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WELCOME TO THE SAN DIEGO CRIMINAL DEFENSE BAR ASSOCIATION!


Are you looking to connect with fellow defense attorneys, exchange knowledge, and receive free monthly MCLE? Since 1981, the San Diego Criminal Defense Bar Association (CDBA) has been the cornerstone of the local defense community—a trusted resource for education, advocacy, and professional collaboration.


At CDBA, we are committed to protecting the dignity and constitutional rights of the accused through education, communication, and strong legal advocacy. Our diverse membership includes private defense attorneys, public defenders, federal defenders, and investigators, fostering a dynamic exchange of insights across all areas of criminal defense practice.

Whether you are a seasoned criminal defense professional or new to the field (as long as you are not part of any law enforcement agency or prosecutorial office), you are invited to join this thriving community, our association provides the support and tools you need to thrive in your practice and make a meaningful impact.

Membership Benefits

A thriving defense network – Connect with like-minded professionals
Exclusive listserv access – Exchange legal strategies and courthouse updates
Free MCLE – 10 programs per year – Stay ahead with high-quality legal education, including specialty credits such as elimination of bias and ethics
Networking events – Build relationships with colleagues and the judiciary
Annual Awards & Judges Night – Celebrate excellence in criminal defense and hear insights from esteemed judges

Join the San Diego Criminal Defense Bar Association (CDBA) Today!


Executive Committee

President - Domenic Lombardo
Vice President - Megan Foster
Secretary – Mayra Garcia
Treasurer - Spencer Scott






Board of Directors

Michelle Betancourt
Kasha Castillo
Anthony E. Colombo Jr
Shea Connelly
Delaina Contreras
John C. Ellis
Dan Greene



Kristen Haden
Sadaf Hane
Ben Kington
Stefano Molea
Michael Pancer
Charles Sevilla
David Shapiro




Executive Director

Heather M. Boxeth



Join


Join


Events

 

Events


Directory


Directory


Contact


Contact



Past Presidents

Heather M. Boxeth - 2023

Adam F. Doyle - 2022

Jay Temple – 2021

William D. Daley – 2020

Daniel Peay – 2019

Emily Crowley – 2018

Julie Blair – 2017

Scott Pactor – 2016

Kurt Hermansen – 2015  

Jeremy Warren – 2014

Stacey Kartchner – 2013

Gary Burcham – 2012

Troy Britt – 2011

Brian Funk – 2010

Robert Boyce – 2009

Michael Crowley – 2008

Paul Rodriguez – 2007

Mark Adams – 2006

Jeanne Knight – 2005

Olivia Gilliam – 2004

Steven Feldman – 2003

Susan McInerney – 2002

Knut Johnson – 2001

Susan Clemens – 2000

Jack Hochman – 1999

Allen Bloom – 1998

Michael Butler – 1997

Elizabeth Missakian – 1996

Kerry Steigerwalt – 1995

Linda Brown – 1994

John Cotsirilos – 1993

Tom Ulovec – 1992 

Kay Sunday – 1991 

Bart Sheela – 1990

Ronald Bobo – 1989

Frank Nageotte – 1988

Robert Grimes – 1987

Judy Clarke – 1986

Alex Landon – 1985

Elizabeth Semel – 1984

Tom Adler – 1980-83