Not Guilty Verdicts At Jury Trial
Read about this high-profile case
Stefano L. Molea
Partner
Stefano is honored to protect the rights of those charged with a crime. As a Partner with David P. Shapiro Criminal Defense Attorneys, 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.
Here are a few of Stefano’s recent case results.
3 Separate Cases Dismissed within 18 months of another
Dismissed
No Jail/Custody Imposed
10-year Mandatory Minimum Sentence, Yet Client Sentenced to 1 Year House Arrest & Supervised Release
Read about this high-profile case
Two separate sex crime cases entirely dismissed
Case Dismissed
.28 BAC results excluded; VC23152(b) charge dismissed
Case Dismissed
Entire Felony Case Dismissed
Case Dismissed
Not Guilty After Jury Trial
Granted, Conviction Vacated
Factual Innocence Motion Granted
Credit for Time Served and Reduced Probation Time
Total Dismissal After 6 Months and Completion of Counseling.
Case Dismissed
Misdemeanor Plea with No Jail Time
Case Dismissed
Charges Reduced to Misdemeanors After Preliminary Hearing
Case Resolved for Probation & No Jail
Case Resolved for a Misdemeanor “Wet Reckless” and Only 6 Months’ Probation
Awards & Honors
Torch Awards for Ethics Winner
2022
Best DUI Attorneys in San Marcos
2022
AV PreEminent Rating
2018 – present
Special Board of Directors’ Recognition
2018
Rising Star - 2016 – 2021
SuperLawyer - 2024
Top 40 Under 40 Criminal Defense
2016
Best of the Bar
2016
Top Attorney Nominee
2013 & 2014
Top Lawyers in California
2013
SD’s Fastest Growing Private Companies
2022 – #17
2023 – #36
Here’s what you need to know to regain control of your future
“I came to David Shapiro to end my probation early and expunge my case. I had a very positive and very informative experience with him. David and his assistant Maria were excellent and always kept in the loop of what was going on.”
“Helping good people get their lives back is not just a catch phrase. They mean what they say and are serious about taking care of the client. Ally Keegan and the team at Law Office of David Shapiro are AMAZING! My charges for a 25 plus year old case were dismissed, it was not easy but I truly believe that if I had went with any other Law Firm that the outcome would have been very different. Thank you Ally for helping me get my life back!”
“I called many lawyers after I got my DUI. Stefano was the only lawyer who put my mind at ease and gave me a sense of relief. He constantly communicated with me about my case and laid out all my options. He was willing and able to do whatever he could to help me. He went above and beyond what was expected.”
“I have used David 2 times in the past and he has by far exceeded my expectations. He has great knowledge and knows the system. He is straight forward and honest and somebody you can trust without doubt. I would recommend him to friends, family, and anybody that needs help. Best attorney I’ve ever come across.”
“Stefano Molea was extremely professional and consistently timely with responses to my questions. Most of all, Stefano was reliable. Stefano was diligent with discovery and always prepared and tenacious when relevant to the situation. Stefano is an attorney that you can count on for the best outcome. Thank you Stefano for all you did in my case. You’re so awesome!!!!”
“Ally was an absolute pleasure to work with. Her calm and reassuring demeanor was matched with her excellent knowledge, dedication, thoroughness. We unfortunately found ourselves in need of a criminal lawyer and we can without a doubt say that having Ally and her firm represent us from the beginning was the best choice we could have made.”
