Richard V Stevens III

PRO

Richard V Stevens III

5.0
Rating: 9.7

Licensed for 31 years

Military law Lawyer at Washington, DC
Practice Areas: Military Law

Worldwide Military Representation, Washington, DC

About Richard

Biography

If you are in trouble in the military, you need help, guidance, and an experienced attorney practicing as a military defense lawyer to advocate for you!

Practice Areas

1

Practice Area

Military Law 100%

Former active duty JAG and military defense lawyer. Civilian court-martial defense lawyer and criminal defense attorney who exclusively handles military cases and clients stationed around the world. Defend and represent military clients against court-martial allegations, administrative discharge/separation, military discipline, adverse administrative actions, investigations. Free initial consultations and aggressive defense representation based on years of military law and trial experience.

30 years | 500 cases

100%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2025 2024 2016
...
+ 3

Licenses

Licensed in District of Columbia for 22 years

State: District of Columbia

Acquired: 2003

Good Standing

No misconduct found

Licensed in North Carolina for 31 years

State: North Carolina

Acquired: 1995

Inactive

No misconduct found

Location

Law Offices of Richard V. Stevens, PC

Worldwide Military Representation, Washington, DC, 20005

militaryadvocate.com

Online Presence

Other places you can find Richard online.

Richard V Stevens III's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

59 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (59) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 59 reviews

Posted by anonymous | August 28, 2026 | Hired Attorney

Mr. Stevens is an exceptionally experienced, powerful and effective defense attorney.

I am a military officer and medical provider who faced an adverse credentialing action. I hired attorney Richard V. Stevens to represent me in this military medical case. Mr. Stevens handled all of the major aspects of the case. He helped me through the initial summary suspension, QAI (Quality Ass...urance Investigation), the Credentials Committee/Function decision, and he represented me in the litigated Peer Review Hearing. During this process, Mr. Stevens explained all of my rights, options, and the implications of each. This included explaining reporting requirements to my state of licensure and the National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB). His advice was always careful and thorough, respectful of my desires, and often cited me to the applicable regulations. He was always timely with due dates and appointments. I sincerely feel that he took the time to understand my specific circumstances and answered my detailed questions with both clarity and honesty. Additionally, his wealth of experience in military law specifically (over 30+ years) provided invaluable guidance, which bolstered my confidence that our decisions would provide the best and appropriate defense. I appreciated his advocacy as we interfaced with various entities throughout my case. Mr. Stevens submitted multiple written rebuttals on my behalf during this process. His written submissions on my behalf were consistently clear, persuasive and thoroughly grounded in military and medical regulations. I appreciated the opportunity to be included in the drafting and revision process, which ensured the final documents were both accurate and complete. During the Peer Review Hearing, Mr. Stevens handled all aspects of the litigation. This included obtaining and admitting exhibits, delivering the opening statement, preparing and questioning the witnesses, assisting me with my written and verbal statements, and delivering the closing argument. His vast experience as a military law defense attorney, including in medical care, was invaluable. Many of the government representatives lacked experience with several of the processes, at which juncture Mr. Stevens was able to cite regulations to inform their decisions. His assistance and representation during the hearing was on point, well-prepared, and provided much needed reassurance to an otherwise fearsome experience. His arguments on my behalf were soundly logical, based on evidence and precedence and consistent with our position throughout since our initial written rebuttals. His closing statement was thorough, persuasive, and seamlessly integrated prepared arguments with additional admissions from the government position. It was clear that Mr. Stevens knew the applicable regulations and applied them in presenting my case. If you are facing adverse medical credentialing action in the military, I would strongly recommend hiring Mr. Stevens. He is an exceptionally experienced, powerful and effective defense attorney.

Posted by Harvey | August 19, 2026 | Hired Attorney

Military Law Subject Matter Expert

Richard is literally the best at what he does! As a military law subject-matter expert, he won my case and has continued to help me rebuild my career after the complete mess my leadership’s legal team made of it.

