Richard W. Levitt

PRO

Richard W. Levitt

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 48 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at New York, NY
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, Litigation

40 Fulton Street, 17th Floor, New York, NY

Virtual Consultation Available

About Richard

Biography

"An outstanding defense lawyer with a scholarly bent." - Federal Circuit Court Judge

35 years trial and appellate criminal defense experience; prolific author and lecturer

35 years litigation experience; prolific author and lecturer

Practice Areas

2

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 75%

Extensive trial and appellate practice in state and federal courts

48 years | 1,000 cases

75%
Litigation 25%

general civil litigation; antitrust; personal injury; civil rights actions

31 years | 100 cases

25%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Hourly Rates

$ 600-950 per hour


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Awards

AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating
Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2017 2016

Licenses

Licensed in District of Columbia for 45 years

State: District of Columbia

Acquired: 1980

Good Standing

No misconduct found

Licensed in New York for 46 years

State: New York

Acquired: 1979

Currently Registered

No misconduct found

Licensed in Florida for 48 years

State: Florida

Acquired: 1977

Member in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Location

Levitt & Kaizer

40 Fulton Street, 17th Floor, New York, NY, 10038

levittandkaizer.com/

Richard W. Levitt's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

16 Client Reviews

5 star (16)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (0)

Posted by anonymous | December 31, 2023 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

No words to express my gratitude for what you have done for my son!

When I heard the sentence posed upon my son, I thought my whole life was over. It was when I was referred to Mr. Levitt that I found hope. Richard Levitt was not only an attorney to me, he was also the person whom I was able to rely upon for every concern and doubt that presented itself. Mr. Levitt ...was always accessible at any time and any day that I needed him. He encouraged my son to use his time in prison in a positive manner. Mr. Levitt listened to my son and he was always available when he had concerns throughout the entire case. As expected, we won the appeal in the Second Circuit Court and Mr. Levitt made it possible to bring my son home. The darkness in my home has lifted all thanks to Mr. Levitt and his team.

Posted by Isaac | December 11, 2022 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Amazing Lawyer

Richard Levitt was hired to defend my drug case vs the United States government. Being from Canada and needed legal representation from an America lawyer my family sought out Richard and the firm. My case went on for 3 years , which most of it was during the early stages of the pandemic. With a lot o...f uncertainties going on in the world. Richard made sure to keep close contact with me as we prepared for the case. Richard is well spoken , detail oriented and most importantly optimistic without over promising. I’m beyond grateful for the outcome because I was giving 0 imprisonment time with probation. I wasn’t expecting this result but Richard was prepared and from the moment he visited in at MDC and told me what he could do ,he definitely delivered. Thank you Richard and everyone at Kaizer and Levitt for their hard work.

Posted by anonymous | February 18, 2020 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Excellent and Trustworthy Attorney and Firm

Words cannot express the gratitude we feel for Richard Levitt and Nicholas Kaizer. They fought hard and diligently for my father's difficult case. I was so impressed with their committment in providing the best legal services to their clients. They were extremely knowledgeable and always quick to re...spond/address any questions and concerns. Their wisdom, compassion, and honestly renewed our hope in our father's case. We could not have asked for a better legal team to represent my father and highly recommend them.

Posted by Marci | April 17, 2018 | Consulted Attorney

This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.

Legal advice

He was very quick to respond and very thorough on his answer. I appreciate an attorney that kindly responds with detailed knowledge of what I needed to know. Very pleased for first time on website.

Posted by Mark | September 20, 2017 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Phenomenal Attorney

I was very fortunate to have Richard Levitt as my Attorney. In my early 20s, I was hit with securities fraud charges amounting to tens of millions of dollars. I literally thought my life was over. Luckily, Richard was there to represent me and get me through the process. He went beyond being just an ...Attorney, he treated me like he would a family member. His friendship and counsel was very reassuring and allowed me to not only get through the ordeal, but come out a stronger and better person. Richard is indeed one of the most honorable and noble people I have ever met. All I can say is that with Richard as your lawyer, you're in good hands and he will work tirelessly to get the best possible outcome for his clients. He will do so truthfully and with compassion. My family and I cannot thank Richard enough.

