Address: 2900 Bristol St., Suite C204 Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Available To Serve You Nationwide On All Federal Cases
When you are facing a serious criminal investigation or prosecution, the attorney you choose can make a significant difference in how your case is investigated, developed, and defended. Costa Mesa criminal defense attorney Karren Kenney represents individuals, professionals, executives, and business owners facing high-stakes criminal matters in Orange County, San Diego, and throughout California, with a particular focus on complex federal criminal investigations and federal fraud cases.
As a former Senior Deputy Public Defender and Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), Karren Kenney brings extensive criminal-defense experience together with specialized training in the investigation and analysis of fraud. This combination is particularly valuable in federal cases involving complicated financial transactions, business records, electronic communications, government data, and allegations that may span months or years. At Kenney Legal Defense, we approach these cases with the understanding that successfully defending a complex fraud prosecution often requires much more than responding to the government's allegations—it requires examining how the investigation was conducted, testing the government's financial evidence, identifying weaknesses in its theory, and developing the defense as early as possible.
Our federal practice includes wire fraud, mail fraud, bank fraud, healthcare fraud, tax-related investigations, government and benefits fraud, securities and investment fraud, PPP and other federal program fraud, conspiracy, money laundering, identity-related offenses, and other white-collar and financial crimes. We represent clients at every stage of the federal process, including pre-file investigations, grand jury investigations, subpoenas, search warrants, FBI and federal-agent contacts, target letters, indictments, plea negotiations, trials, sentencing, and federal appeals.
We also provide aggressive representation in California state criminal cases, including felony and misdemeanor prosecutions. Our state-court practice encompasses cases involving fraud and theft, domestic violence, DUI, drug offenses, assault and other violent-crime allegations, and other serious criminal charges. Whether a case is being investigated by a federal agency or prosecuted in federal or state court, our objective is the same: protect the client's rights, investigate the evidence independently, and build a defense tailored to the facts and consequences of the individual case.
From our Costa Mesa office, Kenney Legal Defense provides experienced criminal defense representation to clients throughout Orange County, San Diego, and California. If you have learned that you are the subject or target of an investigation, have been contacted by federal or state investigators, or have already been charged with a crime, contact Kenney Legal Defense to discuss your case with an experienced Costa Mesa criminal defense attorney.
To learn more about her background, training, and philosophy, visit the About Attorney Karren Kenney page.
Criminal defense is not just about showing up in court. It’s about deep preparation, smart strategy, and the willingness to fight for clients when the stakes are highest. Attorney Karren Kenney is widely regarded as one of the best criminal attorneys in Costa Mesa because she:
Her results speak for themselves. To see examples of dismissals, reductions of charges, and not guilty verdicts, visit the Case Results page.
Whether you are a first-time offender or facing serious felony charges, Attorney Kenney knows how to protect your rights and your future. Her Costa Mesa criminal defense practice includes:
For a more detailed list of the types of cases she handles, visit the Criminal Defense Practice Areas page.
No matter what you are accused of, you deserve a powerful defense and a lawyer who is not afraid to challenge the government’s case.
From the moment Attorney Kenney takes on a case, she begins developing a strategic defense plan tailored to your situation. She carefully reviews:
By identifying weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and filing appropriate motions, she often succeeds in getting evidence suppressed, charges reduced, or cases dismissed before trial.
This commitment to proactive defense is one of the reasons so many clients view her as the best criminal attorney to handle complex Costa Mesa cases.
Not every case can or should be resolved through negotiation. When necessary, Attorney Kenney is fully prepared to take your case to trial. She has tried over 100 criminal and civil cases in front of a jury. She is known for:
When you hire Karren Kenney, you are hiring a trial lawyer with the courage and skill to fight your case all the way if that’s what justice requires.
You can read what past clients have to say about working with her on the Reviews page.
Facing criminal charges can be one of the most stressful experiences of your life. Attorney Kenney understands this and is committed to guiding you through the process with honesty and compassion. Clients appreciate that she:
You are never just a case number. You are a person whose future matters.
Attorney Kenney represents clients in Costa Mesa and throughout Orange County, including:
Her familiarity with local courts, judges, and prosecutors gives her insight into how cases are typically handled in Orange County and how to position your case for the best possible outcome.
