team-member

John Kiyonaga

N/A

N/A

Law Degree

Awards

Primary Practice Area

Criminal Defense

Language

Spanish English

About

John Kiyonaga has spent the last 30 years successfully defending people accused of all major crimes to include capital murder, espionage and complex fraud. A graduate of Columbia Law School and fluent Spanish speaker, he is rated AV (Preeminent) by Martindale-Hubbell.Mr. Kiyonaga has conducted over three dozen jury trials, argued numerous federal and state appeals, successfully petitioned the United States Supreme Court for hearing, and successfully challenged long after the fact, convictions in Virginia and the District of Columbia.Prior to defending the criminally accused, he practiced with the Wall Street law firm of Brown & Wood and served as a military prosecutor.

Practices Areas

Criminal Defense

Language

Spanish English

Contact

John C. Kiyonaga600 Cameron StreetAlexandria, VA, 22314

Office: N/A

Website: N/A

Reviews

Jerry
July 7, 2021

The best lawyer I’ve ever had to deal with he far exceeded what I expected from my case I would recommend To anyone who needs a dedicated lawyer thank you very much John it’s been a pleasure

Nilesh
December 9, 2019

The charge against me could have ruined my life. Fortunately, I found John Kiyonaga. For seven months he worked the case against an immovable prosecutor - until the charge was dismissed. He doesn’t give up.

Adam
November 20, 2019

John is a fantastic lawyer to have on your side. He is educated and experienced. He is prepared for all aspects and helps to keep you grounded during the process. Throughout the duration of my case, John maintained patience and professionalism. Thank you John for helping me and my family.

James
March 23, 2018

Great down-to-earth guy and amazing lawyer who got my reckless driving charge reduced drastically down to just a minor speeding fine. The original charge was for going 80 on a 55, but was reduced down to 64 on a 55. Would highly recommend him for any law-related defensive needs. He was easy to work with and sociable, but also no-bs and straight-to-business, and tended to all my questions and needs as a newbie of this type of business/situation.

Antonio
April 1, 2016

John is a powerful, well known, and no nonsense attorney when it comes to legal fight or flight. How easy is it for an attorney to just take your money and tell you to plead guilty OR to a lesser charge? This is not John's way. He doesn't jump up boasting of anything; in fact, he's calm and meticulous. He doesn't set unreal expectations, but, he DOES let you know his strategy and is unrelentless and very ambitious before and after your proceedings and court date(s). He is also a realist, because let's face it; if you can see the issues; others can too. He takes all of that into account and helps you to see what needs to happen for the BEST possible outcome. He saved my career and Government status after I was charged with a petty charge that could have been blown way out of proportion. The courts are out to get your money; the question is then...what are you willing to do to avoid substantial financial loss and family ruin? I'm glad that I checked around thoroughly instead of taking the first low ball offer from an attorney to represent me. John is a pro! I highly recommend John as your attorney.

anonymous
July 16, 2015

The Eastern District of Virginia boasts a 90+% conviction rate, regardless of the merits of the cases presented. I hired and then fired two well-known firms both of which advised me to plead to felonies, which I had not committed. They were fired because they were not willing to fight and challenge these unmerited allegations. Then, I hired John Kiyonaga. John immediately saw through the prosecutions facade and made every effort to have the case dismissed. The government tried to bully a deal, which was unacceptable and we went to trail, which lasted several weeks. John performed wonderfully. He was well prepared and never faltered. In fact, the prosecution could not handle John’s case and he completely dismantled the government’s witnesses. The end result was that all charges were dismissed. John will perform zealously and will be a true champion in your case. He will not allow for the governments bully tactics to run over the case. John has a long established reputation with the Department of Justice, US Attorney’s Office and VA District Attorney’s Office as no-nonsense lawyer who will defend and fight for his clients to assure the best possible outcome. If you are looking for an advocate that is tough and smart; then John is the clear choice.