See All Client Reviews

Richard W. Levitt's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Richard
Hui Zeng headshot
Hui Zeng

Litigation lawyer | Aug 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Levitt is a highly capable attorney committed to providing clients experienced, knowledgeable and aggressive representation. I endorse him without reservation."

Ronald Rubinstein headshot
Ronald Rubinstein

Unknown lawyer | Aug 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Somair Syed Alam headshot
Somair Alam

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Richard is an exceptional criminal defense attorney whose reputation speaks for itself. He is highly regarded in his field."

Nathaniel Burney headshot
Nathaniel Burney

White collar crime lawyer | Jul 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I had Rich Levitt as an opponent, back when I was a prosecutor, and he was a formidable opponent. Since becoming a defense attorney, I've had the pleasure of representing codefendants with him, and I can honestly say he is one of the most skillful and dignified attorneys I've ever worked with. He's a no-B.S., do-it-right-the-first-time sort, and I highly recommend him."

View All Endorsements
Paul Morris headshot
Paul Morris

Appeals lawyer

Nathaniel Burney headshot
Nathaniel Burney

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2025

AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2024

Super Lawyer, New York Super Lawyers

2023

Super Lawyer, New York Super Lawyers

2022

Super Lawyer, New York Super Lawyers

2021

Super Lawyer, New York Super Lawyers

2020

Super Lawyer, New York Super Lawyers

2019

Super Lawyer, New York Super Lawyers

2018

Super Lawyer, New York Super Lawyers

2017

Super Lawyer, New York Super Lawyers

2016

Super Lawyer, New York Super Lawyers

2015

Super Lawyer, New York Super Lawyers

2014

Super Lawyer, New York Super Lawyers

2013

Super Lawyer, New York Super Lawyers

2012

Super Lawyer, New York Super Lawyers

1998

Annual Honoree, New York Criminal Bar Association

Work Experience

1985 - Present

Partner, Levitt & Kaizer

Associations

1995 - Present

Association of the Bar of the City of New York

Member

1990 - Present

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Life Member

1990 - Present

New York State Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

1987 - Present

New York Criminal Bar Association

Former Board Member

1982 - Present

American Bar Association

Member

1982 - Present

New York County Lawyers Association

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

United States v. Molina

Firearms convictions reversed; balance of charges remanded for Franks hearing

Spencer v. Capra

Petition granted.

United States v. [xx]

Three-week trial. Hung jury declared on third day of deliberations.

People v. [xxxx]

Not guilty

People v. [xxxx]

Not guilty

Arbitration

Verdict for Plaintiff

People v. Arzberger

Attempted murder, strangulation, burglary dismissed. Plea to misdemeanor with no factual allocution, an unconditional discharge and a certificate of relief from civil disabilities.

U.S. v. Ustinov

Sentenced to 18 months time served

1969 Conviction Vacated

Conviction vacated; case dismissed

People v. (xxxxxx)

All charges dismissed

People v. xxxx

Case dismissed, record sealed

People v. xxxx

Case dismissed, record sealed

Lopez v. Miller

Newly elected Kings County District Attorney Kenneth Thompson voluntarily dismissed the appeal just days before oral argument, citing possibility that Mr. Lopez in fact was innocent.

United States v. Morrison

Motion for new trial granted by Hon. Denis R. Hurley, EDNY. Decision viewable at: https://docs.google.com/file/d/0BwN13pDp6hT2d2VURUN3MkR1WjA/edit?usp=sharing

People v. Canales

Appeal granted. Conviction reversed

People v. [client]

Case dismissed, record sealed

U.S. v. Benowitz et al.

