Both partners of the San Diego criminal defense firm earn peer recognition for their work in criminal defense
San Diego, CA (PRUnderground) September 17th, 2026
David P. Shapiro Criminal Defense Attorneys is proud to have two lawyers awarded in the 2027 editions of The Best Lawyers in America® and the Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America.
Best Lawyers is among the longest-running peer-review publications in the legal profession. Recognition is determined entirely through its Purely Peer Review® methodology, and no fees are accepted for consideration or inclusion.
The Attorneys
David P. Shapiro, the firm's founder and managing partner, was included in the 2027 edition of The Best Lawyers in America® for Criminal Defense: General Practice and Criminal Defense: White-Collar. He has been recognized since 2025. Shapiro founded the firm in 2010 and has tried cases to not guilty verdicts in courthouses throughout San Diego County.
Stefano L. Molea, partner, was included in the 2027 edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America for Criminal Defense: General Practice. He has been recognized since 2024. Molea serves on the board of the San Diego Criminal Defense Bar Association and handles matters ranging from misdemeanors through serious felonies.
Both attorneys practice out of the firm's San Diego office and take cases throughout San Diego County.
How Best Lawyers Selects Honorees
Recognition begins with a nomination submitted by someone other than the attorney under consideration. Currently recognized lawyers practicing in the same region and practice areas then complete confidential evaluations. Lawyers cannot vote for themselves, and ballots are assembled around each voting lawyer's own region and practice areas, so evaluations come from attorneys who work in the same courts on the same kinds of matters.
Recognition is not a ranking of one attorney over another. It reflects the professional regard in which an attorney is held by colleagues in the same field.
A San Diego Firm Built Around Serious Criminal Defense
David P. Shapiro Criminal Defense Attorneys represents people across San Diego County who are under investigation or charged with crimes in state and federal court. The firm's work spans violent crimes, drug charges, DUI, theft and fraud matters, and white-collar cases.
The firm operates from the position that being accused of a crime does not make a person a criminal, and that the impact of a criminal case extends far beyond the courtroom. It reaches a client's family, career, reputation, and future. That understanding shapes how the firm approaches every matter it takes on.
Beyond casework, the firm and its attorneys contribute time and resources to charitable and civic efforts across San Diego and take part in mentorship within the local defense bar.
About David P. Shapiro Criminal Defense Attorneys
David P. Shapiro Criminal Defense Attorneys is a San Diego criminal defense firm representing individuals and families throughout San Diego County in state and federal criminal matters. The firm maintains offices in San Diego and El Cajon and focuses on serious felony and misdemeanor defense. Learn more at www.davidpshapirolaw.com.
About Best Lawyers®
Best Lawyers has used its Purely Peer Review® methodology for more than four decades, on the principle that recognition should be earned through the opinions of fellow attorneys rather than paid placement. More than 20 million confidential evaluations are collected worldwide each year, and roughly 5 percent of lawyers in the United States are recognized.
For the 2027 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®, more than 30 million evaluations were analyzed. Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America recognitions were determined based on more than 6 million evaluations. More information is available at www.bestlawyers.com.
Media Contact
David P. Shapiro Criminal Defense Attorneys
2550 Fifth Ave, Suite 1050 San Diego, CA 92103
