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Richard C. Southard
About Richard
Biography
The Law Office of Richard Southard specializes in providing clients from all walks of life, top-notch legal representation in civil and criminal litigation throughout New York State. Richard Southard has an unsurpassable track record of winning verdicts, which often allows him to negotiate favorable dispositions without the risk of trial. Should a trial be necessary, Mr. Southard prides himself on having a winning strategy in place and the expertise and experience to implement it in front of a jury. The Law Office of Richard Southard commits itself to delivering to each of its clients, the highest quality of trial skills, legal expertise and professional judgment, no matter the size of the case. The Law Office of Richard Southard has been given an A+ rating by the Better Business Bureau (it's highest rating) so you know he is an attorney that you can trust. Moreover, Richard Southard was recently named one of the ten best DUI/DWI lawyers in all of New York Stare by the American Institute of DUI/DWI lawyers, an impartial third-party rating organization. Most recently, Richard Southard was selected as one of the Top 100 Criminal Trial Lawyers in New York by the National Trial Lawyers based on the following criteria:
- Reputation among peers, the judiciary and the public
- Achievements, settlements and verdicts as a trial lawyer
- Board certification as a trial lawyer
- Nominations from leading trial lawyers, current members and Executive Committee members
- Leadership and membership in other national and state trial lawyer organizations
- Rankings and ratings by leading national evaluation organizations
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in New York for 29 years
State: New York
Acquired: 1997
No misconduct found
Location
Richard Southard Law Office
291Broadway, Suite 800, New York, NY, 10007
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Richard C. Southard's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
43 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (43)
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Showing 11 - 15 of 18 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge
Posted by Pavel. S. | August 31, 2014 | DUI & DWI
A real professional.
This guy definitely knows what he's doing. I've got myself into a lot of trouble when I was young and didn't realize all the dangers of drinking and driving when I was so drunk that I drove on the wrong side of the road, only stopping when I met the police car bumper to bumper coming straight at me....
Posted by Lynn | August 24, 2014 | Criminal Defense
HIGHLY RECOMMEND
If you're looking for a criminal defense attorney, you found the best person. Mr. Southard helped us with a complicated and serious criminal matter. He is conscientious, EXTREMELY knowledgeable and well-versed in all of the NY courts, he LISTENS, he is responsive, and his advice is unparalleled. M...
Posted by anonymous | July 03, 2014 | Criminal Defense
Miracle Worker
All can say is miracle worker.. Five felonies that could have ruined my life.. I was hoping just to get them down to misdemenors but no.. Richard went above and beyond to get them drop down to violations. NO CRIMINAL RECORD... SEALED CASE.. DESTROYED PHOTOS AND FINGER PRINTS.. Honestly this was mor...
Posted by anonymous | December 05, 2013 | DUI & DWI
Absolutely Fantastic
I was recommended by a family member to this lawyer for a previous dwi case. Not only was he able to keep my cousins record clean, he saved mine as well. This guy is the real deal, and if you have anything dwi related, you should definitely seek him out.
Posted by Carolyn | August 21, 2013 | Criminal Defense
A lawyer at its finest!!
Mr. Southard handled my Unlawful Possession of Marijuana case a few months ago. After the charge, I immediately called a couple of attorneys who all guaranteed the judge would absolutely grant me an ACD being this was my first offense. I felt like they were telling me exactly what I wanted to hea...
Richard C. Southard's Lawyer Endorsements
"Richard Southard is a brilliant criminal attorney whose legal practice and work ethics are of the highest caliber. He has an uncompromising commitment to excellence, together with a caring nature. Richard consistently provides high quality, effective service to every one of clients. I highly endorse this lawyer."
"Richard Southard is an attorney who delivers. I have had the privilege of working with him on a sensitive and delicate criminal defense matter. His experience as a former high ranking prosecutor allows him keen insight into how the prosecutor will handle your case. He is refreshingly straight forward, telling clients and other lawyers like myself the good news and the bad news about their case. I was impressed with his dedication to his client and his ability to come up with creative and cost-efficient legal solutions. His unique legal insight was an invaluable asset and was instrumental in resolving the matter. I recommend him highly. He is a skillful advocate for his clients and perhaps, more importantly, he understands how to treat his clients."
"Reading and observing this advocate give great answers, with knowledge and style leaves me no doubt of how exceptionali a legal mind he is. I am an attorney and would not hesitate hiring him if I were in an issue."
"Mr. Richard is undoubtedly a top notch attorney who has skillfully mastered his primary area of practice over the course of his professional experience. His sharp critical thinking and flawless work ethic are perhaps the key qualities which ensured the success of a remarkable number of his cases. I endorse this lawyer and encourage anyone who needs superior legal representation to opt for his services."
