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STEFAN P. CAMPAGNA

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STEFAN P. CAMPAGNA

STEFAN P. CAMPAGNA

Stefan Campagna is a Sarasota-based criminal defense attorney and nationally recognized legal strategist with over a decade of experience advising government agencies, nonprofits, and corporate clients on criminal justice policy, juvenile diversion, and legal risk management. A licensed attorney and experienced policy consultant, Stefan brings a unique, deeply personal perspective to his work—shaped by his own transformation from juvenile defendant to courtroom advocate and national policy advisor.

In the courtroom, Stefan has secured successful outcomes for clients facing charges ranging from DUI and probation violations to firearm offenses and aggravated battery. His strategic, client-centered advocacy has led to numerous dismissals and reductions in charges. He takes pride in defending the accused, supporting youth diversion initiatives, and advancing a message rooted in resilience and redemption. To him, every case is more than a legal matter—it’s about protecting people’s lives, futures, and dignity.

Beyond the courtroom, Stefan has worked with federal agencies such as the U.S. Department of Education, SAMHSA, and various state justice departments to design and evaluate youth diversion programs, evidence-based legal interventions, and community-based justice alternatives. He has provided technical guidance on policy implementation, grant compliance, and scalable reform models for jurisdictions nationwide. His consulting practice also includes advising corporate legal departments and government entities on legal risk mitigation and program integration strategies. His clients have included law firms, school districts, police departments, and public health agencies seeking to implement restorative practices and reduce systemic burdens within the justice system.

A frequent national speaker on youth justice and legal reform, Stefan is known for blending data-driven insights with hard-won experience. As a cancer survivor and someone who once faced 27 felony charges as a teenager, his lived experience adds power and authenticity to his advocacy. Today, Stefan continues to fight for second chances—whether in courtrooms, communities, or policy forums—consistently forging paths toward accountability, rehabilitation, and real change.

Other Legal Experience

  • Keynote speaker at both the OSDFS 2011 Annual Conference in Washington, D.C. and the 2011 American Bar Association Mid-Year Conference in Atlanta on a panel titled “A Proven Response for Teens in Trouble: Creating and Sustaining Quality Youth Courts”
  • Served as a federal consultant, providing services for agencies in the fields of juvenile diversion, substance abuse and mental health services, program formation, and program development.
  • Drafted, and lobbied in support of, the statute to enact and regulate youth courts throughout the state of New York.
  • Served as Program Administrator for the National Association of Youth Courts, cultivating both policy and relationships on a federal, state, and local level.

Memberships

  • Florida Bar
  • National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • Sarasota County Bar Association
  • Teen Court of Sarasota, Inc., Board of Directors
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Recent Successful Cases

V.B. was charged with Felony Possession of False Identification (False ID) in Hillsborough County. Stefan was able to get the case dismissed just days after its filing.
State v. V.B
K.M. was charged with Unauthorized Possession of a Driver’s License in Sarasota County. Stefan was able to navigate this case and get the charge against his client dismissed.
State v. K.M
M.D. was charged with Possession of a Firearm in Violation of an Injunction and faced over 1 year in jail in Sarasota County. Taking a creative approach, Stefan went to Manatee County and was able to dissolve the Injunction which M.D. had violated, thus resulting in no adjudication on the criminal charge, and zero jail time.
State v. M.D
defended against and had dismissed a Driving with a Suspended License Manslaughter charge in Sarasota County.
State v. A.A
defended against and had dismissed two Possession of Controlled Substances charges, as well as two misdemeanor possession charges in Charlotte County.
State v. J.D
fought against a bond forfeiture and won the return of over $35,000.00 in bond money in Manatee County.
State v. B.T
defended against and had dismissed a DUI and Violation of Business Purposes Only license charge in Sarasota County.
State v. K.R
defended against and dismissed an Aggravated Battery charge in Sarasota County.
State v. J.G
Aggravated Battery, punishable by 15 years in prison; reduced to battery and put on 12 months of probation
State v. J.P
Leaving the Scene of an Accident with Death or Severe Bodily Injury, punishable by up to 15 years in prison; got the charges dropped
State v. R.L
Felony Possession of Controlled Substances, was retained on the case a week before trial, and got all charges dropped.
State v. D.W
client was charged with solicitation of prostitution, and faced a year in jail and a $5,000 civil fine. Stefan was able to address this case aggressively, resulting in a dismissal of the charges.
State v. F.C
client was charged with leaving the scene of an accident, and faced potential jail time, probation, and fines. Stefan took this case and got the charges dismissed.
State v. K.V
client was charged with 2 Felony Driving Without a License offenses in the same month, one of which categorized her as a Habitual Traffic Offender and exposed her to a possible 5 year prison term. Stefan was able to not only get these charges ultimately dismissed, but also removed 3 prior Driving With a Suspended License charges from her record.
State v. A.C
client was charged with Felony Insurance Fraud, and faced up to 5 years in prison. Stefan fought for Ms. Williams, and the charges were ultimately dismissed.
State v. N.W
client was charged with several offenses, including Felony Possession of a Controlled Substance, and faced significant prison time. Stefan addressed the underlying issues of the matter, and negotiated an outcome that resulted in a dismissal of charges and treatment for the client.
State v. N.C
client was charged with Felony Theft and faced up to 5 years in prison. After a year of litigation, Stefan was able to get the charge dismissed.
State v. V.S
client was charged with 5 counts of indecent exposure, in both Sarasota and Manatee counties. Stefan negotiated a result in which all 5 charges were dropped.
State v. J.M
client was charged with 2 counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance and 1 count of Possession of Marijuana over 20g. Stefan negotiated an outcome which resulted in no convictions.
State v. V.L
client was charged with multiple DUI counts in Sarasota County. Stefan was able to get all charges dismissed the week of trial.
State v. R.N
client was charged with improper exhibition of a firearm in Sarasota County. Stefan was able to negotiate a resolution in which the charge was dismissed administratively.
State v. T.J

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