anonymous
July 16, 2015

I was charged with a felony which could have resulted in my deportation. John Kiyonaga's hard work caused the charge to be dismissed. I and my family cannot thank him enough. Thank you Mr.John Kiyonaga for your help and support .!

dennis
July 15, 2015

As the lead defendant in 2 very complex federal indictments, I faced 15+ years in federal prison and fines into the millions. Three years after the first indictment in CA, I was indicted in VA on a similar charge. John Kiyonaga was appointed to represent me in VA and face the legal juggernaut of the US DOJ. My initial trepidation evaporated upon meeting John at my initial appearance in VA. I feared I would be represented by an attorney whose only concern was to end this case as quickly as possible. Not only was John successful immediately to gain us a valuable years time to prepare. He traveled to CA on his own to meet with that group of 14 attorneys. As I live in OH and travel for me is difficult, I was often not present in the courtroom. John kept me informed of each proceeding by phone and email and I tracked things myself, using PACER to read his well considered motions on my behalf. He hired forensics computer experts to examine the facts. He obtained a discovery coordinator which was used to the benefit of the other 12 defendants. Even after the prosecutors relented and agreed to seek only 1 year in prison for me, John continued to fight, filing challenges and mounting a vigorous defense on my behalf. In the end, I pled to a misdemeanor and received 6 month house arrest much to the chagrin of the AUSA. This victory in VA allowed my wonderful CA attorney, Peter Leeming, to then score another victory in the form of a full dismissal of charges in that jurisdiction. I know in my heart and mind that had I not had John on my side, I would be doing many years in prison. I owe John a debt I can never possibly repay: my freedom. dennis

Michele
November 17, 2014

Through a difficult event in my life, I had to request the services of a special attorney. I hired John Kiyonaga. During the preliminary phase, his dedication to my problems, his ethical view in analyzing thoroughly each element brought clarity. His expertise dealing with the other parties rebuilt my confidence and gave me new hope. In court, meticulously, step by step, with a clever strategy and an assertive presence, he brought all decisive elements to the court for my case. I would recommend Mr. Kiyonaga to anyone who needs an outstanding attorney.

anonymous
November 14, 2014

John Kiyonaga represented me in a case that was headed for a felony conviction – he was able to reduce the charge and arrange for me to have counseling. Without his understanding of my situation, of which I barely had a grasp, today ten years later I would not be a family man and the proud father of two. Working with the court, John Kiyonaga arranged for me to have the opportunity to set my life back on track, it was a great gift for which I am sincerely grateful. You just have to be there to understand what if feels like to walk into a courtroom with John Kiyonaga, at 6’5” he has a powerful but gentle bearing – he cares for people and their troubles, he wants to help set things right, he gives you hope and in my situation life changing results.

Jerry
July 7, 2021

The best lawyer I’ve ever had to deal with he far exceeded what I expected from my case I would recommend To anyone who needs a dedicated lawyer thank you very much John it’s been a pleasure

Nilesh
December 9, 2019

The charge against me could have ruined my life. Fortunately, I found John Kiyonaga. For seven months he worked the case against an immovable prosecutor - until the charge was dismissed. He doesn’t give up.

Adam
November 20, 2019

John is a fantastic lawyer to have on your side. He is educated and experienced. He is prepared for all aspects and helps to keep you grounded during the process. Throughout the duration of my case, John maintained patience and professionalism. Thank you John for helping me and my family.

James
March 23, 2018

Great down-to-earth guy and amazing lawyer who got my reckless driving charge reduced drastically down to just a minor speeding fine. The original charge was for going 80 on a 55, but was reduced down to 64 on a 55. Would highly recommend him for any law-related defensive needs. He was easy to work with and sociable, but also no-bs and straight-to-business, and tended to all my questions and needs as a newbie of this type of business/situation.