Posted by anonymous | May 18, 2026 | Hired Attorney

An efficient, dependable, and attentive advocate

I am a military officer who faced the MEB/PEB (IDES) process based on medical issues I experienced. I hired Attorney Richard V. Stevens to assist and represent me after receiving the MEB results. Mr. Stevens assisted me with preparing and submitting an appeal of the MEB results, and a subsequent appe...al of the IPEB results. Attorney Stevens explained the MEB/PEB process, and my rights within the process. He discussed my case with me, the concerns and issues I had in the IDES process, and he worked with me on different drafts of my submissions until we were satisfied with the final packages. This included organizing and submitting evidence in support of my appeals. Ultimately, the outcome of my case was more favorable than the military originally recommended. Mr. Stevens' assistance in the process was timely, attentive, and always put my wishes first. It was such a relief to have a true advocate fighting for me. If you're fighting an unfavorable process in the military I would highly recommend hiring Attorney Stevens to represent you. His knowledge of the system was incredibly insightful to me and his advice was was correct at every turn. His work product was fantastic, he took what I was trying to say and expressed it cleanly. For me, the most important thing is that he was a committed advocate. Too many times, the appointed counsel from the military is overworked and understaffed, they can't dedicate any real time or consideration to your case. Mr. Stevens made me realize what it was finally like to have someone in my corner fighting for my interests instead of the military's interests.

Posted by anonymous | February 14, 2026 | Hired Attorney

Outstanding Military Defense Counsel – Highly Recommended

I am a military officer who faced an involuntary administrative discharge board in which the military was attempting to end my career based on alleged misconduct. Mr. Stevens represented me in this case. Mr. Stevens assisted with all aspects of defending this case. He reviewed the evidence, he int...erviewed witnesses, he gathered evidence and statements, and he assisted me in preparing my rebuttal, and he prepared and submitted a rebuttal of his own. In Mr. Stevens' rebuttal, he attacked the claims of misconduct, arguing forcefully that I did not commit the alleged offense. He attacked the procedural errors and the government's incorrect legal interpretation of the situation. Ultimately, the board hearing recommended that I be retained, and the command concurred. Throughout the process, Mr. Stevens was highly responsive, professional, and reassuring during an extremely stressful period. He explained each step clearly, answered questions promptly, and provided candid, sound advice that allowed me to make informed decisions. His preparation and advocacy gave me confidence that my case was being handled with the highest level of care and competence. I would absolutely recommend Mr. Stevens to any service member facing adverse administrative or disciplinary action. His expertise, dedication, and professionalism made a decisive difference in my case.

Posted by anonymous | December 16, 2025 | Hired Attorney

Legal Representation Review

I am a senior military noncommissioned officer who was falsely accused of sexual assault by another service member. As a result, I faced a general court-martial. Had I been convicted, I would have faced years of confinement and mandatory registration as a sex offender. Mr. Stevens represented me thro...ughout this process. Mr. Stevens handled every major aspect of my case. He drafted and argued multiple complex motions grounded in current and evolving military law. He prepared evidence and personally questioned all witnesses during the motion hearings, including my accuser. As a direct result of his preparation and advocacy during those hearings, significant and critical evidence was uncovered that became essential to the defense at trial. During the court-martial, Mr. Stevens delivered the opening statement, conducted direct examination of defense witnesses, and cross-examined the accuser, government witnesses, and the government’s expert. His questioning was precise, disciplined, and strategic. In particular, his cross-examination of the government’s expert demonstrated a deep understanding of both the subject matter and the weaknesses in the government’s theory of the case. Mr. Stevens’ cross-examination of the accuser was especially effective. He methodically exposed inconsistencies, credibility issues, and motives to fabricate, doing so in a professional manner that maintained credibility with the panel while clearly undermining the government’s case. His closing argument was thorough, well-organized, and compelling. He tied together the evidence, testimony, and credibility issues in a way that clearly demonstrated reasonable doubt and highlighted the government’s failure to meet its burden of proof. Ultimately, I was found not guilty of the alleged sexual assault. Mr. Stevens’ advice, preparation, courtroom advocacy, and strategic decision-making were critical to this outcome. Throughout the case, he was consistently available to answer questions, provided clear and honest advice, and ensured I understood the process and potential outcomes at every stage. His preparation was meticulous, his strategy was sound, and his courtroom presence was confident and effective. I would, without hesitation, recommend Mr. Stevens to anyone facing allegations or adverse actions within the military justice system, particularly cases involving sexual assault allegations. The stakes in these cases are extraordinarily high, and Mr. Stevens demonstrated the experience, judgment, and dedication necessary to defend them effectively.

