November 2024 eNewsletter Issue no. 99

November Awards Season

Left: San Diego 500 as seen in the SD Business Journal; Right: Stefano Molea, Delroy McDonald,

David Shapiro, Xavier Mendoza, and T.J. Harris.

November was a special month at the Firm for several reasons. Two highlights were the unveiling of the San Diego Business Journal’s SD500 list and Youth Empowerment’s H.E.A.L. 2024 Gala.

Being named to the SD 500 list as one of San Diego’s 500 Most Influential People for the second time in the past three years is an honor David is incredibly proud of. The SD500 list has some remarkable individuals on it whose achievements in life, business, and within the San Diego community are truly inspiring. Our Firm’s efforts to be seen as more than criminal defense attorneys has been intentional. Far beyond the great work we do for our clients, our real goal is to create an everlasting impact on the San Diego community beyond criminal defense. However, we can all “do more and be more.” As David says, “God willing, this is just the beginning.”

Friends of the Firm got together with Partners David Shapiro and Stefano Molea the evening of November 15, 2024, at the annual H.E.A.L. Gala, put on by Youth Empowerment. HEAL is an acronym for Honoring, Empowerment, Advocacy, and Leadership. This year, David was presented with the Award for Excellence in Advocacy, recognizing his volunteer work with Youth Empowerment which has ranged from giving the “Protect Your Freedom. Protect Your Future. Know Your Rights.” presentation at the Copley YMCA to high school students, participating in panel discussions relating to situational awareness in the City Heights community, and having a seat at the table with the Youth Empowerment team earlier this fall bringing peace to Hoover High School.

The More You Know Re: Hate Crimes

One question we get asked a lot is about how being charged with a hate crime in California can adversely affect one’s sentence if convicted. First, it is important to understand what “a hate crime” is in California. The San Diego District Attorney’s Office defines a hate crime as any offense committed against someone or their property because of their race, ethnicity, religion, nationality, disability, gender or sexual orientation. The language of the law is very broad; thus, anyone can be a victim, even if bias was not the only reason someone is attacked, as long is it was a substantial factor in the offense. Being charged with a hate crime can sometimes bump misdemeanor offenses to felonies and turn parole eligible offenses into Life Without the Possibility of Parole (LWOP) sentences. Attorney Elmira Yousufi explains more in this recent YouTube video.

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David P Shapiro Criminal Defense Attorneys

Phone: 619-295-3555

davidpshapirolaw.com/

This newsletter is for meant for informational and marketing purposes only, and should not be relied on as legal advice. Viewing and/or use of the newsletter, including sending email or submission of forms, does not create or constitute an attorney-client relationship. Any endorsement, testimonial or other statement contained in or referred to in this newsletter is not a guarantee, a warranty or a prediction of a particular result in your case. Our attorneys are active members of the State Bar of California and are admitted to practice law in any and all California state courts and in the Southern District of California federal courts.