A criminal investigation or arrest can raise important questions about what happens next, what rights you have, and how to protect yourself before making decisions that could affect your case. Kenney Legal Defense provides resources for individuals, professionals, executives, and business owners facing California state criminal charges and complex federal criminal investigations.
From our Costa Mesa office, Kenney Legal Defense handles state and federal criminal matters in Orange County, as well as federal cases throughout California and nationwide. The firm's Costa Mesa office is located at 2900 Bristol Street, Suite C204, Costa Mesa, CA 92626.
Federal criminal investigations are different from ordinary California state prosecutions. They may involve lengthy investigations, federal grand juries, subpoenas, search warrants, extensive electronic and financial evidence, and agencies such as the FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation, DEA, HSI, and other federal investigative agencies.
The following resources provide more information about federal investigations, fraud allegations, subpoenas, target letters, and other serious federal criminal matters.
Federal criminal cases can involve substantially different investigative procedures, charging practices, court rules, and sentencing considerations than California state cases. Kenney Legal Defense represents clients facing a wide range of federal offenses, including fraud, money laundering, conspiracy, drug crimes, cybercrime, and other serious federal allegations.
Learn More About Federal Criminal Defense
Federal fraud investigations can involve extensive financial records, bank transactions, electronic communications, business documents, government data, forensic accounting, and complicated questions concerning knowledge and criminal intent.
Attorney Karren Kenney is a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) and represents individuals, professionals, executives, and business owners facing complex federal fraud allegations. Your existing Orange County fraud page specifically addresses federal fraud cases prosecuted in the Central District of California, including matters arising in Costa Mesa and throughout Orange County.
Federal Fraud Defense Lawyer in Orange County
Receiving a target letter from a U.S. Attorney's Office can indicate that prosecutors view the recipient as a potential defendant in a federal criminal investigation.
By the time a target letter is issued, prosecutors may already possess financial records, electronic communications, witness statements, subpoenaed documents, or other evidence. Early defense counsel can communicate with prosecutors, evaluate the allegations, and begin preparing a defense before a charging decision is made.
Federal Target Letter Attorney: What It Means and What to Do Next
A federal grand jury subpoena may require documents, testimony, or both. Receiving one does not necessarily mean the recipient will be criminally charged, but a subpoena should be evaluated carefully before records are produced or testimony is provided.
Your federal subpoena resource explains why a document subpoena can reveal transactions, communications, accounts, devices, participants, and business practices to investigators—and why an improvised response can create additional problems.
Federal Grand Jury Subpoena vs. FBI Subpoena: What to Do Before Producing Records
Wire fraud and other federal white-collar investigations may involve emails, electronic payments, financial transactions, business records, investor communications, health care billing, government programs, and other alleged schemes.
Kenney Legal Defense handles federal white-collar matters including wire fraud, mail fraud, bank fraud, mortgage fraud, health care fraud, investment fraud, securities fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy.
Learn About Federal Fraud and White-Collar Criminal Defense
Money laundering investigations can involve detailed tracing of bank accounts, transfers, business transactions, purchases, and the alleged source and disposition of funds.
These allegations frequently accompany fraud and other federal offenses, making financial analysis especially important when determining whether the government's interpretation of a transaction accurately reflects what occurred. Kenney Legal Defense's existing money-laundering content also identifies Karren Kenney's CFE credential and the firm's work in complex financial cases.
Learn About Federal Money Laundering Defense
Kenney Legal Defense also represents clients facing California misdemeanor and felony charges in Orange County.
State criminal cases can move quickly following an arrest. Depending upon the allegations, a case may involve bail, protective orders, driver's-license proceedings, search-and-seizure issues, witness statements, forensic evidence, negotiations with prosecutors, pretrial motions, and jury trial.
A DUI arrest can trigger both a criminal prosecution and a separate California DMV proceeding involving driving privileges. Your existing Orange County DUI page addresses first-time and repeat DUI cases, chemical testing, field sobriety testing, DMV hearings, license consequences, pretrial motions, and DUI trials.
Domestic violence allegations can result in misdemeanor or felony charges and may also affect protective orders, firearm rights, employment, professional licensing, family matters, and reputation.
Potential defenses depend upon the facts and can include self-defense, false allegations, lack of intent, insufficient evidence, and other challenges to the prosecution's case.
Orange County Domestic Violence Lawyer
California assault allegations range from misdemeanor accusations to serious felony prosecutions.
