“We Help Good People Regain Control Of Their Future When Charged With A Crime.”® Passionate Criminal Defense Representation. On Your Side of the Law. Call (619) 554-0575 Now to get Started!“We Help Good People Regain Control Of Their Future When Charged With A Crime.”®DUIs might be common, but each case must be handled with the attention that it deserves.There are many land mines in Domestic Violence cases that must be avoided to ensure the best result.From filing a false claim to under reporting for tax or insurance purposes, alleged fraud is seriousStart the process of cleaning up your record and putting your conviction behind you!Difficult cases that require knowledge of complex issues and skills to obtain successful resultsWhite collar crimes allegations are paper-intensive and require thoroughness and attention to detail
I am proud to be a San Diego criminal defense lawyer. As a partner at The Law Offices of David P. Shapiro, 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.
Languages spoken
Italian, English
3500 Fifth Avenue, Suite 304
San Diego, CA, 92103
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
CA | Active | 2011 | 02/07/2022 |
Award name | Grantor | Date Granted |
---|---|---|
Rising Star | Super Lawyers | 2020 |
Rising Star | Super Lawyers | 2019 |
AV Preeminent | Martindale-Hubbell® | 2018 |
Special Board of Directors' Recognition | San Diego Criminal Defense Bar Association | 2018 |
Rising Star | SuperLawyers | 2018 |
Rising Star | SuperLawyers | 2017 |
Top 40 Under 40 Criminal Defense | The American Society of Legal Advocates | 2016 |
Rising Star | SuperLawyers | 2016 |
Best of the Bar- Criminal Defense | San Diego Business Journal | 2016 |
Clients' Choice Award | Avvo | 2015 |
Top Attorney Nominee | San Diego Daily Transcript | 2014 |
Top Lawyers in California | American Lawyer Media | 2013 |
Clients' Choice Award | Avvo | 2013 |
Top Young Attorneys Nominee | San Diego Daily Transcript | 2013 |
Witkin Award for Academic Excellence-Veterans Legal Clinic | Witkin Legal Institute | 2010 |
Witkin Award for Academic Excellence- Civil Motions Practice | Witkin Legal Institute | 2010 |
Witkin Award for Academic Excellence- Appellate Advocacy | Witkin Legal Institute | 2010 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Partner | The Law Offices Of David P. Shapiro, Aplc | 2018 - Present |
Associate | The Law Offices of Kerry L. Armstrong, APLC | 2013 - 2017 |
Principal | Molea Law | 2012 - 2013 |
Of Counsel | Law Office of David P. Shapiro, APLC | 2011 - 2013 |
Of Counsel | Damiani Law Group | 2011 - 2013 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
San Diego Criminal Defense Bar Association | Board of Directors | 2014 - Present |
California Public Defenders Association | Attorney Member | 2013 - Present |
San Diego Criminal Defense Bar Association | Member | 2012 - Present |
California Attorneys for Criminal Justice | Member | 2012 - Present |
American Bar Association | Member | 2012 - 2013 |
San Diego County Bar Association | Member | 2011 - 2012 |
Publication name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Times of San Diego | Opinion: We Should Temper Our Immediate Reaction to News of Alleged Crimes | 2020 |
San Diego Lawyer | Criminal Defense: The Private Practice View | 2019 |
Times of San Diego | Opinion: Media Coverage Can Undermine The Presumption of Innocence | 2018 |
Times of San Diego | Parents Should Talk to Kids About Seriousness of School Shootings | 2018 |
Millennial Magazine | Op-Ed: "Just Because You Did It Doesn't Mean You're Guilty" | 2017 |
State Bar of California | Interacting with Law Enforcement Officers: A Criminal Defense Attorney's Perspective for All Attorneys | 2017 |
Millennial Magazine | Interacting With Law Enforcement Officers in 2016 | 2016 |
San Diego Criminal Defense Bar Association | Featured Member Profile | 2014 |
Molea Law: Criminal Defense | Why Fourth Waivers Should be Found Unconstitutional | N/A |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
Thomas Jefferson School of Law | Juris Doctor- Magna Cum Laude | 2011 |
University of Redlands | Bachelor of Arts- Magna Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa | 2008 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Monthly Meeting | The Status of Criminal Practice During COVID 19 and the "Rise" of Domestic Violence Arrests | 2020 |
Regional Meeting | Domestic Violence: Criminal and Family Law Aspects | 2019 |
University of San Diego School of Law Paralegal Program | Employment Panel | 2019 |
Bridging the Gap MCLE Conference | Ethical Considerations in Criminal Law Practice | 2019 |
Criminology Course | Fundamental Principles of Criminal Law | 2018 |
Monthly Meeting | Criminal Justice | 2018 |
Monthly Meeting | School Shootings and What Every Parent Needs to Know About Their Kids' Responsible Use of Social Media | 2018 |
CWSL Student-Attorney Networking | Student-Attorney Networking | 2014 |
TJSL 1L Legal Writing | Appellate Argument Judge | 2014 |
Moot Court 1L Competition | Opening Statements and Closing Arguments- Judge | 2014 |
Veterans Village of San Diego | The Effects of Bankruptcy | 2010 |
Case name | Outcome |
---|---|
Motion to suppress illegally obtained evidence | Case dismissed |
Murder | Not Guilty |
Motion to to Suppress Granted. | .28 BAC results excluded |
.19 BAC DUI and Hit and Run | Not guilty |
Suppression Motion Granted at Preliminary Hearing, Case Dismissed | Entire felony case dismissed. |
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January 30, 2020
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Sam McGovern, Criminal defense Attorney on Feb 3, 2021
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Stefano is a great attorney and I would not hesitate to refer any of my clients to him for their criminal defense needs.
Nicole Irmer, Criminal defense Attorney on Oct 4, 2019
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
Sam McGovern, Criminal defense Attorney on Feb 3, 2021
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Stefano is a great attorney and I would not hesitate to refer any of my clients to him for their criminal defense needs.
Nicole Irmer, Criminal defense Attorney on Oct 4, 2019
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
Lenden Webb, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 13, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington, Criminal defense Attorney on Oct 14, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Joseph Torri, Unknown Attorney on Sep 24, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Richard Rosenstein, Unknown Attorney on May 22, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
Michael Waddington, Criminal defense Attorney on May 22, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse Stefano. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community.
Michael Fischer, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 24, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I have known Stefano for several years now and he has become the attorney we refer all our criminal defense cases to.
James Dicks, Criminal defense Attorney on Nov 29, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
Michael Shemtoub, Criminal defense Attorney on Sep 30, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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!
Janet Mertes, Criminal defense Attorney on Jul 9, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Cyrus Mor, Criminal defense Attorney on Jul 3, 2013
Relationship: Friend
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.
Alexander Fuqua, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 3, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
Pejman Kharrazian, Unknown Attorney on May 3, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Jinny Campbell, Criminal defense Attorney on Feb 14, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Benjamin Aguilar, Criminal defense Attorney on Nov 26, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
Jeremy Evans, Criminal defense Attorney on Jul 25, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. I have known Stefano for years and he is personable, a strong advocate, and has experience.
Vikram Monder, Criminal defense Attorney on Jul 20, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
Christopher Beck, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 5, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in 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.
Thomas Baker, General practice Attorney on May 22, 2012
Relationship: Worked together on matter
Attorney Stefano Molea is the epitome of professionalism, dedication, and zealous representation. While working on a simple matter together I was astounded at the amount of work Mr. Molea put forth, even on the most minuscule of issues. If you want a hungry, hard working attorney, then Stefano Molea is who you should be calling. I endorse this lawyer.