Antonio
April 1, 2016

John is a powerful, well known, and no nonsense attorney when it comes to legal fight or flight. How easy is it for an attorney to just take your money and tell you to plead guilty OR to a lesser charge? This is not John's way. He doesn't jump up boasting of anything; in fact, he's calm and meticulous. He doesn't set unreal expectations, but, he DOES let you know his strategy and is unrelentless and very ambitious before and after your proceedings and court date(s). He is also a realist, because let's face it; if you can see the issues; others can too. He takes all of that into account and helps you to see what needs to happen for the BEST possible outcome. He saved my career and Government status after I was charged with a petty charge that could have been blown way out of proportion. The courts are out to get your money; the question is then...what are you willing to do to avoid substantial financial loss and family ruin? I'm glad that I checked around thoroughly instead of taking the first low ball offer from an attorney to represent me. John is a pro! I highly recommend John as your attorney.

anonymous
July 16, 2015

The Eastern District of Virginia boasts a 90+% conviction rate, regardless of the merits of the cases presented. I hired and then fired two well-known firms both of which advised me to plead to felonies, which I had not committed. They were fired because they were not willing to fight and challenge these unmerited allegations. Then, I hired John Kiyonaga. John immediately saw through the prosecutions facade and made every effort to have the case dismissed. The government tried to bully a deal, which was unacceptable and we went to trail, which lasted several weeks. John performed wonderfully. He was well prepared and never faltered. In fact, the prosecution could not handle John’s case and he completely dismantled the government’s witnesses. The end result was that all charges were dismissed. John will perform zealously and will be a true champion in your case. He will not allow for the governments bully tactics to run over the case. John has a long established reputation with the Department of Justice, US Attorney’s Office and VA District Attorney’s Office as no-nonsense lawyer who will defend and fight for his clients to assure the best possible outcome. If you are looking for an advocate that is tough and smart; then John is the clear choice.

anonymous
July 16, 2015

I was charged with a felony which could have resulted in my deportation. John Kiyonaga's hard work caused the charge to be dismissed. I and my family cannot thank him enough. Thank you Mr.John Kiyonaga for your help and support .!

dennis
July 15, 2015

As the lead defendant in 2 very complex federal indictments, I faced 15+ years in federal prison and fines into the millions. Three years after the first indictment in CA, I was indicted in VA on a similar charge. John Kiyonaga was appointed to represent me in VA and face the legal juggernaut of the US DOJ. My initial trepidation evaporated upon meeting John at my initial appearance in VA. I feared I would be represented by an attorney whose only concern was to end this case as quickly as possible. Not only was John successful immediately to gain us a valuable years time to prepare. He traveled to CA on his own to meet with that group of 14 attorneys. As I live in OH and travel for me is difficult, I was often not present in the courtroom. John kept me informed of each proceeding by phone and email and I tracked things myself, using PACER to read his well considered motions on my behalf. He hired forensics computer experts to examine the facts. He obtained a discovery coordinator which was used to the benefit of the other 12 defendants. Even after the prosecutors relented and agreed to seek only 1 year in prison for me, John continued to fight, filing challenges and mounting a vigorous defense on my behalf. In the end, I pled to a misdemeanor and received 6 month house arrest much to the chagrin of the AUSA. This victory in VA allowed my wonderful CA attorney, Peter Leeming, to then score another victory in the form of a full dismissal of charges in that jurisdiction. I know in my heart and mind that had I not had John on my side, I would be doing many years in prison. I owe John a debt I can never possibly repay: my freedom. dennis

Michele
November 17, 2014

Through a difficult event in my life, I had to request the services of a special attorney. I hired John Kiyonaga. During the preliminary phase, his dedication to my problems, his ethical view in analyzing thoroughly each element brought clarity. His expertise dealing with the other parties rebuilt my confidence and gave me new hope. In court, meticulously, step by step, with a clever strategy and an assertive presence, he brought all decisive elements to the court for my case. I would recommend Mr. Kiyonaga to anyone who needs an outstanding attorney.

anonymous
November 14, 2014

John Kiyonaga represented me in a case that was headed for a felony conviction – he was able to reduce the charge and arrange for me to have counseling. Without his understanding of my situation, of which I barely had a grasp, today ten years later I would not be a family man and the proud father of two. Working with the court, John Kiyonaga arranged for me to have the opportunity to set my life back on track, it was a great gift for which I am sincerely grateful. You just have to be there to understand what if feels like to walk into a courtroom with John Kiyonaga, at 6’5” he has a powerful but gentle bearing – he cares for people and their troubles, he wants to help set things right, he gives you hope and in my situation life changing results.

