Candidate for
Judge of the Superior Court; County of Riverside; Office 21

Steve Counelis graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Government from the University of San Francisco. While in college, Steve served at the United States Supreme Court, in the Office of the Administrative Assistant to the Chief Justice.

Steve's experience with the Supreme Court solidified his commitment to become an attorney and contribute to our justice system. He went on to earn his Law Degree from the University of San Francisco School of Law.

Steve has served as a Deputy District Attorney since being admitted to the California State Bar. He has worked as a prosecutor in Alameda, Stanislaus, and Contra Costa counties. In 2002, Steve joined the Riverside County District Attorney's office.

As a prosecutor, Steve Counelis has litigated over 1000 cases and tried 84 jury trials to verdict. He has prosecuted a wide variety of cases including murder, assault, batteries, sexual offenses, identity theft, credit card frauds, check frauds, grand theft, burglaries, consumer frauds, and contractor fraud.

Steve has also specialized in prosecutions of identity theft and computer-related crimes, such as "network hacking," online auction fraud, "phishing," and cyber-stalking. Because of his success and knowledge in these types of prosecutions, the Riverside County District Attorney's Office utilized Steve's expertise and experience to create its Identity Theft Unit, and then assigned him to lead the office's Computer Crime Task Force.

A recognized expert in this area of the law, Steve has testified before the California Legislature on legislation that would strengthen these laws and eliminate legal loopholes. He has also trained prosecutors in Riverside County, throughout California, and across the nation in prosecuting identity theft and high tech crimes.

Steve Counelis believes it is important for a judge to fairly administer justice without any bias or favoritism. Those convicted of crimes must be sentenced according to the law. The rights of crime victims must be protected. The innocent must be set free. All rulings must be based on the rule of law - not on anyone's personal political agenda.

Steve is a third generation American. His grandparents emigrated from Greece through Ellis Island in pursuit of a better life and the American Dream. Steve's parents and grandparents instilled in him the importance of education, the value of hard work, and the importance of a strong family.

Steve and his wife, Stacia, are residents of western Riverside County where they are raising their two small children. The Counelis family is very active in their church.

Steve Counelis is seeking the judicial seat currently held by the Honorable Robert McIntyre, who has decided to retire. He is the only candidate for judge who lives in Riverside County.