Molinari, John E.

After working for the District Attorney's Office, I opened my solo practice in 2004.I focus on defending and filing restraining orders, criminal matters and family law cases. I have over 15 years of experience working with family law and criminal law matters in California, first as a legal assistant and law clerk, and then as a Deputy District Attorney. I have worked for law firms handling family and criminal law. During this time, I gained extensive experience in trial litigation and discovery matters. I am a former prosecutor and during my tenure at the Riverside County District Attorney's Office, I handled over 100 preliminary hearings and conducted jury trials concerning both misdemeanor and felony charges, including cases involving domestic violence, elder abuse, driving under the influence, indecent exposure/lewd conduct, sexual battery, simple battery, assault with deadly weapon, child endangerment and vandalism. I also conducted several motions regarding suppression of evidence and trial issues. While in my position at the District Attorney's Office, I was promoted to felony Deputy District Attorney III and worked in the Domestic Violence Vertical Unit where I handled cases from inception by virtue of filing complaints, conducting preliminary hearings, trial motions and jury trials. After working for Riverside County as a Deputy District Attorney, I opened and currently manage my own law practice limited to the areas of family law and criminal defense. I handle many family law, criminal and quasi-criminal court proceedings such as hearings regarding restraining orders, child support arrearages matters, orders to show cause matters, bench and jury trials. I completed my undergraduate studies at California State University, Long Beach and received my Juris Doctor at Western State University, College of Law in December of 2001, and became licensed by the State Bar of California in May of 2002.

Restraining Orders (filing and defending)

• Domestic Violence (child custody, residence exclusion, etc.)
• Civil Harassment
• Elder or Dependent Adult Abuse
• Workplace Violence

Family Law

• Divorce
• Child Custody
• Paternity
• Child Support
• Alimony (Spousal Support)
• Domestic Violence Restraining Order (Defense/Prosecution)
• Contempt Orders to Show Cause (Defense/Prosecution) 
• Post-Judgment Custody Issues
• Dependency/Juvenile Matters

Criminal Defense

• Domestic Violence
• Child Abuse
• DUI (Drunk Driving)
• Driving on a Suspended License
• Shoplifting or Petty Theft
• Disturbing the Peace
• Assault and Battery
• Possession, Manufacturing or Sale of Drugs
• Gang Crimes
• Weapons Charges
• Fraud or Embezzlement
• Withdrawal of Guilty Plea ("Expungement ")
• Juvenile Matters

Classes/Presentations

Domestic Violence: Pitfalls for Criminal Defendants in Family Court (Sept. 2010)

Lecture, Trial Advocacy course concerning "Demonstrative Evidence in Trial," Western State University, College of Law (November 2005, February 2006)

Distinguished Alumni Panel / Key Note Speaker for new and incoming student body, Western State University (February 2004)

Ethics Training for Domestic Violence Unit, Riverside District Attorney's Office (February 2004)

Guest Speaker, C.A.R.E. (Curtailing Abuse Related to the Elderly) Program, Moreno Valley and Hemet Division Meetings (January 2004)

Domestic Violence Warrant Sweep / Police Department Ride Alongs (2001)