Your existing Orange County assault resource addresses simple assault, assault with a deadly weapon, self-defense and defense of others, false accusations, mistaken identity, lack of intent, and other potential defense issues.
Drug cases may be prosecuted in California state court or, under some circumstances, investigated and charged federally. The appropriate defense depends upon the substance, quantity, alleged conduct, evidence, search and seizure issues, and whether prosecutors allege possession, sales, distribution, trafficking, or a larger conspiracy.
Kenney Legal Defense handles drug cases as part of its state and federal criminal defense practice.
Learn More About Kenney Legal Defense Criminal Practice Areas
Fraud and financial-crime allegations are not limited to federal court. California investigations can also involve allegations of fraud, embezzlement, theft, false pretenses, financial misconduct, and related offenses.
These cases may depend heavily upon financial records and questions concerning knowledge, intent, authorization, ownership of funds, business relationships, and the purpose of particular transactions.
Serious felony allegations can expose a defendant to incarceration and consequences affecting employment, professional licensing, firearm rights, immigration status, and reputation.
Kenney Legal Defense handles felony matters as part of its broader state criminal defense practice and represents clients at every stage, from investigation and arraignment through motions, negotiations, and jury trial. The firm's website identifies felony defense among its principal state criminal-defense services.
Explore Kenney Legal Defense Practice Areas
Not every criminal case goes to trial, but a defense attorney's ability and willingness to try a case can matter when evaluating evidence, negotiating with prosecutors, and determining whether a proposed resolution is appropriate.
Karren Kenney has more than 30 years of legal experience and has tried more than 100 jury trials to verdict in state and federal court.
Kenney Legal Defense's Orange County headquarters is located in Costa Mesa:
2900 Bristol Street, Suite C204
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
855-505-5588
The firm represents clients facing California state criminal charges and complex federal investigations and prosecutions, including serious fraud and white-collar matters.
If you have been arrested, received a federal subpoena or target letter, been contacted by investigators, or learned that you may be the subject of a criminal investigation, obtaining legal advice early can help you understand your rights and options before making important decisions.
Contact Kenney Legal Defense for a Confidential Consultation
You should consider contacting a criminal defense attorney as soon as you learn that you are under investigation, have been contacted by law enforcement, received a subpoena or target letter, or have been arrested or charged with a crime. You do not have to wait until formal charges are filed to retain counsel. Early representation may provide an opportunity to preserve evidence, investigate the allegations, communicate with investigators or prosecutors, and protect your rights before important decisions are made.
Yes. Kenney Legal Defense represents clients in both California state criminal cases and federal criminal investigations and prosecutions. The firm's practice areas include state offenses such as DUI, assault, domestic violence, drug crimes, fraud, theft, white-collar offenses and serious felonies, as well as federal matters involving fraud, conspiracy, wire fraud, health care fraud, tax crimes, drug offenses and other federal charges.
Criminal cases in Costa Mesa and Orange County can range from misdemeanors to serious felony prosecutions. Kenney Legal Defense handles matters involving DUI, domestic violence, assault, drug offenses, theft, fraud, embezzlement, white-collar crime and other California criminal charges, as well as complex federal investigations and prosecutions.
Yes. Federal fraud and white-collar criminal defense are significant areas of the firm's federal practice. Federal fraud investigations may involve allegations of wire fraud, health care fraud, investment fraud, insurance fraud, tax crimes, conspiracy and other financial offenses. These cases can involve extensive financial records, electronic evidence and lengthy investigations before charges are filed.
A Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) has specialized training related to fraud detection, financial transactions, investigative methods and fraud-related evidence. In a complex federal fraud investigation, this background can be useful when examining financial records, tracing transactions, evaluating the government's theory and identifying legitimate explanations for activity investigators characterize as suspicious.
A CFE credential does not determine the outcome of a criminal case, but financial-investigation knowledge can complement criminal trial experience when defending complicated fraud allegations.
Yes. Criminal defense representation can begin during the pre-file or pre-indictment investigation.
Depending upon the circumstances, an attorney may communicate with investigators and prosecutors, respond to subpoenas, preserve favorable evidence, conduct an independent investigation, evaluate potential criminal exposure and begin developing a defense before prosecutors decide whether to file charges.
This can be especially important in federal cases, where investigations may continue for months or longer before an indictment.
