Richard D. Willstatter

PRO

Richard D. Willstatter

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 44 years

Federal crime Lawyer at White Plains, NY
Practice Areas: Federal Crime, Criminal Defense, Appeals ... +2 more

200 Mamaroneck Avenue, Suite 605, White Plains, NY

Virtual Consultation Available

About Richard

Biography

Successfully defending people in criminal cases for more than 30 years

Handling these complex cases is our strong suit

We represent people in the New York and Federal Appellate courts.

Richard Willstatter is proud to have been a criminal defense lawyer for his entire career.

Practice Areas

5

Practice Areas

Federal Crime 35%

35%
Criminal Defense 30%

30%
Appeals 20%

20%
White Collar Crime 10%

10%
Litigation 5%

5%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer

Awards

AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating
Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2014 2012
Top Contributor
Top Contributor
2012

Licenses

Licensed in New York for 44 years

State: New York

Acquired: 1981

Currently Registered

No misconduct found

Location

Green & Willstatter

200 Mamaroneck Avenue, Suite 605, White Plains, NY, 10601

greenandwillstatter.com/attorney-profiles/richard-willstatter/

Online Presence

Other places you can find Richard online.

Richard D. Willstatter's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

24 Client Reviews

5 star (24)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (0)

Posted by anonymous | August 22, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

The Best Criminal Defense Lawyer

Mr. Willstatter is an excellent attorney in criminal defense, I recently hired him to represent me in a case I had on going for a while, and certainly he came through with flying colors. I will recommend him to anyone who need a criminal defense lawyer.

Posted by Wildi | August 13, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

The best criminal lawyer hands down!

I can not stress enough how amazing Richard is! He takes his time to understand and explain anything you need to know about your case. Truly feel secure having him as an attorney and would highly recommend him! A real Lawyer/Attorney who cares about his clients and cases.

Posted by anonymous | October 2, 2024 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Extremely knowledgeable and professional

Amazing from start to finish. Extremely knowledgeable and professional. I am very grateful for his legal services and recommend him wholeheartedly.

Posted by Ivan | October 31, 2021 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Good work

I consulted and hired Richard involving a DUI case. The plea bargain agreement he acquired was to my satisfaction. Showed professionalism in carrying out the case to the end.

Posted by Thomas | March 9, 2020 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Animal welfare act case in NYC

I could not say enough kind things about this man . I owned a small hobby farm in upstate NY . I was charged with doing something illegal against the animal welfare act and it was brought down to NYC. I originally hired a firm that told me my case was a win win no problem as they were just collecting... money. After a one count conviction in a five day Trial in NYC. I fired the lawyers and hired Richard who was highly recommended by my civil lawyer to handle Post conviction and the sentencing and appeal. It was the best decision I made. Richard is tough but fair and the judge that tried my case in the southern district at sentencing even praised his work . Richard also met with me and the probation officer for sentencing It was very reassuring to have some one in your corner that is fighting for you for me it made all the difference he explained everything and did not let me believe lies thank you for everything Richard.

Richard Willstatter

Replied last March 13, 2020

It was my pleasure to help you, Thomas!

See All Client Reviews

Richard D. Willstatter's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Richard
Marc A Fernich headshot
Marc Fernich

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 06

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I've been lucky to work with -- and learn from -- Rich on a range of matters for over two decades. Equal parts brains and tenacity, he goes to war for his clients with a mix of zeal for criminal defense work and scrupulous professionalism. I endorse him wholeheartedly, without hesitation or qualification."

Robert G. Wells headshot
Robert Wells

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 17

Relationship: Friend

"I endorse this lawyer. A lawyer can accomplish certain things. A compassionate lawyer can accomplish far better things. Mr. Willstatter is of the latter variety."

Stewart L Orden headshot
Stewart Orden

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Richard for years. He is a fine, honest, and diligent lawyer who gets results for his clients."

Robert Caliendo headshot
Robert Caliendo

Federal crime lawyer | Dec 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Rich is a pleasure to work with and a dogged advocate. He goes the extra mile, putting his clients in the best possible position."

Benjamin Ostrer headshot
Benjamin Ostrer

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. He is my go to person when I have a difficult problem with a case and want to test my ideas."

Robert B. Pollack headshot
Robert Pollack

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 13

Relationship: Other

"I wholeheartedly endorse Richard D. Willstatter, Esq. He is, in my opinion, among the finest attorneys in the New York Metropolitan area."

Alexandra Vera Tseitlin headshot
Alexandra Tseitlin

Federal crime lawyer | Dec 28

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Willstatter and I worked together on a number of Federal Court cases in the past decade. He is knowledgeable, thorough, experienced, hardworking and really cares about his clients. These qualities make him a great lawyer and a rare find."

Charles Albert Ross headshot
Charles Ross

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 25

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Richard Willstatter is a passionate, hard-working, sophisticated criminal defense attorney. There is no one in this business who fights harder for his clients. He is as comfortable trying cases before juries as he is preparing and arguing appeals. I have known Richard for many years. He not only has vast experience, but he cares deeply for the clients he represents."

