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Attorney Heather A. Melone is the Principal Attorney at Wellspring. Heather was born and raised in Southern California and graduated from the University of California Santa Barbara (“UCSB”) in 1997. After graduating from UCSB, Heather spent the next three years as a Peace Corps volunteer in Thailand focusing on education and community outreach programs. After returning to San Diego in 2000, Heather was determined to continue helping others and was quickly offered a position as a legal assistant for a prominent criminal defense law firm in San Diego where she “worked her way up the ranks.” Heather balanced working full-time while earning her Juris Doctorate degree from California Western School of Law in 2005 and passed the California Bar examination on her first attempt in 2006.
For the next thirteen years, Heather practiced criminal defense and developed a robust set of trial advocacy skills which she has employed on behalf of professional license defense clients for the past several years. Heather’s exceptional trial skills and devotion to helping good people through bad situations makes her a zealous advocate on behalf of her clients. Heather has successfully assisted numerous clients in obtaining and/or protecting their professional licenses and is eager to help others who may be facing disciplinary proceedings instituted by their professional licensing Board.
2
Practice Areas
7 years
12 years
Free Consultation
$0 first 30 minutes
State: California
Acquired: 2006
No misconduct found
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41 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 reviews | DUI & DWI
Posted by Franklin | March 19, 2025 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI
Great Attorney
Heather is an excellent attorney. When I hired Heather, I was at an uncertain time in my life. Having relatively recently been convicted of a 2nd DUI, my future and professional career hung in the balance. During our consultation, I was impressed with her demeanor, positive attitude, and bevy of k...
Wow Franklin, thank you so much for such a glowing review! However, I cannot take all the credit and would like to give a big shout-out to my amazing paralegal, Najia, for helping with your case! You really were a pleasure to work with during the pendency of your matter, even during those "set backs." We nevertheless persisted and are happy to know that you are finally able to close that chapter and focus on your bright future! Again, thank you so much for trusting Wellspring Law to assist you during your time of need. Best of luck to you Franklin!
Posted by B | May 01, 2023 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI
SLP Board disciplinary
From the very beginning Heather was more than professional, honest, and compassionate. She didn't judge me on my situation and obtained as much information as needed. I was charged for a DUI. The CA SLP board was notified and sent a letter requiring additional information as they investigated. I look...
Thank you so much for the wonderful review B! It was an honor to advocate for you! You were an "A+" client and I really appreciate how responsive you were to all of my advice and requests. Your proactive assistance in your defense was critical in helping me convince the SLP to make the right decision in this case. I wish you the best of luck in all of your future endeavors and hope that you keep in touch!
Posted by anonymous | May 09, 2020 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI
VN License
I Had trouble getting my license after the state exam due to a DUI. So I decided to look around Avvo and that lead me to hiring Heather and her Associates. Very grateful of that choice I made because they did a great job on helping me get my license. Everything was straight forward, questions were al...
Posted by Cassandra | February 02, 2014 | DUI & DWI
Much more than your average lawyer
I am currently having Heather Melone represent me on my pending 3 DUI cases, she has been knowable honest hard working and compassionate, my life was falling apart around my me, Heather guided me into rehab were I was able to regain myself, she then got me in touch with the scram program witch ...
Posted by MIA | April 17, 2013 | DUI & DWI
A Genuine Life Saver!
My case seemed hopeless. Three DUI's within a short period of time is dreadful!! After the second DUI I asked for a lawyer recommendation from my bail bondsman -- who immediately gave me Heather Melone's name. I was impressed with her sincerity from the first moment. She organized it all, in...
"Heather is THE go to attorney in San Diego for all licensing related issues. She is responsive, friendly, and extremely knowledgeable. She has helped many clients accused of criminal misconduct retain their professional licenses, while also providing information to assist in the criminal process. I highly endorse Heather!"
