Stefano Molea

Get to Know…

Stefano L. Molea

Partner | San Diego Criminal Defense Lawyer

Stefano is honored to protect the rights of those charged with a crime. As a Partner with the Law Office of David P. Shapiro, Stefano brings the experience of successfully representing individuals with a variety of backgrounds, including lawyers, waiters, construction workers, doctors, CEOs, teachers, veterans, nurses and others who have been accused of crimes ranging from misdemeanors (such as theft, fraud, DUIs and drug possession) to serious felonies (including murder, vehicular manslaughter, robbery, aggravated mayhem and sex crimes). Regardless of the client or charge, Stefano handles each case with unsurpassed thoroughness and passion. Stefano enjoys every aspect of being a criminal defense lawyer including researching, brainstorming solutions to legal issues with the firm’s Managing Partner, David P. Shapiro, writing and arguing successful motions, and litigating cases at trial. Most importantly, Stefano receives the most satisfaction from helping good people regain control of their future when they are charged with a crime.

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.

Results

Accolades

Education

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

10-year Mandatory Minimum Sentence, Yet Client Sentenced to 1 Year House Arrest & Supervised Release
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

Case Dismissed

Felony Child Endangerment

Misdemeanor Plea with No Jail Time

Transportation & Possession for Sale of Controlled substances

Case Dismissed

Felony Animal Abuse

Charges Reduced to Misdemeanors After Preliminary Hearing

Multiple Residential Burglaries

Case Resolved for Probation & No Jail

DUI and Child Endangerment

Case Resolved for a Misdemeanor “Wet Reckless” and Only 6 Months’ Probation

Accolades

Awards & Honors

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Better Business Bureau

Torch Awards for Ethics Winner
–
2022

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Expertise.com

Best DUI Attorneys in San Marcos
–
2022

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Martindale-Hubbell®

AV PreEminent Rating
–
2018 – present

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SD Criminal Defense Bar Assn.

Special Board of Directors’ Recognition
–
2018

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SuperLawyers

SuperLawyers Rising Star
–
2016 – 2021

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Amer. Society of Legal Advocates

Top 40 Under 40 Criminal Defense
–
2016

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San Diego Business Journal

Best of the Bar
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2016

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San Diego Daily Transcript

Top Attorney Nominee
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2013 & 2014

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American Lawyer Media

Top Lawyers in California
–
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