"Richard is a highly skilled, diligent and knowledgeable attorney who is well-known in the legal community for his outstanding professionalism. He was able to obtain satisfactory results even for clients whose cases were incredibly difficult by dedicating his time and effort to achieve the best results. I certainly endorse this lawyer and have no doubt he will be of great help to anyone seeking legal advice or representation within his main areas of practice."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Southard provides a much needed service on Avvo. He donates his time to individuals who are in need of immediate legal answers."
"I endorse this lawyer for his familiarity with criminal law and alcohol-related offenses. He clearly has the knowledge, experience, and clarity of expression vital to be a great attorney. He is a consistent and consistently helpful contributor, helping many here in need."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. An asset to the Avvo community and the profession."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"18 years of practicing criminal law with 7 years as a DA prosecutor and another 11 as a criminal law professor is experienced plus. He has a huge advantage over many criminal defense attorneys as a former prosecutor. "They know that he knows what they know". His client reviews tell the client side of the story and they are stellar. READ THEM! Endorsements from peer attorneys are also outstanding. He has earned and deserves his 10 rating. Do yourself a favor if you need a criminal defense attorney and schedule a consultation. If your lucky he might just agree to represent you. KUDOS"
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer.Richard is an excellent attorney who exhibits all the attributes of a fine advocate and is truly dedicated to his clients and the profession."
"Attorney Southard is a dedicated, highly-skilled lawyer well-respected within the legal community. I fully endorse him."
"I highly recommend this lawyer he is a true professional.I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. An extremely talented and well respected attorney in the legal community."
"Attorney Southard's posts on Avvo demonstrate a superior knowledge of the law coupled with an understanding as to how to apply the law to real life situations. I heartily endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Highly skilled and respected in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer."
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Experience
Honors
2017
Top Contributor, AVVO
2016
Top 10 Attorneys, American Jurist Institute
2016
A+ Highest Rating, Better Business Bureau
2016
Premier 100 Trial Attorney, National Academy of Jurisprudence
2016
Lifetime Achievement, America's Top 100 Attorneys
2016
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2016
Nation's Top One Percent, National Association of Distinguished Counsel
2015
Top Ten Criminal Defense Attorney, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys
2015
Premier 100 Trial Attorney, American Academy of Trial Attorneys
2015
Top Ten Dui/Dwi Attorney, American Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys
2015
A+ Rating!, Better Business Bureau
2014
Founding Member, American Association of Premier DUI Attorneys
2014
Top 10 Criminal Defense Attorney in NY, National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys
2014
Top 100 DWI Attorneys, National Advocacy for DUI Defense
2014
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2014
Ten Best Dui/Dwi Lawyer in New York State, American Institute of Dui/Dwi Lawyers
2014
A+ Highest Rating, Better Business Bureau
2012
Client's Choice, AVVO
1993
Merit Scholarship Recipient, Brooklyn Law School
Work Experience
2004 - Present
Adjunct Professor, John Jay College of Criminal
2003 - Present
Owner, Law Office of Richard Southard
1996 - 2003
Criminal Court Deputy Bureau Chief, Kings County District Attorney's Office
Associations
2016 - Present
American Jurist InstituteMember
2016 - Present
National Academy of JurisprudenceMember
2014 - Present
National Trial Lawyers AssociationMember
2014 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2014 - Present
American Institute of Dui/Dwi LawyersMember
2014 - Present
Better Business BureauMember
2014 - Present
National Advocacy for DUI DefenseMember
2014 - Present
American Association of Premier DUI AttprneysFounding Member
2011 - Present
Kings County CriminalMember
2011 - Present
American Bar AssociationMember
2004 - Present
Kings County District Attorney Alumni AssciationMember
2003 - 2005
New York State Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
1996 - 2000
New York State Bar AssociationMember
Sample of Legal Cases
People of the State of New York V. R.L.
All charges dismissed by Kings County DIstrict Attorneys Office
People of the State of New York v. A.F.
All charges dismissed by Manhattan D.A.s Office
People of the State of New York v. T.K.
All charges dismissed by Manhattan D.A.'s Office
People of the State of New York v. J.J.
All charges dismissed by Manhattan D.A.'s Office
People of the State of New York v. A.M.
All charges dismissed by Brooklyn DA's Office
Education
1996
Brooklyn Law School
Jurs Doctor
1993
John Jay College of Criminal Justice
BS - Bachelor of Science
Speaking Engagements
2007
Bloom & Politan: Open Court
Discussing Florida V. Samuels, (Millionaire charged in murder plot)
2006
Trial Heat
Discussing Marrero v. Tampa, (Family of slain police officer sues City of Tampa, claiming insufficient police department support led to officer’s murder by armed robber.)
2006
Courtside
Discussing New Mexico v. Posey, (Teen claims self-defense in the shooting deaths of his father, stepmother and stepsister, after years of physical and sexual abuse.)
