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March 24, 2026 · Westgate Hotel – Versailles Ballroom
GUARDIANS OF JUSTICE
Honoring Those Who Stand in the Gap
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CDBA Awards & Judges’ Night
Guardians of Justice
Honoring Those Who Stand in the Gap
Each day, in courtrooms throughout San Diego — from the trial courts and appellate courts to immigration courts, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and even the United States Supreme Court — a dedicated community of advocates stands firm in defense of the Constitution and the fundamental promise of our justice system:
That every person, regardless of the charge, deserves fearless and skilled representation.
They challenge the evidence.
They demand accountability.
They defend liberty.
They are the Guardians of Justice.
The San Diego Criminal Defense Bar Association is proud to announce the 2026 Award Recipients, selected following member nominations and review by the CDBA Board of Directors. These honorees exemplify excellence in advocacy, leadership, professionalism, and service to the criminal defense community.
On March 24, 2026, we will gather to recognize those whose commitment to justice has been extraordinary — whose advocacy, integrity, and sacrifice remind us why this profession matters.
These recipients do not simply practice criminal defense; they define it.
We invite you to join us for an evening of recognition, reflection, and community.
Event Details
Tuesday, March 24, 2026
5:00 – 7:30 p.m.
The Westgate Hotel
Versailles Ballroom
1055 Second Avenue
San Diego, California
Valet Parking:
Special event valet parking is available at the Westgate Hotel for $22.00
Celebration Program
5:00 – 6:00 p.m. | Cocktail Reception
An opportunity to connect with colleagues, members of the judiciary, and the defense community.
Each attendee will receive two drink tickets, redeemable for either a beer or a glass of wine. As you arrive, you will have the opportunity to enjoy these complimentary beverages while mingling and enjoying a selection of delicious appetizers.
A selection of craft cocktails will also be available for purchase at the bar.
6:00 – 6:30 p.m. | Welcome · Judicial Insights · Special Directors’ Awards
Judges from the U.S. District Court – Southern District of California and the San Diego Superior Court will share insights regarding courthouse developments, procedural updates, and plans for the year ahead.
This segment will also include presentation of the Special Director’s Award for Outstanding Jurist, honoring excellence, integrity, and professionalism on the bench.
6:30 – 7:30 p.m. | Attorney Awards Presentation
A celebration of attorneys and defenders whose dedication, innovation, and advocacy exemplify the highest standards of criminal defense practice.
2026 CDBA Award Recipients
Special Director’s Award for Outstanding Jurist
Hon. Ana L. España
Trial Lawyer of the Year
Kerry L. Armstrong
County Indigent Defender of the Year
Tom Bahr – Deputy Public Defender
Federal Indigent Defender of the Year
The §2241 Team – Federal Defenders of San Diego
Jessie Agatstein · Kara Hartzler · Katie Hurrelbrink · Zandra Lopez · Armilla Staley-Ngomo
Special Director’s Award for Crimmigration Advocacy
Heather M. Boxeth
Appellate Team of the Year
John Cotsirilos · Michael Pancer · George Schraer · Chuck Sevilla
War Horse Award
Courtney Cutter – Deputy Public Defender
Registration is required for all attendees.
Event Registration Options
Member RSVP
Members attend complimentary, but must RSVP so we may plan seating and catering.
Guest Tickets – $40
Members are welcome to bring colleagues, family members, and guests.
Reserved Table of 10 – $275
Firms and offices may reserve a table so their group can sit together and celebrate the evening as a team.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Event Sponsorship – $500
Includes:
• Logo recognition on event materials
• Sponsor recognition slide during the program
• Verbal acknowledgment during the awards presentation
• Recognition in pre-event communications
Sponsor + Reserved Table – $750
Includes full sponsorship recognition plus a reserved table for your firm (10 guests).
The CDBA Awards & Judges’ Night is one of the most meaningful gatherings of the year for our defense community, bringing together attorneys, defender offices, panel attorneys, investigators, experts, and members of the judiciary for an evening of recognition, collegiality, and celebration.
We hope you will join us as we honor the Guardians of Justice who stand in the gap for our clients and our profession.
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