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Richard V Stevens III's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Richard
Michael John Coco headshot
Michael Coco

Military law lawyer | Jul 15

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer without reservation. He is absolutely at the top-tier of his profession. I have known Mr. Stevens for over 15 years, and he has clearly established himself as head and shoulders above his peers. His knowledge, skill, and care for his clients shine through in everything he does. If I were a military member in trouble, he would receive my first phone call."

Melvin Arthur Vaughn II headshot
Melvin Vaughn

Military law lawyer | Nov 28

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"During the summer of 2013, I worked opposite of Mr. Stevens on a hotly contested Sexual Assault Court-Martial. Throughout the entire process, Mr. Stevens was extremely professional and diligently represented his client in a case that involved 5+ expert witnesses and multiple pieces of physical and forensic evidence. At the conclusion of the trial, he secured a full acquittal for his client. I endorse this lawyer."

Leah B. Trowbridge headshot
Leah Trowbridge

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 01

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Rich Stevens for over twenty years and have collaborated with him on several matters during that time. He deeply cares about zealously representing his clients, the law and the process. If it was my family member seeking criminal advice or representation, I would not hesitate to trust Mr. Stevens with their care."

David Francis Brash III headshot
David Brash

Military law lawyer | May 12

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Mr. Stevens for nearly twenty years. He practiced before me when I was a military judge and I practiced with him upon my retirement. In over thirty years of military justice practice, I have never encountered an advocate with his skill, drive, and concern for those he represents."

Jonathan Del Wasden headshot
Jonathan Del Wasden

Military law lawyer | Apr 16

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Richard Stevens for many years, and have always been impressed with the energy and diligence that he brings to every case. He possesses that rare mix in an attorney: he is incredibly talented and he cares deeply about his clients. If I were in a jam, he would be my first call."

Jay Beebe Simonson headshot
Jay Simonson

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 11

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Rich Stevens is one of the most talented attorneys I have known in my twenty-three years of practice. He is an outstanding trial attorney with a superior intellect as well as work ethic. I have worked with and against a large number of criminal defense attorneys and Rich Stevens is who I would recommend to anyone seeking criminal advice or representation."

Christopher D Cazares headshot
Christopher Cazares

Military law lawyer | Jan 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Stevens is a relentless advocate for his client. Mr. Stevens’ obligation to his client in the role of advocate is a model for any attorney who strives to provide zealous advocacy. I not only admire the tremendous amount of courtroom victories he has accumulated but the tireless passion that accompanies his representation."

Andre L. Pennington headshot
Andre Pennington

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 19

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I worked with Rich while I was a military defense counsel, before leaving the military and becoming a civilian defense attorney. He is absolutely phenomenal. From his research and preparation to his knowledge of defense and the military to his actual presence in the courtroom; he is outstanding. He is an easy pick for any military case. His reputation is warranted in every capacity. If I needed a military attorney, Rich is the one I would call."

View All Endorsements
Michael John Coco headshot
Michael Coco

Military law lawyer

Anthony A Swan headshot
Anthony Swan

Unknown lawyer

David Troy Cox headshot
David Cox

Immigration lawyer

Jonathan Del Wasden headshot
Jonathan Del Wasden

Military law lawyer

Christopher D Cazares headshot
Christopher Cazares

Military law lawyer

Gary Michael Miller headshot
Gary Miller

Business lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.7 (Superb)

Honors

2016

Client's Choice, Avvo

2015

Client's Choice, Avvo

2014

Client's Choice, Avvo

2013

Client's Choice, Avvo

2001

Defense Meritorous Service Medal, United States Air Force

2000

Company Grade Kuhfeld Award Nominee, AFLSA, Attorney of the Year, United States Air Force

1999

Air Force Commendation Medal, 1st OLC, United States Air Force

1997

Air Force Commendation Medal, United States Air Force

1996

Company Grade Officer of the Quarter, United States Air Force, Base Level

1995

Judge Heriot Clarkson Prize, Ethics of the Legal Profession, University of North Carolina School of Law

1995

National Defense Service Medal, United States Air Force

1994

American Jurisprudence Award, Conflict of Law, University of North Carolina School of Law

1994

American Jurisprudence Award, Ethics in Criminal Practice, University of North Carolina School of Law

1992

Phi Beta Kappa, National Academic Honor Society, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

1992

Pi Sigma Apha, National Political Science Honor Society, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Work Experience

2003 - Present

Founder and Trial Defense Attorney, Military Defense Law Offices of Richard V. Stevens, P.C.

