PRO
also known as San Diego Criminal Lawyer, San Diego Criminal Defense Attorney
Virtual Consultation Available
I am proud to be a San Diego criminal defense lawyer. As a partner at David P. Shapiro Criminal Defense Attorneys, I bring experience in representing diverse clients facing a variety of charges. I've been honored to help waiters, lawyers, construction workers, doctors, CEOs, teachers, veterans and others who have been accused of crimes ranging from theft, fraud, DUIs and drug possession, all the way to vehicular manslaughter, robbery, aggravated mayhem, sex crimes and murder. Regardless of the client or charge, each case is handled with the same thoroughness and passion. I genuinely enjoy every aspect of being a criminal defense lawyer including researching, writing and arguing successful motions, and litigating cases at trial.
I have immersed myself in the San Diego County criminal defense community as a board member of the San Diego Criminal Defense Bar Association. I also belong to the California Public Defender’s Association, California Attorneys for Criminal Justice and the National College for DUI Defense.
I am honored to have been recognized as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers for 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. I have been selected as a Top 40 Criminal Defense Lawyer Under 40 in California for 2016 and was voted Best of the Bar for Criminal Defense in 2016 by the San Diego Business Journal. Most of all, I am humbled by the many clients who have written testimonials for my dedication to their cases, attentiveness to their issues, and ability to walk them through the convoluted and sometimes frightening criminal justice system.
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Practice Areas
We have not found any cost information for this lawyer
State: California
Acquired: 2011
No misconduct found
2550 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1050, San Diego, CA, 92103
davidpshapirolaw.com/
Other places you can find Stefano online.
Showing 1 - 5 of 79 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by John | April 18, 2025 | Hired Attorney
The consultation and price, even though it was steep, was very well worth it to get the best possible result for my criminal case. With other lawyers, while I could've cheapened out, they would not have been proactive, thorough, and transparent with the entirety of the process. Stefano went above and...
Posted by Amira | December 17, 2024 | Consulted Attorney
Contacted this office and was answered immediately. Although my case was not in their area of expertise they took the time to listen and provide me additional resources to assist me rather than brush me off. Truly appreciated the responsiveness and professionalism from this office staff. If they went...
Posted by anonymous | November 17, 2024 | Consulted Attorney
I was in a difficult phase of my case and I reached out to Stefano to get an assessment of my case and situation. Stefano was attentive, knowledgeable, organized and took the time to collect relevant information. He reviewed and analyzed the information and gave me clear, concise, and objective gui...
Posted by David | May 4, 2024 | Hired Attorney
We had the privilege of working with Attorney Stefano L. Molea who represented our son, and we couldn't be more pleased with the outcome. Not only did Stefano L. Molea do a fabulous job in reducing our son's sentence with no additional time, but his personal and caring approach throughout the entire ...
Posted by anonymous | April 12, 2024 | Hired Attorney
Stefano is an excellent attorney. I am very satisfied with his services. Most importantly, he fought for what I wanted. He is professional and genuine, meticulous, and pays attention to the details of your case. He is well educated, but grounded and can relate to people and the difficulties they a...
"A zealous advocate and a consummate gentleman. Stefano is passionate about his practice and protecting his client's rights."
"Stefano is a great attorney and I would not hesitate to refer any of my clients to him for their criminal defense needs."
"Stefano is attentive to his client's matters and strives for the best outcome in the circumstances for them. I have had referred clients to him, and the feedback is that they have been very happy with the referral, saying how good he is at explaining the legal process. I recommend him."
"Solid and sharp attorney, knows how to take care of his client's needs. I fully endorse this lawyer and would encourage anyone seeking assistance to retain him."
Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 14
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Molea is a skilled and respected member of the legal community. He is a zealous advocate for the rights and interests of his clients."
"I endorse Stefano. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"I have known Stefano for several years now and he has become the attorney we refer all our criminal defense cases to."
"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!"
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Stefano is a fantastic attorney. He works hard and is very knowledgeable with regards to Criminal Law. I would recommend his services to those in need of a Criminal Defense attorney in San Diego."
