Stephen L. Richards
Top rated Criminal Defense attorney in Chicago, Illinois
Law Office of Stephen L. RichardsPractice Areas: Criminal Defense, White Collar Crimes, Appellate; view more
Licensed in Illinois since: 1985
Education: Brooklyn Law School
Call today:
773-467-7079
Law Office of Stephen L. Richards
53 W Jackson BlvdSuite 756
Chicago, IL 60604 Visit website
Details
Stephen L. Richards leads the Law Office of Stephen L. Richards in Chicago, Illinois, where he focuses on a broad range of criminal defense areas, including:
- Burglary appeals
- Post-conviction relief
- Drug charges
- Federal crimes
- Expungements
- Murder defense
- Wrongful convictions
- Civil rights cases
- White collar crimes
- Fraud
His practice extends throughout Chicago and the broader Illinois area.
With over 40 years of experience, Mr. Richards has a notable background in criminal defense and civil rights litigation, having participated in over 125 felony jury trials, numerous bench trials and countless negotiations that have favorably resolved for his clients. He is particularly recognized for his involvement in high-profile capital murder cases, appeals and legal reform efforts.
Mr. Richards is an honors graduate from the University of Chicago and Brooklyn Law School. His early career included nearly two decades of public service, starting as an assistant public defender in Cook County, followed by a role as a deputy defender in the Office of the Appellate Defender. His contributions to public defense were acknowledged in 2003 when he received the prestigious Kutak-Dodds Award from the National Legal Aid & Defender Association.
In addition to his practice, Mr. Richards has been actively involved in legal education, having presented seminars on jury selection for the Illinois Public Defender Association and the Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education in 2007. His previous positions include serving as president and board member of the Illinois Public Defender Association.
Mr. Richards' legal writings have been published in respected journals, and he holds a certification as lead counsel in capital litigation from the Illinois Supreme Court. He is admitted to practice in Illinois and the U.S. District Court Northern District of Illinois. His commitment to legal excellence is also reflected in his "Superb" Avvo rating.
Practice areas
Criminal Defense, Criminal Defense: White Collar, Appellate, Civil Rights, Professional Liability: Plaintiff, Schools & EducationFocus areas
Americans with Disabilities Act, Appeals, Arrest & Arraignment, Assault & Battery, Criminal Domestic Violence, Criminal Fraud, Criminal Law, Criminal Law - Federal, Debt, Disability, Discrimination, Drug & Alcohol Violations, Education, Ethics & Professional Responsibility, Expungement, Failure to Pay Child Support, False Accusations, Felony, Juvenile Delinquency, Legal Malpractice, Misdemeanor, Motor Vehicle Offenses, Murder, Native Peoples Law, Overdrawn Bank Account, Parole, Police Misconduct, Probation, Professional Malpractice - Other, Prosecution, Race Discrimination, Schools, Sex Offenses, Tax Evasion, Theft, Traffic Violations, White Collar Crime
- 40% Criminal Defense
- 20% Criminal Defense: White Collar
- 10% Appellate
- 10% Civil Rights
- 10% Professional Liability: Plaintiff
- 10% Schools & Education
First Admitted: 1985, Illinois
Professional Webpage: https://www.richardscriminallaw.com/attorney/stephen-l-richa...
- President, Illinois Public Defender Association, 2006 - 2008
- U.S. District Court Northern District of Illinois, 2008
- Illinois, 1985
- Board Member, Illinois Public Defender Association, 2000 - Present
- People v. Arthur King, 154 Ill.2d 217, 608 N.E.2d 877 (Ill. S. Ct.), 1993
- People v. Terry Griggs, 152 Ill.2d 1, 604 N.E.2d 257 (Ill. S. Ct.), 1992
- Lead Counsel, Capital Litigation Trial Bar, Illinois Supreme Court, 2001
- Order of Barristers, Moot Court, Brooklyn Law School, Brooklyn, New York
- Selected to Super Lawyers 2012 - 2019
- "Superb" Avvo Rating
- Kutak-Dodds Award, Defender Prize, National Legal Aid and Defender Association, 2003
- University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, B.A. (Honors: With Honors, Major: History)
- Reasonable Doubt Redux, 34 John Marshall L. Rev. 495, 2001
- The Admissibility of Expert Testimony, American Bar Association, 2003
- New Ideas for Jury Selection, Illinois Public Defender Association, 2007
- Capital Jury Selection, Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal, 2007
Office location for Stephen L. Richards
53 W Jackson Blvd
Suite 756
Chicago, IL 60604
Phone: 773-467-7079
Selections
- Super Lawyers: 2012 - 2025