2001 - 2003

Litigation Attorney, Yates, McLamb & Weyher, LLP

1995 - 2001

Prosecutor, Base Defense Attorney, Regional Defense Attorney, USAF JAG Corps

Associations

2003 - Present

District of Columbia Bar

2001 - Present

North Carolina Association of Defense Attorneys

2001 - Present

Defense Research Institute

2001 - Present

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit

2001 - Present

North Carolina Federal District District Court, Eastern District

2001 - Present

North Carolina Federal District Court, Western Circuit

2001 - Present

Wake County Bar Association

1997 - Present

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

1995 - Present

United States Supreme Court Bar

1995 - Present

North Carolina State Bar

1995 - Present

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces

1995 - Present

Air Force Court of Criminal Appeals

1995 - Present

North Carolina Bar Association

Sample of Legal Cases

The Following Representative Cases...

Various

U.S. v. XXXXXXX - Rape, (Sexual) Assault, Conduct Unbecoming an Officer and Gentleman

Acquitted of rape and claims of non-consensual touching.

U.S. v. XXXXXXX - Sexual Assault

Full Acquittal - Not Guilty of All Charges.

U.S. v. XXXXXXX - Rape, Sodomy, Sexual Assault

Full Acquittal - Not Guilty of All Charges.

U.S. v. XXXXXXX - Rape, Sexual Assault

Full Acquittal - Not Guilty of All Charges

U.S. v. Cadet XXXXXXX - Rape, Sexual Assault

Case dropped after litigated pretrial hearing.

U.S. v. XXXXXXX - Larceny, Fraud, Wire Fraud

Court-martial case dropped in favor of administrative action.

U.S. v. XXXXXXX - Rape, Sexual Assault

Case dropped after litigated pretrial hearing.

U.S. v. XXXXXXX - Drug Use, Possession, Weapons Charges

Full Acquittal - Not Guilty of All Charges.

U.S. v. XXXXXXX - Travel Voucher Fraud, Larceny

Case dropped.

U.S. v. XXXXXXX - Breach of Nuclear Security, Larceny

Court-martial case dropped in favor of administrative action.

U.S. v. XXXXXXX - Premeditated Murder, Attempted Murder, Solicitation of Murder

Full Acquittal - Not Guilty of All Charges.

U.S. v. XXXXXXX - Solicitation of Murder and Conspiracy

Case dropped.

U.S. v. XXXXXXX - Rape, Sexual Assault

Client acquitted and ancillary charge, and case, dropped.

U.S. v. XXXXXXX - Attempted Predmeditated Murder, Rape

Case dropped.

See More Legal Cases

Education

1995

University of North Carolina School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1992

University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2015

Air Mobility Command SJA Conference

Competing Ideas in Military Justice

2012

USAF Senior Defense Counsel Leadership Course

Defending High Profile Cases in Media and Working with Civilian Defense Counsel

2010

NCADRC, Allegations of Child Abuse, International Conference

Defense Case Preparation in Alleged Child Abuse Cases, for Military Attendees

2009

USAF Senior Defense Counsel Leadership Course

Defending High Profile Cases, Defense Case Preparation and Challending Police Interrogations and Confessions

2006

USAF Senior Defense Counsel Leadership Course

Defending High Profile Cases, Defense Case Preparation, Challenging Police Interrogations and Confessions

2004

USAF European Defense Counsel Conference

Defending High Profile Cases in Media, Challenging Police Interrogations and Confessions, and Working with Civilian Defense Counsel

2004

USAF Central Judicial Circuit, Defense Counsel Conference

Defending High Profile Cases and Challenging Police Interrogations and Confessions

2002

USAF Pacific Circuit Defense Counsel Conference

Defending High Profile Cases, Challenging Police Interrogations and Confessions, Working with Civilian Defense Counsel

2001

USAF Central Judicial Circuit Defense Counsel Conference

Defense Case Preparation and Challenging Police Interrogations and Confessions

Publications

2013

McClatchy National News Judge's Remarks Tainting Courts-Martial

2013

Business Insider Military Rape Culture

2012

2012

Colorado Springs Gazette Academy Rape Case Dropped

2011

2010

2009

Stars and Stripes Military Murder Trial

2009

Middle East Times Defending Military War Crimes

2008

San Antonio Express News Murder Case, Iraq War

2004

Languages

English

Activity

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