Jerry
July 7, 2021

The best lawyer I’ve ever had to deal with he far exceeded what I expected from my case I would recommend To anyone who needs a dedicated lawyer thank you very much John it’s been a pleasure

Nilesh
December 9, 2019

The charge against me could have ruined my life. Fortunately, I found John Kiyonaga. For seven months he worked the case against an immovable prosecutor - until the charge was dismissed. He doesn’t give up.

Adam
November 20, 2019

John is a fantastic lawyer to have on your side. He is educated and experienced. He is prepared for all aspects and helps to keep you grounded during the process. Throughout the duration of my case, John maintained patience and professionalism. Thank you John for helping me and my family.

James
March 23, 2018

Great down-to-earth guy and amazing lawyer who got my reckless driving charge reduced drastically down to just a minor speeding fine. The original charge was for going 80 on a 55, but was reduced down to 64 on a 55. Would highly recommend him for any law-related defensive needs. He was easy to work with and sociable, but also no-bs and straight-to-business, and tended to all my questions and needs as a newbie of this type of business/situation.

Antonio
April 1, 2016

John is a powerful, well known, and no nonsense attorney when it comes to legal fight or flight. How easy is it for an attorney to just take your money and tell you to plead guilty OR to a lesser charge? This is not John's way. He doesn't jump up boasting of anything; in fact, he's calm and meticulous. He doesn't set unreal expectations, but, he DOES let you know his strategy and is unrelentless and very ambitious before and after your proceedings and court date(s). He is also a realist, because let's face it; if you can see the issues; others can too. He takes all of that into account and helps you to see what needs to happen for the BEST possible outcome. He saved my career and Government status after I was charged with a petty charge that could have been blown way out of proportion. The courts are out to get your money; the question is then...what are you willing to do to avoid substantial financial loss and family ruin? I'm glad that I checked around thoroughly instead of taking the first low ball offer from an attorney to represent me. John is a pro! I highly recommend John as your attorney.

anonymous
July 16, 2015

The Eastern District of Virginia boasts a 90+% conviction rate, regardless of the merits of the cases presented. I hired and then fired two well-known firms both of which advised me to plead to felonies, which I had not committed. They were fired because they were not willing to fight and challenge these unmerited allegations. Then, I hired John Kiyonaga. John immediately saw through the prosecutions facade and made every effort to have the case dismissed. The government tried to bully a deal, which was unacceptable and we went to trail, which lasted several weeks. John performed wonderfully. He was well prepared and never faltered. In fact, the prosecution could not handle John’s case and he completely dismantled the government’s witnesses. The end result was that all charges were dismissed. John will perform zealously and will be a true champion in your case. He will not allow for the governments bully tactics to run over the case. John has a long established reputation with the Department of Justice, US Attorney’s Office and VA District Attorney’s Office as no-nonsense lawyer who will defend and fight for his clients to assure the best possible outcome. If you are looking for an advocate that is tough and smart; then John is the clear choice.

anonymous
July 16, 2015

I was charged with a felony which could have resulted in my deportation. John Kiyonaga's hard work caused the charge to be dismissed. I and my family cannot thank him enough. Thank you Mr.John Kiyonaga for your help and support .!