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Heather for many years and we are on the board for the East County San Diego Bar Association. Heather is very dependable and if she says she's going to get something done she certainly does. I know she fights hard for her clients and does her best to get them great results."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Ms. Melone for a very long time and have had the pleasure of working with her on a number of criminal cases. I continue to be impressed with her work ethic and her untiring compassion for her clients are impressive."
"This attorney works very hard for the client and keeps up with the law by attending legal seminars to assist them in this regard. I endorse this attorney."
"Your resume speaks for itself and I consider you a valuable member of the attorney community. I would recommend you to anyone and everyone who needs your services. I whole heartedly endorse this lawyer!"
"Heather is not only a skilled attorney but she cares about each of her clients. She goes the extra mile to explain the procedure of a case to her clients so that they are comfortable when they enter the courtroom with her. I endorse Heather Melone."
"I highly endorse this lawyer's work. I have know Heather for over 10 years both personally and professionally. She is a hardworking, dedicated, criminal defense attorney. She is compassionate and cares deeply for her clients. She is well liked by all. I would not hesitate to recommend her."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Ms. Melone for many years now. I used to supervise her when we worked together for a large criminal defense firm. Ms. Melone was always prepared, thorough, and aggressive. More importantly, she goes over and beyond what most attorneys do in order to represent her client. She has the best attorney/client relationships that you could imagine. Ms. Melone has a huge heart, and it really shows in her representation of clients."
"It is with great pleasure I endorse my friend and former colleague, Heather Melone, in the field of criminal defense. Heather is a true "Freedom Fighter," as her license plate one stated. Her passion for her clients is extrememely apparent no matter what type of charges."
"I endorse this lawyer. I met this lawyer in law school. Knowing what I know now, I would have gone to law school just to meet Ms. Melone. She's a true advocate and amazing friend. Just who you want in your corner when life gets rough."
"Heather has always been an extremely hard working lawyer, and I have personally watched her defend many clients. For this reason, I endorse Heather Melone."
Criminal defense lawyer
Family lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Appeals lawyer
2026
Volunteer Attorney of the Year, East County San Diego Bar Association
2025
Women In Leadership Award, East County Chamber of Commerce
2025
Gold Winner - Best Attorney, Best of La Mesa Awards
2023
Client's Choice Award, AVVO
2014
Client Choice Award, AVVO
2013
Client Choice Award, AVVO
2021 - Present
Founder & Managing Attorney, Wellspring Law
2019 - 2021
Senior Associate Attorney, MURPHY JONES APC
2008 - 2019
Managing Attorney, Law Office of Heather A. Melone
2006 - 2008
Attorney, Steigerwalt & Associates
2005 - 2005
Certified Intern, San Diego Public Defender's Office
2000 - 2005
Legal Assistant & Law Clerk, Steigerwalt & Associates
2026 - Present
San Diego County Bar AssociationEast County Regional Representative
2024 - Present
San Diego Defense Lawyers AssociationMember
2020 - Present
California Association of Attorneys in the Healthcare ProfessionMember
2014 - Present
National Association Of Women Business Owners
2006 - Present
State Bar of California
2025 - 2026
East County San Diego Bar AssociationImmediate Past President
2024 - 2025
East County San Diego Bar AssociationPresident
2018 - 2026
East County San Diego Bar AssociationDirector
Case Dismissed
Dismisssed on 995 motion
Case Dismissed on Day of Trial
Case Dismissed on Day of Trial
Case Dismissed prior to Preliminary Hearing
Case Dismissed
Case Dismissed
Probation
Probation
Letter of Public Reproval
Letter of Public Reproval
Investigation Closed Without Discipline
Investigation Closed Without Discipline
Accusation Withdrawn Prior to Hearing
Probation
2005
JD - Juris Doctor
1997
BS - Bachelor of Science
2024
Administrative Law & Criminal Defense
2023
Administrative Law & Criminal Defense
2022
Administrative Law - Policy & Procedure
Thai
English
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