Do not assume that an interview is harmless simply because investigators describe it as voluntary.
Before deciding whether to participate, consider consulting a federal criminal defense attorney who can evaluate the circumstances and potentially communicate with the agents or prosecutor first.
Federal investigators may already possess documents, financial records, emails, text messages or witness statements before requesting an interview. Understanding why investigators want to speak with you and whether you may be viewed as a witness, subject or target can be important before deciding how to respond.
Do not ignore it, destroy documents, or begin producing records without first understanding what the subpoena requires.
A federal grand jury subpoena can demand documents, testimony, or both. Receiving one does not automatically mean that you will be charged with a crime. Grand jury subpoenas can be issued to witnesses, businesses, subjects, targets and third parties possessing potentially relevant information.
An attorney can evaluate the subpoena, communicate with the government, identify privilege or constitutional issues where applicable, assist with preservation and production, and help determine what the subpoena may reveal about the underlying investigation.
These terms generally describe different relationships to a federal investigation.
A witness may possess information relevant to an investigation. A subject is someone whose conduct falls within the scope of the investigation. A target is generally someone prosecutors believe substantial evidence links to criminal conduct and whom they view as a potential defendant.
A person's status can change as an investigation develops, which is one reason obtaining legal advice before speaking with investigators can be important.
A federal target letter should be taken seriously because it generally indicates that prosecutors view the recipient as a potential defendant.
Do not assume that receiving a target letter means an indictment is inevitable. Depending upon the circumstances, defense counsel may be able to investigate the government's allegations, communicate with prosecutors, identify factual or legal problems with the government's theory, and advocate for the client before a final charging decision.
Yes. Some criminal investigations begin as apparently civil, administrative or regulatory matters.
This can occur in areas involving health care billing, taxes, government contracts, financial services, business lending and other regulated activities. Information supplied during an administrative inquiry may potentially become relevant if the matter develops into a criminal investigation.
If an inquiry begins focusing on possible fraud, false statements or intentional misconduct, obtaining criminal defense advice may be appropriate even if no criminal charges have been filed.
Avoid discussing the facts of the case with law enforcement until you have had an opportunity to obtain legal advice. You have constitutional rights, including the right to remain silent and the right to counsel in applicable circumstances.
You should also avoid discussing the allegations on social media or attempting to influence potential witnesses.
Contact a criminal defense attorney promptly so the defense can begin evaluating the allegations and preserving potentially favorable evidence.
A failure to provide a Miranda warning does not automatically cause a criminal case to be dismissed.
Miranda generally concerns statements resulting from custodial interrogation. If law enforcement obtained statements in violation of applicable constitutional requirements, defense counsel can evaluate whether those statements may be subject to suppression.
Potentially. The Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures, although numerous rules and exceptions affect whether a particular search was lawful.
Defense counsel may examine search warrants, affidavits, the scope of a search, traffic stops, consent, electronic-device searches and other circumstances to determine whether there is a basis to challenge evidence.
Yes, some cases can be dismissed before trial, but the circumstances vary substantially.
Potential issues may include insufficient evidence, constitutional violations, unavailable witnesses, evidentiary problems, successful pretrial motions or prosecutorial decisions. Other cases may be resolved through negotiations or proceed to trial.
No criminal defense attorney can ethically guarantee that a particular case will be dismissed.
Not necessarily.
Potential custody exposure depends upon the offense, whether the case is a misdemeanor or felony, criminal history, facts of the case, applicable sentencing laws and numerous other factors.
Depending upon the case, alternatives can sometimes include probation, diversion or other noncustodial dispositions. An attorney should evaluate the actual charges and circumstances before advising about likely outcomes.
It depends upon the case and court.
California law and local procedures may permit an attorney to appear without a defendant at certain misdemeanor proceedings, while felony cases generally require the defendant's presence at substantially more hearings. Your existing FAQ also distinguishes between misdemeanor and felony appearance requirements.
Your attorney can tell you exactly when your personal appearance is required.
Kenney Legal Defense's Orange County headquarters is located at 2900 Bristol Street, Suite C204, Costa Mesa, California 92626. The firm represents clients facing California state criminal charges in Orange County and federal criminal investigations and prosecutions. We also have an office in San Diego and in Houston, Texas.
You can contact Kenney Legal Defense at 855-505-5588 or request a confidential consultation through the firm's website.