dennis
July 15, 2015

As the lead defendant in 2 very complex federal indictments, I faced 15+ years in federal prison and fines into the millions. Three years after the first indictment in CA, I was indicted in VA on a similar charge. John Kiyonaga was appointed to represent me in VA and face the legal juggernaut of the US DOJ. My initial trepidation evaporated upon meeting John at my initial appearance in VA. I feared I would be represented by an attorney whose only concern was to end this case as quickly as possible. Not only was John successful immediately to gain us a valuable years time to prepare. He traveled to CA on his own to meet with that group of 14 attorneys. As I live in OH and travel for me is difficult, I was often not present in the courtroom. John kept me informed of each proceeding by phone and email and I tracked things myself, using PACER to read his well considered motions on my behalf. He hired forensics computer experts to examine the facts. He obtained a discovery coordinator which was used to the benefit of the other 12 defendants. Even after the prosecutors relented and agreed to seek only 1 year in prison for me, John continued to fight, filing challenges and mounting a vigorous defense on my behalf. In the end, I pled to a misdemeanor and received 6 month house arrest much to the chagrin of the AUSA. This victory in VA allowed my wonderful CA attorney, Peter Leeming, to then score another victory in the form of a full dismissal of charges in that jurisdiction. I know in my heart and mind that had I not had John on my side, I would be doing many years in prison. I owe John a debt I can never possibly repay: my freedom. dennis

Michele
November 17, 2014

Through a difficult event in my life, I had to request the services of a special attorney. I hired John Kiyonaga. During the preliminary phase, his dedication to my problems, his ethical view in analyzing thoroughly each element brought clarity. His expertise dealing with the other parties rebuilt my confidence and gave me new hope. In court, meticulously, step by step, with a clever strategy and an assertive presence, he brought all decisive elements to the court for my case. I would recommend Mr. Kiyonaga to anyone who needs an outstanding attorney.

anonymous
November 14, 2014

John Kiyonaga represented me in a case that was headed for a felony conviction – he was able to reduce the charge and arrange for me to have counseling. Without his understanding of my situation, of which I barely had a grasp, today ten years later I would not be a family man and the proud father of two. Working with the court, John Kiyonaga arranged for me to have the opportunity to set my life back on track, it was a great gift for which I am sincerely grateful. You just have to be there to understand what if feels like to walk into a courtroom with John Kiyonaga, at 6’5” he has a powerful but gentle bearing – he cares for people and their troubles, he wants to help set things right, he gives you hope and in my situation life changing results.

Jerry
July 7, 2021

The best lawyer I’ve ever had to deal with he far exceeded what I expected from my case I would recommend To anyone who needs a dedicated lawyer thank you very much John it’s been a pleasure

Nilesh
December 9, 2019

The charge against me could have ruined my life. Fortunately, I found John Kiyonaga. For seven months he worked the case against an immovable prosecutor - until the charge was dismissed. He doesn’t give up.

Adam
November 20, 2019

John is a fantastic lawyer to have on your side. He is educated and experienced. He is prepared for all aspects and helps to keep you grounded during the process. Throughout the duration of my case, John maintained patience and professionalism. Thank you John for helping me and my family.

James
March 23, 2018

Great down-to-earth guy and amazing lawyer who got my reckless driving charge reduced drastically down to just a minor speeding fine. The original charge was for going 80 on a 55, but was reduced down to 64 on a 55. Would highly recommend him for any law-related defensive needs. He was easy to work with and sociable, but also no-bs and straight-to-business, and tended to all my questions and needs as a newbie of this type of business/situation.

Antonio
April 1, 2016

John is a powerful, well known, and no nonsense attorney when it comes to legal fight or flight. How easy is it for an attorney to just take your money and tell you to plead guilty OR to a lesser charge? This is not John's way. He doesn't jump up boasting of anything; in fact, he's calm and meticulous. He doesn't set unreal expectations, but, he DOES let you know his strategy and is unrelentless and very ambitious before and after your proceedings and court date(s). He is also a realist, because let's face it; if you can see the issues; others can too. He takes all of that into account and helps you to see what needs to happen for the BEST possible outcome. He saved my career and Government status after I was charged with a petty charge that could have been blown way out of proportion. The courts are out to get your money; the question is then...what are you willing to do to avoid substantial financial loss and family ruin? I'm glad that I checked around thoroughly instead of taking the first low ball offer from an attorney to represent me. John is a pro! I highly recommend John as your attorney.

