Attorney Karren Kenney

Karren Kenney has spent her entire legal career litigating cases throughout Southern California and the United States. As a former Senior Deputy Public Defender, she developed the best trial skills most lawyers never obtain.  Ms. Kenney has tried over 100 criminal jury trials at the state and federal level. Her criminal and business litigation experience includes numerous aggravated white collar crime cases involving healthcare fraud, investment fraud, wire fraud, mail fraud, securities fraud, insurance fraud, real estate fraud, worker's compensation fraud, and embezzlement. In addition to litigating business and fraud cases, Ms. Kenney has also tried cases ranging from misdemeanor offenses to RICO charges, conspiracy, drug crimes, gang crimes, weapons crimes, and even murder.

When facing a federal criminal investigation, the stakes could not be higher. Federal prosecutors have virtually unlimited resources, experienced agents, and years of training in building cases. Defending against these charges requires not just skill, but insight, strategy, and the ability to anticipate the government’s every move. Few attorneys possess that level of experience — but Attorney Karren Kenney, founder of Kenney Legal Defense, has built her career on doing exactly that.

With more than 30 years of criminal law experience and over a decade exclusively focused on federal criminal defense, Ms. Kenney has become one of California’s most respected advocates in complex federal matters. Her exceptional track record, meticulous case preparation, and unwavering commitment to her clients make her one of the foremost authorities on navigating the treacherous landscape of federal investigations and prosecutions.

Over the past three decades, Ms. Kenney has successfully represented countless clients in U.S. District Courts across California and beyond. Her cases have involved a wide range of federal offenses, including:

Wire fraud and mail fraud
Bank fraud and mortgage fraud
Conspiracy and RICO allegations
Drug trafficking and importation cases
Federal firearm violations
Money laundering and asset forfeiture
Public corruption and bribery investigations

Her ability to dissect complex financial records, challenge unconstitutional searches, and expose investigative misconduct has resulted in numerous dismissals, acquittals, and favorable plea outcomes for her clients.

Many of Ms. Kenney’s cases begin long before an indictment is filed — during the investigative phase, when the FBI, DEA, IRS, or another federal agency starts gathering evidence. This is where her strategic insight truly shines.

She understands that early intervention can mean the difference between being charged or being cleared. By engaging with investigators and prosecutors early, she can often mitigate the government’s case, challenge the basis of a search warrant, or even prevent formal charges from being filed.

Ms. Kenney’s approach during federal investigations includes:

Immediate case assessment to determine the scope and source of the investigation

Direct communication with federal agents and AUSAs to clarify the nature of the inquiry

Comprehensive analysis of subpoenas, warrants, and target letters

Advising clients on how to respond safely to federal interviews or grand jury subpoenas

Preserving exculpatory evidence and digital data before the government seizes it

Her experience handling federal target letters — official notices that an individual is under investigation — has made her a sought-after resource for professionals, business owners, and public officials who suddenly find themselves under federal scrutiny.

Unlike many defense attorneys who prefer to negotiate pleas, Karren Kenney is a trial lawyer at heart. She has tried over 100 jury trials to verdict in both state and federal court — a rare accomplishment in today’s legal landscape. This courtroom experience gives her credibility with judges, prosecutors, and juries alike.

Federal cases often involve complex legal issues such as evidence suppression, wiretap warrants, and sentencing guideline calculations. Ms. Kenney’s in-depth understanding of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, evidentiary standards, and constitutional protections allows her to challenge the government’s case from every possible angle.

Whether it’s cross-examining a federal agent about investigative bias, exposing flaws in forensic evidence, or persuading a jury to look beyond the government’s narrative, Ms. Kenney’s courtroom presence is both commanding and effective. Her clients benefit not just from her knowledge of the law, but from her ability to tell their story with clarity and conviction.

Every client who hires Karren Kenney receives individualized attention and hands-on representation. She understands that behind every case is a person — often someone who has never faced the criminal justice system before and feels overwhelmed by the power of the federal government.

Unlike large firms where clients rarely speak directly with their attorney, Ms. Kenney handles every case personally. She keeps her clients informed at every stage, explaining the process in plain language and helping them make critical decisions about their defense.

Her guiding principle is simple: “Protect the client, preserve their rights, and pursue justice relentlessly.”

Even after a conviction, federal defendants face daunting sentencing guidelines that can lead to years or even decades behind bars. Karren Kenney’s experience extends into federal sentencing advocacy, where she uses her knowledge of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines to argue for reduced sentences, variances, and mitigating departures.

Her work reflects her belief that justice doesn’t end at sentencing — it continues through every available legal avenue.

Karren Kenney’s exceptional reputation has earned her recognition from peers and clients alike. She has been featured in multiple legal publications, maintains a 10.0 “Superb” rating on Avvo, and has been consistently recognized as one of Southern California’s top federal defense attorneys.

Her success stems not only from her deep legal knowledge but from her integrity and commitment to the rule of law. She is known for standing up to prosecutorial overreach, fighting unconstitutional government actions, and ensuring her clients’ voices are heard in a system often designed to silence them.

When federal agents knock at your door or you receive notice that you are the target of a federal investigation, there is no time to wait. You need a defense attorney with the experience, confidence, and dedication to stand up to the full weight of the U.S. government.

For decades, Attorney Karren Kenney has provided exactly that — tireless advocacy, strategic defense, and proven results in the toughest of circumstances. Her exceptional experience handling federal investigations and court cases makes her the trusted choice for professionals, business owners, and individuals facing life-changing federal charges.

Judges and prosecutors know her as a prepared, principled litigator who fights vigorously for her clients’ constitutional rights. Her results, however, speak loudest — countless clients have avoided prison, protected their assets, and preserved their futures under her defense. Call Attorney Kenney today for a free phone consultation and case quote.