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What Makes Us Unique?
Our Mission
Looking for a Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer (San Diego, CA)? Act NOW.
If you have been injured as the result of the actions of a federal entity, contact our criminal lawyers for a free consultation: (619) 794-0451.
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Years of Combined Experience
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Jury Trials to Verdict
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Excessive-Force Verdict in History $85 Million
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Rest Until We Get Justice
Dedicated and Experienced Attorneys
McKenzie Scott PC: San Diego Lawyers Protecting Civil Rights and Providing Criminal Defense Since 2000
At McKenzie Scott, We’re Fighting for the Little Guy. And almost everyone is the little guy when facing the power of the government or corporate money.
Our team represents clients of various types all across southern California. Our trial lawyers are here to help people …
- fight criminal charges, including white-collar crime,
- sue government agencies when they violate our civil rights and
- hold corporations accountable when they hurt people.
With a long record of winning state and federal court cases, our legal defense team combines cutting-edge legal strategies and exhaustive case preparation with a tireless commitment to our client’s rights.
Proven Results
How We Can Help
Award-Winning Team
Caring Professionals
Michele Akemi McKenzie
Michele McKenzie is a founding partner of McKenzie Scott PC. After graduating from Stanford Law School in 2000, Michele McKenzie served for nearly twenty years at Federal Defenders of San Diego Inc. as a Trial Attorney, Trial Team Supervisor, First Assistant, and interim Executive Director before entering private practice. Michele has devoted her career to challenging systemic unfairness in the justice system, including the chronic under-representation of racial minorities on federal juries. Ms. McKenzie’s efforts are widely credited with helping to create a fairer jury pool in the Southern District today.
Timothy A. Scott
A graduate of Stanford Law School, Tim Scott has defended people’s constitutional rights in the
courtroom for over 20 years. As a civil rights attorney, Tim Scott served as lead trial counsel in
K.J.P. v. San Diego, the largest excessive-force verdict in American history ($85 million in compensatory damages).
As a criminal defense lawyer, he has tried over 60 cases to verdict,
obtaining either acquittals, mistrials, or reversals on appeal in approximately three-quarters of them.
Practice Areas
How We Can Help
McKenzie Scott is a full-service civil rights, criminal defense, and personal injury law firm with proven experience in the following practice areas.
Civil Rights
Excessive Force
Federal Criminal Defense
Police Misconduct
White-Collar Criminal Defense
Illegal Search and Seizure
Serious Criminal Defense in Superior Courts
Catastrophic Personal Injury
Wrongful Death
Insurance Fraud
Premises Liability
Border Arrests
Criminal Defense Attorney (San Diego, CA)
When justice fails anyone, justice fails everyone.
If you have been accused of a crime, you have the right to a fair trial and an attorney who can competently represent you in state and federal court. McKenzie Scott PC is a full-service criminal defense law firm located in San Diego County. We represent criminal cases ranging from drug charges and child pornography to white-collar crime and serious felonies charged in superior court.
Our compassionate San Diego criminal defense attorneys are uniquely qualified to represent federal criminal charges; healthcare, financial, racketeering, and other frauds; white-collar or trade secrets investigations; murder, terrorism, and sex crimes; rape, assault, and other sex offenses; child pornography and internet crimes; serious drug charges (trafficking, transportation, distribution, sale, conspiracy, etc.); and juvenile crimes.
Fighting Racial Bias in the Criminal Justice System
Wrongful convictions are strongly correlated with race. According to a white paper published by the University of Michigan in 2022, Black Americans are seven times more likely to be falsely convicted of serious crimes than white Americans. Studies suggest that roughly one in 20 people currently incarcerated in the US are innocent.
Call us today for your free consultation: (619) 794-0451
When do I need a San Diego criminal defense lawyer?
You should call the San Diego criminal defense lawyers at McKenzie Scott PC as soon as you are aware that you are under investigation or have been charged with a crime. Early involvement of a criminal defense lawyer is the first step in protecting your rights, navigating the complex legal system, and formulating a strong defense strategy.