anonymous
July 16, 2015

The Eastern District of Virginia boasts a 90+% conviction rate, regardless of the merits of the cases presented. I hired and then fired two well-known firms both of which advised me to plead to felonies, which I had not committed. They were fired because they were not willing to fight and challenge these unmerited allegations. Then, I hired John Kiyonaga. John immediately saw through the prosecutions facade and made every effort to have the case dismissed. The government tried to bully a deal, which was unacceptable and we went to trail, which lasted several weeks. John performed wonderfully. He was well prepared and never faltered. In fact, the prosecution could not handle John’s case and he completely dismantled the government’s witnesses. The end result was that all charges were dismissed. John will perform zealously and will be a true champion in your case. He will not allow for the governments bully tactics to run over the case. John has a long established reputation with the Department of Justice, US Attorney’s Office and VA District Attorney’s Office as no-nonsense lawyer who will defend and fight for his clients to assure the best possible outcome. If you are looking for an advocate that is tough and smart; then John is the clear choice.

anonymous
July 16, 2015

I was charged with a felony which could have resulted in my deportation. John Kiyonaga's hard work caused the charge to be dismissed. I and my family cannot thank him enough. Thank you Mr.John Kiyonaga for your help and support .!

dennis
July 15, 2015

As the lead defendant in 2 very complex federal indictments, I faced 15+ years in federal prison and fines into the millions. Three years after the first indictment in CA, I was indicted in VA on a similar charge. John Kiyonaga was appointed to represent me in VA and face the legal juggernaut of the US DOJ. My initial trepidation evaporated upon meeting John at my initial appearance in VA. I feared I would be represented by an attorney whose only concern was to end this case as quickly as possible. Not only was John successful immediately to gain us a valuable years time to prepare. He traveled to CA on his own to meet with that group of 14 attorneys. As I live in OH and travel for me is difficult, I was often not present in the courtroom. John kept me informed of each proceeding by phone and email and I tracked things myself, using PACER to read his well considered motions on my behalf. He hired forensics computer experts to examine the facts. He obtained a discovery coordinator which was used to the benefit of the other 12 defendants. Even after the prosecutors relented and agreed to seek only 1 year in prison for me, John continued to fight, filing challenges and mounting a vigorous defense on my behalf. In the end, I pled to a misdemeanor and received 6 month house arrest much to the chagrin of the AUSA. This victory in VA allowed my wonderful CA attorney, Peter Leeming, to then score another victory in the form of a full dismissal of charges in that jurisdiction. I know in my heart and mind that had I not had John on my side, I would be doing many years in prison. I owe John a debt I can never possibly repay: my freedom. dennis

Michele
November 17, 2014

Through a difficult event in my life, I had to request the services of a special attorney. I hired John Kiyonaga. During the preliminary phase, his dedication to my problems, his ethical view in analyzing thoroughly each element brought clarity. His expertise dealing with the other parties rebuilt my confidence and gave me new hope. In court, meticulously, step by step, with a clever strategy and an assertive presence, he brought all decisive elements to the court for my case. I would recommend Mr. Kiyonaga to anyone who needs an outstanding attorney.

anonymous
November 14, 2014

John Kiyonaga represented me in a case that was headed for a felony conviction – he was able to reduce the charge and arrange for me to have counseling. Without his understanding of my situation, of which I barely had a grasp, today ten years later I would not be a family man and the proud father of two. Working with the court, John Kiyonaga arranged for me to have the opportunity to set my life back on track, it was a great gift for which I am sincerely grateful. You just have to be there to understand what if feels like to walk into a courtroom with John Kiyonaga, at 6’5” he has a powerful but gentle bearing – he cares for people and their troubles, he wants to help set things right, he gives you hope and in my situation life changing results.