Bruce A. Barket headshot
Bruce Barket

Appeals lawyer | Sep 08

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I have had the opportunity to work with Mr. Willstatter on several matters and have seen his work on others. He is among the finest lawyers I know. If you are looking for someone to represent you or soemone close to you and you are lucky enough to have found Richard, then stop looking. He is among the best there is"

Todd A. Bussert headshot
Todd Bussert

Federal crime lawyer | Aug 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have been fortunate to work with Richard on several cases. Beyond the strong working knowledge of the law for which he is known, Richard brings both insight and candor to the table, which frequently helps clients better identify and appreciate their interests and objectives. Richard is also a wonderful resource -- always willing to assist fellow lawyers and advance the cause of justice."

Daniel N. Arshack headshot
Daniel Arshack

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Richard is highly respected within the legal community. His appellate skills are widely recognized and he regularly serves as a resource for other lawyers. He is "a lawyer's lawyer." I have discussed cases with Richard and have always been impressed by his rapid grasp of the facts and the application of nuanced law to the case. I have recommended Richard as an attorney to potential clients and those who have been lucky enough to have been able to hire him have consistently reported that they were extremely satisfied with his work."

View All Endorsements
Stewart L Orden headshot
Stewart Orden

Criminal defense lawyer

David Clifford Holland headshot
David Holland

Litigation lawyer

Eben T. Rawls III headshot
Eben Rawls

Federal crime lawyer

Benjamin Ostrer headshot
Benjamin Ostrer

Criminal defense lawyer

Robert Caliendo headshot
Robert Caliendo

Criminal defense lawyer

Janeanne Murray headshot
Janeanne Murray

Federal crime lawyer

John Stephen Wallenstein headshot
John Wallenstein

Criminal defense lawyer

Gary Farrell headshot
Gary Farrell

Criminal defense lawyer

Marc A Fernich headshot
Marc Fernich

Appeals lawyer

Theodore S. Green headshot
Theodore Green

Criminal defense lawyer

Julie Prag Vianale headshot
Julie Vianale

Litigation lawyer

Charles Albert Ross headshot
Charles Ross

Criminal defense lawyer

Alexandra Vera Tseitlin headshot
Alexandra Tseitlin

Criminal defense lawyer

Bruce A. Barket headshot
Bruce Barket

Criminal defense lawyer

Todd A. Bussert headshot
Todd Bussert

Federal crime lawyer

Craig Philip Schlanger headshot
Craig Schlanger

Criminal defense lawyer

Daniel N. Arshack headshot
Daniel Arshack

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2025

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2024

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2023

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2022

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2021

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2021

President's Recognition for Amicus Service, New York State Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

2020

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2019

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2018

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2017

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2016

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2016

Metro Edition-Criminal Defense, New York Super Lawyers

2015

Metro Edition-Criminal Defense, New York Super Lawyers

2015

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2014

Metro Edition - Criminal Defense, New York Super Lawyers

2014

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2013

Metro Edition -Criminal Defense, New York Super Lawyers

2013

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2012

Metro Edition Criminal Defense, New York Super Lawyers

2012

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2011

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2011

Metro Edition--Criminal Defense, New York Super Lawyers

2010

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2010

President's Commendation, New York State Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

2009

President's Commendation, New York State Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

2008

President's Commendation, New York State Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

2007

President's Commendation, New York State Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

2006

President's Commendation, New York State Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

2005

President's Commendation, New York State Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

2004

President's Commendation, New York State Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Work Experience

1989 - Present

Partner, Green & Willstatter

1981 - 1989

Staff Attorney, The Legal Aid Society, Criminal Defense Division

Associations

2024 - Present

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Chair, Discovery Reform Committee

2020 - Present

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Board of Directors

2012 - Present

New York Council of Defense Lawyers

member

2003 - Present

New York State Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Board of Directors

2002 - Present

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Amicus Curiae Committee

Vice Chair, Second Circuit

1992 - Present

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

1990 - Present

New York State Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

2012 - 2013

New York State Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

President

Sample of Legal Cases

Whitehead v. Lamanna, 2023 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 86973, 2023 WL 3588155 (NDNY 2023)

Habeas petition granted, client released from prison after 11 years' imprisonment.

People v Kennedy, 177 A.D.3d 628 (2d Dept. 2019)

Reversed.

People v Mota, 165 A.D.3d 988 (2nd Dept. 2018)

Reversed.

People v. Bernard Gumbs, 143 A.D.3d 403 (1st Dept. 2016)

reversed

People v. Scott Weaver

judgment reversed

See More Legal Cases

Education

1980

Duke University School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1977

Dickinson College

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2017

Superstar Trial Seminar 2017

Trying Your Case to Win While Preserving the Record for Appeal

2017

NACDL Spring Meeting

Discovery and Use of Digital Evidence in Federal Court

2016

2012

CLE Program March 28, 2012

Challenging Pre-Arraignment Interrogations under the Rules of Professional Conduct

2008

Nyack Trainer: Holiday Inn Suffern, NY 11.7.08

Recurring Evidentiary Issues

Publications

2017

The Champion magazine E-Discovery and Use of Electronic Evidence

2017

New York Leading Lawyers Leaders in the Law

2013

Atticus (NYSACDL) Supreme Court Updates

2010

Atticus Amicus Report

2006

The Champion magazine The Federal Criminal Mental Competency System

2004

NYSACDL Newsletter Habeas Corpus Challenges to the Federal Bureau of Prisons' New Policy on CCC Placement

2003

NYSACDL Newsletter Dealing with Fingerprint Evidence: Confronting the Prosecutor's Evidence and Creating Your Own

Languages

English

Activity

Top Contributor

Richard earned significant contribution points in 2012.

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