If you are facing felony charges—drug offenses, theft, assault, child pornography, money laundering or other serious crimes—a skilled criminal defense lawyer will provide essential guidance. Our team is here to negotiate with prosecutors, represent you in court, and work to achieve the best possible outcome for your case, including reduced charges or acquittal.
Even if you believe the charges are minor or you are innocent, retaining a criminal defense lawyer ensures that your case is handled professionally and that your rights are safeguarded throughout the legal process.
Our experienced team of criminal defense attorneys offers fearless trial advocacy for all types of cases. From aggressive motions practice to unwavering client loyalty, we’ll stand by your side when it matters the most.
Civil Rights Attorney (San Diego, CA)
Freedom of speech. Freedom of assembly. Freedom from unreasonable search and seizure.
The freedoms we all enjoy do not come easily and sometimes, these hard-fought rights require defending. Based out of San Diego, California, the law firm of McKenzie Scott PC stands ready to use proven defense strategies to restore your rights, your property, and your dignity after a civil rights violation.
Federal and state laws are in place to help protect you from discrimination and unfair treatment. If you believe your rights have been violated, talk to a civil rights attorney (San Diego, CA) today. Our team has a proven track record of strong outcomes in all types of civil rights cases.
Civil Rights Violations By Government? Call McKenzie Scott As Soon As Possible.
If you have experienced a civil rights violation by the government, call McKenzie Scott immediately, as there is a strict six-month deadline for filing your case. This time frame, known as the statute of limitations, is critical because missing it can result in the permanent loss of your right to seek justice and compensation for the violation. Delaying this process can jeopardize your ability to hold the government accountable and protect your rights.
For a favorable outcome in your case, we highly recommend acting quickly.
Call the law office of McKenzie Scott today to safeguard your legal rights and secure the justice you deserve: (619) 794-0451.
What is a civil rights violation?
Civil rights violations include everything from police misconduct and wrongful death to sexual assault and civil rights claims against government entities. This field of law often overlaps with personal injury and criminal defense.
Examples of civil rights violations:
- In-custody deaths. In the United States, in-custody deaths are a far-too-common example of a civil rights violation. This is where a person who has been charged with a crime is fatally mistreated or neglected while in police custody.
- Housing discrimination. A landlord refusing a tenant housing because of their race or religion is another example of a civil rights violation that would warrant a lawsuit.
- Workplace harassment. Sexual assault or harassment by an employer or superior is another common example of a civil rights violation.
- Physical assault. Physical attacks attributed to a person’s race, sexual orientation, gender identity or religion constitute civil rights violations.
Call us today for your free consultation: (619) 794-0451
Personal Injury Attorney (San Diego, CA)
After a serious injury, we’re here to help.
Personal injury law is a field that encompasses a variety of injuries. McKenzie Scott PC pursues financial compensation for injuries resulting from others’ negligence; we specialize in cases involving wrongful death, premises liability, and all forms of catastrophic injury.
After a serious accident, your life can change in an instant. Injuries caused by someone else’s negligence-whether a trucking accident, slip-and-fall injury, or wrongful death-will have a profound and lasting impact on both the victim and their loved ones. Our seasoned staff understands the importance of effective advocacy in cases where your well-being is on the line.
Our Personal Injury Specialties
McKenzie Scott PC handles a variety of personal injury case types, including civil rights cases against government entities and injuries resulting from police misconduct. In the tragic event that the injury results in a wrongful death or severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), our team offers experience in collecting damages and resolving your case for its full, fair value.
Evaluating a Personal Injury Case
Do I have a personal injury case? This is the most common question we get as San Diego personal injury attorneys. Our team has extensive experience vetting, researching, and representing personal injury cases all across the state of California. From liability and damages to statute limitations and contributory negligence, there are a number of determining factors that will influence the viability of your case. The more information you can provide to us at your initial intake, the more easily we will be able to offer an accurate evaluation of your claim.
