Knut S. Johnson | Federal Criminal Defense

When the government opens an investigation, the decisions made in the first days determine what happens next.

Thirty years representing individuals and corporations in the most serious federal matters — white collar prosecutions, environmental enforcement, securities fraud, and congressional investigations. A trial lawyer who has stood on both sides of the courtroom and knows exactly how federal prosecutors think and build their cases.

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30+

Years in complex federal criminal defense and litigation

ACTL

Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers — inducted 2020

State bars, including federal courts in 10 districts and the ICC

Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Rating, continuously since 2000

Counsel

A trial lawyer built by the most demanding federal courts in the country.

"The attorney who has tried the case — and can tell you, with precision, exactly what it will cost to take it to verdict — is the one who can actually protect you."

Knut S. Johnson has spent more than three decades defending individuals, executives, and corporations in federal criminal proceedings across the country. He has tried cases involving environmental enforcement, securities fraud, wire fraud, obstruction, and health care fraud — and has represented clients before congressional committees and in investigations by the Department of Justice, the SEC, the EPA, and other federal agencies.

A Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers since 2020, Knut brings a prosecutor's understanding of how the government builds its cases and a trial lawyer's judgment about when to fight and when to resolve. His practice is concentrated, senior, and personal: every client is represented by Knut directly.

Knut also serves as a neutral in complex federal civil and regulatory matters. His mediation and arbitration practice is conducted through a separate professional platform.

Licensure

·State Bar of California
·State Bar of New Mexico
·State Bar of Arizona
·State Bar of Oregon
·State Bar of Washington
·State Bar of New York
·U.S. District and Circuit Courts, 10 federal districts
·International Criminal Court, The Hague

Location

110 W A Street, Suite 1075
San Diego, CA 92101

Available for in-person and remote consultations.

Practice Areas

White Collar Criminal Defense

Representing individuals, executives, and corporations in federal criminal investigations and prosecutions. Every matter is handled with the assumption that it may go to trial.

White Collar Prosecutions

Defense of federal wire fraud, mail fraud, bank fraud, healthcare fraud, tax fraud, money laundering, and bribery charges. Representation from the earliest stage of investigation through trial and, where necessary, appeal.

Federal Investigations & Grand Jury

Pre-indictment representation in DOJ, FBI, SEC, IRS, and other federal agency investigations. Grand jury witness and subject representation. Early strategic intervention to shape the government's view of a case before charges are filed.

Environmental Criminal Enforcement

Defense of criminal charges arising from alleged Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, RCRA, and Superfund violations. Representation of corporate officers, environmental managers, and entities in EPA and DOJ Environment and Natural Resources Division matters.

Securities Fraud & Insider Trading

Defense of SEC enforcement actions and parallel DOJ criminal prosecutions arising from securities fraud, insider trading, and accounting irregularities. Representation of corporate executives, investment professionals, and public companies.

Congressional Investigations

Representation of individuals and organizations before congressional committees and in connection with congressional subpoenas. Coordination of testimony strategy, privilege assertions, and document production in high-profile legislative inquiries.

Internal Investigations & Corporate Defense

Conducting and defending internal investigations. Advising boards, audit committees, and general counsel on disclosure obligations, cooperation decisions, and voluntary self-disclosure. Representation in parallel civil and regulatory proceedings.

Defense Philosophy

The case is built from day one.

Federal prosecutors build toward indictment for months or years before charges are filed. Effective defense requires the same discipline, starting at the moment of first contact.

Investigation Stage

Know before the government does

The most consequential decisions in any federal criminal matter are made before charges are filed — what to say to agents, whether to cooperate, what documents exist and what they mean. Early retention allows the defense to understand the government's theory and shape the record before it hardens.

Trial Preparation

Prepare every case for trial

Every case is evaluated and prepared as if it will go to trial. That discipline — understanding the evidence, the witnesses, the government's burden, and the jury — produces better results at every stage, including at the negotiating table. Prosecutors know when defense counsel is not prepared to try the case.

Senior Representation

Direct, personal counsel

Every client is represented by Knut Johnson directly. This is a concentrated solo practice — not a firm where partners bring in clients and associates do the work. The attorney you hire is the attorney who appears at every hearing, reads every document, and makes every strategic decision.

Mediation & Arbitration Practice

Also serving as a neutral in complex federal civil and regulatory disputes.

Knut's experience as a federal trial attorney informs his work as a mediator and arbitrator in complex commercial, environmental, and regulatory matters. If you are referring a matter to private mediation or arbitration, his neutral practice is available at a separate platform.

Visit Mediation Practice →

Background

Credentials

Bar Admissions

State Bar of California
State Bar of New Mexico
State Bar of Arizona
State Bar of Oregon
State Bar of Washington
State Bar of New York
U.S. District Courts, 10 federal districts
International Criminal Court, The Hague

Honors & Recognition

Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers (2020)
Best Lawyers in America — continuously since 2005
AV Preeminent Rating, Martindale-Hubbell — since 2000
Former Chair, Practitioners Advisory Group, U.S. Sentencing Commission
Super Lawyers, San Diego

Education & Professional

J.D., University of New Mexico School of Law
Member, Federal Bar Association
Member, California Attorneys for Criminal Justice
Member, San Diego County Bar Association
NCRC-Certified Mediator (40-hour certification)

Contact

Confidential Consultation

If you are facing a federal criminal investigation or charge — or believe you may be — time matters. All inquiries are confidential and subject to attorney-client privilege from the first communication. Knut responds personally within one business day.

Office

110 W A Street, Suite 1075
San Diego, CA 92101

Phone

(619) 602-0277

knut@knutjohnson.com

Mediation & Arbitration

knutsjohnsonmediation.com