STEFANO L MOLEA

STEFANO L. MOLEA

Since the outset of his career, Stefano L. Molea has remained dedicated to defending the rights of those accused of a crime.  Prior to joining the Law Offices of Top Criminal Defense Law Firms, APLC, he interned with one of San Diego’s largest criminal defense firms.  Mr. Molea received his training from some of the most respected criminal defense attorneys in San Diego county.

Stefano L. Molea is known for his meticulous approach to every case he handles.  He enjoys the research and technical aspects of the law.  Mr. Molea makes it a priority to openly communicate with his clients, ensuring they understand every step of the legal process.

Education and Legal Practice:

• • University of Redlands – Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy
    • Graduated magna cum laude
    • Member of Phi Beta Kappa
    • Received departmental honors

• Thomas Jefferson School of Law – Juris Doctor

• • • Graduated magna cum laude, in the top 8% of his graduating class
    • Member of Law Review

• Licensed member of the State Bar of California
• Licensed member of the Federal Bars for the Southern and Central Districts of California

Awards and Accolades:

• California Super Lawyers Rising Star — 2016
  • SuperLawyers
• Top 40 Under 40 Criminal Defense — 2016
  • The American Society of Legal Advocates
• Clients’ Choice Award — 2015
  • Avvo
• Top Attorney Nominee — 2014
  • San Diego Daily Transcript
• Top Lawyers in California — 2013
  • American Lawyer Media
• Clients’ Choice Award — 2013
  • Avvo
• Top Young Attorneys Nominee — 2013
  • San Diego Daily Transcript
• Witkin Award for Academic Excellence-Veterans Legal Clinic — 2010
  • Witkin Legal Institute
• Witkin Award for Academic Excellence-Civil Motions Practice — 2010
  • Witkin Legal Institute
• Witkin Award for Academic Excellence-Appellate Advocacy — 2010
  • Witkin Legal Institute

Associations & Memberships:

• San Diego Criminal Defense Bar Association — Board of Directors
• California Public Defenders Association
• American Bar Association
• California Attorneys for Criminal Justice

Successful Case Results:

• Involuntary Vehicular Manslaughter
  • Achieved a DISMISSAL following the co-authoring of a motion for new trial
• Felony Grand Theft
  • Authored motion which resulted in DISMISSAL by the prosecution
• Felony Robbery (strike offense)
  • Client pled to petty theft (infraction) with a small fine
• Petty Theft Jury Trial
  • Second-chaired trial which resulted in a HUNG JURY
• Petty Theft and Burglary (several counts)
  • DISMISSAL of all burglary counts and one petty theft count
• Illegal Reentry of an Alien After Removal
  • Drafted motion to dismiss the charge which resulted in agreement with the Assistant United States Attorney to dismiss the count.
• Felony Possession of Controlled Substance for Sale
  • Client released from custody (credit for time served) and received probation after facing nine years in prison
• Felony Gun Possession
  • Authored motion challenging a search warrant which resulted in a DISMISSAL by the prosecution
• Successfully drafted several motions for the disclosure of complaints against law enforcement
• DUI Trial with a .12% BAC.
  • Second-chaired trial which resulted in a HUNG JURY.