No Tricks, No Surprises: Our Payment Policy
All our personal injury legal services are offered on a contingency-fee-basis: our legal team earns a percentage fee from what we collect on your behalf. We only collect costs after we successfully recover money through a settlement or verdict. We never charge retainer fees or up-front costs; we only get paid when you do.
Call McKenzie Scott for your free consultation: (619) 794-0451.
Proven Results
How We Can Help
Award-Winning Team
Caring Professionals
Our Team
Taking on government or corporate entities can be intimidating. With McKenzie Scott’s seasoned team of justice warriors, you’ll have the peace of mind you need throughout the court process.
Michele Akemi McKenzie
Founder, Trial Attorney
Timothy A. Scott
Founder, Trial Attorney
Nicolas O. Jimenez
Trial Attorney
Marcus S. Bourassa
Trial Attorney
Michelle Angeles
Trial Attorney
Nicole Delaney
Litigation Paralegal
Lauren Mellano (née Williams)
Trial Attorney
Gabriela Gonzalez
Litigation Paralegal
Sandra Calderon
Litigation Paralegal
Bianca Perez
Litigation Paralegal
bperez@mckenziescott.com
619.333.6827
Nina Ng-Lara
Law Clerk
Alan Ruiz
Law Clerk
Natalia Frias
Law Clerk Intern
Free Case Evaluation
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Awards & Recognition
McKenzie Scott PC. Recognized for excellence in San Diego, throughout California, and nationwide.
Our award-winning civil rights, criminal defense, and personal injury lawyers have the passion, skill, and experience you need to protect your rights.
JL
Top-Rate & Trustworthy… Hands down, Tim Scott is the gold standard in criminal legal
defense, a praise that I do not give lightly as a fellow practicing criminal defense attorney.
Multiple attorneys I respected referred me to Tim, whom they would trust if their own family
needed criminal legal assistance. After observing his skill level, work ethic, and genuine care for
our family, I can say without reservation that Tim should be the first person you call if you need
legal help.
MH
The Best Exceptional Trial Lawyer in America… You both went beyond being professional skilled attorneys and you made me feel like you invested personally in me and treated me and my family as friends… You truly care about our family and what we are going through.
Although both of you are fierce contender in the courtroom, your calm and humble manner, helps to put us at ease. Both of you are the best exceptional trial attorneys, and kind and gracious.
Royce & Family
Over $1 MILLION SETTLEMENT with compassion & decency… They controlled everything from the go time when we endorsed our case to them. Assuring us not to worry about the case and concentrate on my wife and family’s recovery. Atty. Tim responded very promptly on our inquiries even on his personal / vacation time and never leaves us hanging in the air. He listen to everything we said and answered with full of information and options… THE BEST THERE IS.. WE CANNOT THANK THEM MORE ESPECIALLY WITH THEIR COMPASSION, GENEROSITY, EXCELLENT SERVICES, PROFESSIONALISM AND VERY BIG HELP.
Carlos
I met Marcus years ago. I can undoubtedly say that he is the reason I was able to become who I am today. Not only did he help with my case, but he showed me much more than any lawyer before. HE ACTUALLY CARES. I was facing charges for some wrong decisions I made in the past, but thanks to him I was able to leave that in the past and move forward to better myself. He stands out from the rest by communicating with you and treating you as a person not a criminal. He will fight till the very end for what is right not what is easy. I’m telling you.. this is the lawyer you need.
Jon
My name is Jon P. in October of 2019 I was arrested with over 100 lbs of narcotics at the Mexican border I have more than 5 felony convictions and the Judge would not set bail because of FTA and preponderance of evidence. My sentencing guidelines are 30 years to life Six months later I was released on $5000 everything has gone way above expectations for me. I thank my lucky stars to have dedicated fighter Marcus Bourassa representing me. I would not want any other lawyer.
Mayra
Highly Knowledgeable and Well Respected Attorney! Mr. Scott helped my family at a very scary time. His legal background, knowledge of the federal system and the local representatives gave my family a much needed peace of mind. Our circumstances required a person who had federal, criminal and military understanding, he fit all those categories and I highly recommend him.