Joanne M. Stella

Joanne M. Stella is a criminal defense attorney at Durham Criminal Law in Durham, New Hampshire. She represents clients in DWI, drug possession, fake ID, alcohol-related, assault, resisting arrest, reckless driving, and other criminal matters. Stella also advises University of New Hampshire students on disciplinary proceedings, international student concerns, and the academic or professional consequences that may follow an arrest.

Stella earned a J.D. from Boston University School of Law in 1993 after receiving a B.A. from Boston University in 1990. During law school, she worked as a research assistant on Title VII and Title IX sexual harassment issues. She also interned with an international dispute resolution firm in London and the Alaska Public Defender’s Office, experiences that helped shape her commitment to defending accused individuals.

Stella began her legal career representing indigent defendants as court-appointed counsel and as a New Hampshire public defender. Her caseload included felony sexual assault and drug cases, misdemeanor charges, and juvenile delinquency matters. She later served for 18 years as the contract attorney providing legal services to full-time UNH students, representing more than 9,000 students. Her experience also includes landlord-tenant disputes, motor vehicle hearings, civil litigation, and successful arguments before the New Hampshire Supreme Court.

Joanne M. Stella brings extensive courtroom experience and practical knowledge of the criminal justice and university disciplinary systems. She has tried hundreds of criminal and civil cases and has represented clients throughout New Hampshire. Stella also has a long record of pro bono service, including volunteer work through the DOVE program for domestic violence survivors. She received the Rockingham County Pro Bono Award in 2010 and regularly speaks about young adults, substance use, and the criminal justice system.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, Durham Criminal Law
• Member, New Hampshire Bar Association

Licensed State

• New Hampshire

Education

• Boston University School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Boston University
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)