2006
Both Sides
Discussing the United States Supreme Court confirmation hearings of Samuel Alito
2006
Bloom & Politan: Open Court
Discussing, Michigan v. Yost (Mother charged with murdering her seven year-old daughter by giving her a lethal dosage of anti-depressants.)
2006
Bloom & Politan: Open Court
Discussing Michigan v. Deering, (Drug dealer charged with murdering five young children during revenge arson.)
2006
Bloom & Politan: Open Court
Discussing Florida v. Serrano, (Defendant on trial for quadruple homicide of former business partners.)
2006
Banfield & Ford: Courtside
Discussing Ohio v. Halder, (Man charged with murder during shooting rampage at Case Western University.)
2006
Banfield & Ford: Courtside
Discussing South Carolina v. Goodwin, (Man charged with home invasion murder of retired 81 year-old doctor.)
2006
Banfield & Ford: Courtside
Dscussing Texas v. Yates, (Retrial of Andrea Yates, accused of drowning her five children in a bathtub.)
2006
Banfield & Ford: Courtside
Discussing Florida v. Serrano, (Defendant on trial for quadruple homicide of former business partners.)
2005
Trial Heat
Discussing the Robert Blake murder trial, the Michael Jackson child molestation case and Texas v. Mallard, (woman charged with murder for hitting a pedestrian with her car and leaving him to die while stuck in her windshield).
2005
Trial Heat
Discussing Florida v. Blount, (father charged with murder of 16 year-old bully who assaulted his son).
2005
Trial Heat
Discussing the Michael Jackson trial and Virgina v. Roundtree, (woman accused of brutally murdering ex-husband).
2005
Trial Heat
Discussing the Michael Jackson trial and Ohio v. McCoy, (the Ohio highway sniper trial).
2005
Trial Heat
Discussing the Michael Jackson trial and Florida v. Cloyd and Hughes, (Pilots charged with operating a passenger jet while intoxicated).
2005
Trial Heat
Discussing the live sentencing proceedings in Idaho v. Johnson, (teenager convicted of murdering her parents
2005
Trial Heat
Discussing Mississippi v. Smith, (defendant facing the death penalty for kidnapping and murdering a college student).
2005
Fox News Live
Discussing the legal basis for the overturning of Andrea Yates' capital murder convictions.
2005
Fox News Live
Discussing the legal battle to reinsert Terry Schiavo’s feeding tube.
2005
Fox News Live
Discussing the use of prior bad acts in the Michael Jackson trial.
2005
Fox News Live
Discussing the arrest of Jerry Hobb (man accused of stabbing his young daughter and her friend to death on Mother’s Day).
2005
Fox News Live
Discussing the use of accuser’s videotaped interview as rebuttal evidence in the Michael Jackson trial.
2005
Fox News Live
Discussing the acquittal of Michael Jackson in the Michael Jackson trial.
2005
Fox News Live
Discussing Scott Peterson’s suit against his former lawyer and the punishment for female teachers who have sexual relations with their underage male students
2005
Fox News Live
Discussing the Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade balloon incident
2005
Fox News Live
Rumsfield v. Fair
2005
Fox News Live
Discussing the robbery arrest of former Major League Baseball pitcher Jeff Reardon and the use of antidepressants in his criminal defense
2005
Both SIdes
Discussing the Robert Blake murder trial, the Michael Jackson child molestation case and Idaho v. Johnson, (teenager on trial for murdering her parents).
2005
Both Sides
Discussing Oregon v. Longo, (defendant facing the death penalty for murdering his wife and three young children).
2005
Both Sides
Discussing Florida v. Smith, defendant facing the death penalty for abducting and murdering a 12 year-old girl
Publications
2011
NWA Online
No Arrests in Assault afer 8 months
2005
Doctors Digest: Resolving Practice Dilemmas
Strategies for Managing All Types of Crises
2005
Charlotte Observer
South Carolina defendant's use of Zoloft reflects international debate
2005
Utah Daily Herald
Antidepressants Change Man's Life
2004
The Journal News
Martha Stewart Appeal May Focus on Insider Trading Argument
2004
CNBC website
Watch for Stewart Bombshells - and Profit
2004
The Washington Times' Insight Magazine
The High Price of Celebrity 'Justice'
2003
Indiana Star Press
Expert Says Officers Can't Fire on Drunks
Languages
Mandarin
Spanish
Russian
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
What is the outcome for a 2.0 blew with no priors no accidents and know was injured
14 Apr 2026
Q&A
Can I call my son on his phone number without violating an order of protection?
15 Apr 2026
Q&A
How can I find a newly licensed lawyer in NYC who started their own practice and wants clients?
05 Apr 2026
Legal Guides
Legal Guide
What can I do to get my criminal record expunged in New York?
16 Nov 2011
Legal Guide
Can criminal charges be dismissed if the police failed to read me my Miranda Rights?
05 Nov 2011
Legal Guide
The punishment for Leaving the Scene of an Accident in New York
29 Oct 2011