABC 10 News San Diego
Lawyer Says Man Was Not Resisting When Deputy Put Him in Chokehold
2015
San Diego Reader Magazine
Deputy's carotid hold unwarranted?
2015
Reporting San Diego
San Diego County Sued in Civil Court for Detective’s Actions
2015
WPTV.com West Palm Beach
Detective's chokehold on security guard caught on camera in San Diego (VIDEO)
2015
2015
San Diego Union Tribune
Accounts differ on 'sleeper hold' used on security guard
2015
Times of San Diego
Sheriff’s Deputy Under Investigation for Restraining Suspect
2015
Channel CW6 San Diego
Authorities respond to use of ‘carotid-restraint’ in cell phone video
2015
2013
2013
San Diego Union Tribune
Defense Attorney Receives Local Honor
2012
The Huffington Post
Peter Robbins, Charlie Brown Voice Actor, Arrested for Alleged Stalking
2012
2012
2012
San Diego Union Tribune
Wife Sentenced in Killing of Navy Doctor
2012
Chicago Tribune
Charlie Brown Voice Actor Pleads Not Guilty to Stalking
2012
Twin Cities Pioneer Press
Voice of Charlie Brown charged with stalking, threatening ex-girlfriend
2012
2012
ABC News
Charlie Brown Voice Actor Arrested
2012
Fox 5 News San Diego
Voice of Charlie Brown’ faces felony charges
2012
Southern California Public Radio
Original voice of Charlie Brown arrested for threatening ex-girlfriend and her breast surgeon
2012
Daily Mail - UK
Nuts, it's Charlie Brown in chains!
2012
Washington Times
Voice actor for Charlie Brown arrested in Calif.
2012
Associated Press
Voice actor for Charlie Brown arrested in Calif
2012
2012
CNN.com
ISSUES WITH JANE VELEZ-MITCHELL
2011
San Diego City Beat
Jail Mail - Sheriff May End Inmate Email System
2011
Wall Street Journal
NCAA Bracket Math
2010
ABC 10 San Diego News
Injured Wife Pleads Not Guilty To Charges In Death Of Doctor
2008
Imperial Valley Press
Investigation into misuse of school funds
Languages
Spanish
Danish