Motion to change venue granted

Lopez v. Miller

Petition Granted. Court orders that Petitioner be released if not retried within 60 days

U.S. v. Muhlstock

Rule 29 Motion to Dismiss Granted

U.S. v. Spano

case concluded with guilty plea to single count information charging tax offense carrying potential sentence of 0-3 years

United States v. Bryan

Habeas granted; sentence vacated; defendant re-sentenced to 10-year mandatory minimum (time served)

U.S. v. Cartwright

Habeas petition granted

TPR v. Fischer

Dismissal affirmed

People v. Jackson

Not guilty

U.S. v. Morrison

client acquitted of murder, arson and robbery, court dismissed RICO and RICO conspiracy; client sentenced only for gun possession

U.S. v. Dixon

Death Penalty Attorney

United States v. Morrison

Motion for new trial granted by Hon. Denis R. Hurley, EDNY. Decision viewable at: https://docs.google.com/file/d/0BwN13pDp6hT2d2VURUN3MkR1WjA/edit?usp=sharing

People v. Alston

Sentence reduced from 11 1/2 to 4 years

U.S. v. Doe

government compelled to write 5K1.1 letter

U.S. v. Reyes

acquittal

U.S. v. Reifler

successful appeal of restitution issues

See More Legal Cases

Education

1978

NYU

LL.M.

1977

University of Miami School of Law (honors)

JD

Speaking Engagements

2023

New York Criminal Bar Association annual meeting

Second Circuit Criminal Law Update

2022

New York Criminal Bar Association annual meeting

Second Circuit Criminal Law Update

2021

New York Criminal Bar Association annual meeting

Second Circuit Criminal Law Update

2020

New York Criminal Bar Association annual meeting

Second Circuit Criminal Law Update

2019

New York Criminal Bar Association annual meeting

Second Circuit Criminal Law Update

2018

New York Criminal Bar Association annual meeting

Second Circuit Criminal Law Update

2017

New York Criminal Bar Association Annual Meeting

Second Circuit Criminal Law Update

2016

Second Circuit Criminal Law Update

Second Circuit Criminal Law

2016

SDNY Mentoring Program

The Life of a Federal Criminal Case

2016

Annual Post-Conviction Training Seminar

Federal Habeas Corpus Procedure

2015

NACDL Annual White Collar Defense Conference

Applying AML to Bitcoin and other Virtual and Crypto- Currencies

2015

Barry Leibowicz Lecture Series

Tax Audits, Investigations and Appeals Update

2014

Virtual and Digital Currency and Payment Systems

Money Laundering, AML, and OFAC Considerations for Digital and Virtual Currencies

2014

Tax Audits, Investigations and Appeals

Subpoenas to Accountants: A Criminal Defense Perspective

2014

Supreme Court Wrap-Up 2013-2014 Term

Supreme Court Criminal Case Wrap-Up

2014

Annual Meeting, NYCBA

Second Circuit Criminal Law

2013

Legal Aid Society

Wayward Warrants: Challenging Court-Ordered Searches and Seizures

2012

Annual Meeting

Second Circuit Criminal Law Update

2011

Second Circuit Criminal Law Update

Second Circuit/Supreme Court update

2011

NYCLA

White Collar Defense

2011

Federal Criminal Trial Practice Institute

Federal Sentencing Guidelines

2011

Defending a White Collar Case

North Law Publishers' display booth

2011

Dean Jerome Prince Evidence Competition

Moot Court competition judge

2011

Annual Meeting -- New York Criminal Bar Association

Second Circuit Criminal Law

Publications

2016

Second Circuit Criminal Law Source Book Second Circuit Criminal Law Source Book

2014

North Law Publishers (1400 pages) Second Circuit Criminal Law Outline

2014

2014

Levitt & Kaizer Newsletter Newsletter

2014

Levitt & Kaizer Federal Inmate Newsletter

2014

North Law Publishers Just the Rules

2011

Distributed at October 2011 Sentencing Seminar Recent Second Circuit Sentencing Decisions

2005

2005

2004

The Mouthpiece Anonymous Juries

2004

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution