Get to Know…
Stefano L. Molea
Partner | San Diego Criminal Defense Lawyer
From a young age, Stefano learned the importance of “keeping your head down and working hard.” After moving to the U.S. from Italy at ten years old, Stefano quickly learned a new language, integrated into the American culture and began succeeding in school. Thanks to a blue-collar work ethic learned from his family, he graduated with Magna Cum Laude and departmental honors in Philosophy from the University of Redlands, and was invited into the prestigious Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society. At Thomas Jefferson School of Law, Stefano became an editor of the Law Review and graduated in the top 8% of his class with Magna Cum Laude honors.
Case Results
Here are a few of Stefano’s recent case results.
Murder and Voluntary Manslaughter
Not Guilty Verdicts At Jury Trial
Read about this high-profile case
Federal Importation of Controlled Substances
3 Separate Cases Dismissed within 18 months of another
Vehicular Manslaughter
Dismissed
Furnishing Controlled Substance (Fentanyl)
No Jail/Custody Imposed
Federal Possession of Controlled Substances for Sale
Read about this high-profile case
Juvenile Felony Burglary
Two separate sex crime cases entirely dismissed
Juvenile Felony Evading
Case Dismissed
Felony DUI
.28 BAC results excluded; VC23152(b) charge dismissed
Misdemeanor DUI
Case Dismissed
Possession of Controlled Substance for Sale and Vehicle Burglary
Entire Felony Case Dismissed
Felony Child Abuse/Endangerment
Case Dismissed
DUI Hit & Run
Not Guilty After Jury Trial
Motion for New Trial
Granted, Conviction Vacated
Domestic Violence Arrest Sealed and Destroyed
Factual Innocence Motion Granted
5+ Separate Residential Burglaries (Strikes) Possession of Controlled Substances in Jail (with Prior Sales Convictions)
Credit for Time Served and Reduced Probation Time
Misdemeanor Domestic Violence Charge
Total Dismissal After 6 Months and Completion of Counseling.
Misdemeanor Child Endangerment
Felony Child Endangerment
Transportation & Possession for Sale of Controlled substances
Felony Animal Abuse
Multiple Residential Burglaries
DUI and Child Endangerment
Accolades
Awards & Honors
Better Business Bureau
Torch Awards for Ethics Winner
–
2022
Expertise.com
–
2022
Martindale-Hubbell®
AV PreEminent Rating
–
2018 – present
SD Criminal Defense Bar Assn.
–
2018
SuperLawyers
SuperLawyers Rising Star
–
2016 – 2021
Amer. Society of Legal Advocates
–
2016
San Diego Business Journal
Best of the Bar
–
2016
San Diego Daily Transcript
Top Attorney Nominee
–
2013 & 2014
American Lawyer Media
–
2013
Professional Associations
The State Bar of California Admitted 2011-Present
Federal District Court for the Southern District of California Admitted 2011-Present
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
Better Business Bureau (A+ Rating) Admitted 2011-present
Publications
Opinion: “We Should Temper Our Immediate Reaction to News of Alleged Crimes”; Times of San Diego October 2020. View
“Criminal Defense: The Private Practice View.” San Diego Lawyer. May/June 2019 edition. View
“Op-Ed: Parents Should Talk to Kids About Seriousness of School Shootings.” Times of San Diego. August 25, 2018. View
“Op-Ed: Media Coverage Undermines The Presumption of Innocence.” Times of San Diego. March 2, 2018. View
“Op-Ed: ‘Just Because You Did It Doesn’t Mean You’re Guilty.” Millennial Magazine. August 15, 2017. View
“Interacting With Law Enforcement Officers: A Criminal Defense Attorney’s Perspective For All Attorneys.” The Practitioner: The Magazine of the Solo & Small Firm Section of the State Bar of California. Summer 2017 edition.
“Interacting With Law Enforcement in 2016.” Millennial Magazine. November 23, 2016. View
Education
Thomas Jefferson School of Law Juris Doctor- Magna Cum Laude 2011
University of Redlands Bachelor of Arts– Magna Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa 2008