"Stefano is an extremely intelligent, well-prepared attorney who thrives on handling challenging cases. Having worked with Stefano, I have personally observed the care and attention to detail he gives to every case and every client. He has an easy-going demeanor which has contributed to the success he has had for his clients; however, he is aggressive and doesn't back down from his position when the circumstances call for it. Stefano has been dedicated to helping those accused of crimes since he was in law school and his experience surpasses that of other young attorneys. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. I attended law school with Mr. Molea and he was known and continues to be known for his strong ethics and dedication to the practice of law."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Stefano for years and he is personable, a strong advocate, and has experience."
"Stefano is a dedicated practitioner in the area of criminal defense and has a strong team behind him. I recommend this attorney in the Southern California community."
"Honest, hardworking and good looking...but enough about me. Stefano is a dedicated hard working attorney to whom I could confidently refer criminal matters. His smart, finite approach to complex legal issues makes him one of a kind and a great benefit to the legal community."
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2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2021
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2020
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2019
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2018
AV Preeminent, Martindale-Hubbell®
2018
Special Board of Directors' Recognition, San Diego Criminal Defense Bar Association
2018
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2017
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2016
Best of the Bar- Criminal Defense, San Diego Business Journal
2016
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2016
Top 40 Under 40 Criminal Defense, The American Society of Legal Advocates
2015
Clients' Choice Award, Avvo
2014
Top Attorney Nominee, San Diego Daily Transcript
2013
Top Lawyers in California, American Lawyer Media
2013
Clients' Choice Award, Avvo
2013
Top Young Attorneys Nominee, San Diego Daily Transcript
2010
Witkin Award for Academic Excellence- Appellate Advocacy, Witkin Legal Institute
2010
Witkin Award for Academic Excellence-Veterans Legal Clinic, Witkin Legal Institute
2010
Witkin Award for Academic Excellence- Civil Motions Practice, Witkin Legal Institute
2018 - Present
Partner, David P. Shapiro Criminal Defense Attorneys
2013 - 2017
Associate, The Law Offices of Kerry L. Armstrong, APLC
2012 - 2013
Principal, Molea Law
2011 - 2013
Of Counsel, Law Office of David P. Shapiro, APLC
2011 - 2013
Of Counsel, Damiani Law Group
2014 - Present
San Diego Criminal Defense Bar AssociationBoard of Directors
2013 - Present
California Public Defenders AssociationAttorney Member
2012 - Present
San Diego Criminal Defense Bar AssociationMember
2012 - Present
California Attorneys for Criminal JusticeMember
2012 - 2013
American Bar AssociationMember
2011 - 2012
San Diego County Bar AssociationMember
Case dismissed
Not Guilty
.28 BAC results excluded
Not guilty
Entire felony case dismissed.
Motion granted, three felony counts dismissed
Motion granted, property returned.
Motion Granted, Case Dismissed
All counts dismissed before the preliminary hearing.
Factual innocence motion granted
Felony DUI with Injury with GBI and high BAC enhancement (count 2) Dismissed
Reduced to regular misdemeanor DUI
Reduced punishment
Settled .19 BAC for Wet Reckless
Writ Issued
Misdemeanor with no custody
Resolved case for 180 days of custody and rehab where maximum exposure was 3 years in prison (just on new case).
Case Dismissed
No jail, reduced fines
Case Dismissed
Relieved of duty to register pursuant to Penal Code section 290
LIcense Suspension Set Aside
Dismissed at first readiness conference.
Motion for New Trial Granted
Not Guilty
2011
Juris Doctor- Magna Cum Laude
2008
Bachelor of Arts- Magna Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa
2020
The Status of Criminal Practice During COVID 19 and the "Rise" of Domestic Violence Arrests
2019
Employment Panel
2019
Domestic Violence: Criminal and Family Law Aspects
2019
Ethical Considerations in Criminal Law Practice
2018
2018
Criminal Justice
2018
Fundamental Principles of Criminal Law
2014
Appellate Argument Judge
2014
Opening Statements and Closing Arguments- Judge
2014
Student-Attorney Networking
2010
The Effects of Bankruptcy
2020
2019
2018
2018
2017
2017
2016
2014
N/A
Italian
English
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Got a letter through the mail today saying I have an arraignment of felony charges of fraud today. I was never arrested or made
23 Sep 2024
Will driving with a 0.77 get you a VC23152B charge?
17 May 2024
Hello, my son was arrested for DUI and given a pink slip, but at police station he blew .07 what's the chances of fighting this?
12 Apr 2024