Richard V Stevens III

PRO

Richard V Stevens III

5.0
Rating: 9.7

Licensed for 30 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 30 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

56 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (56) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 11 - 15 of 22 reviews | Sex Crime

Posted by Jerry | February 20, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Sex Crime

Mr. Stevens is the best legal representation for those wearing the uniform.

I am a recently retired military officer with 30yrs of service who was falsely accused of sexual assault by a fellow service member after a night of drinking. I originally was facing a general court-martial trial, in which the maximum punishment if convicted would be decades in military prison, a pun...itive discharge, and I would have had to register as a sex offender. Mr. Stevens represented me in this case and, thanks to his efforts on my behalf, I retired honorably without a conviction. Mr. Stevens began representing me during the investigation phase of the case, leading up to what would have been court-martial charges. However, the electronic evidence in the case showed that I was not guilty of sexual assault. Even though the electronic evidence contradicted the complainant's claim, she continued to falsely insist she had been sexually assaulted that night. Because of this, although the command was forced to drop the court-martial case, they began to take administrative actions against me based on her claims, to try to kick me out of the service. Mr. Stevens continued to represent through this whole process. It was clear from our discussions that he was extremely knowledgeable about military law and had decades of experience. His advice and experience were critical to the successful outcome of my case. Beyond Mr. Stevens' skill as a defense attorney, his support was very important to me. Going through this process, particularly with so much on the line (including retirement), is very difficult and stressful. There were a lot of low points. His support really helped me through when i felt like I was at the lowest and darkest point of my life. I ultimately faced an involuntary administrative discharge board, and Mr. Stevens' advice, representation and assistance were crucial in me winning at the board hearing and being retained in the service. I was then able to retire, honorably, after decades of service and overseas deployments in combat operations. Mr. Stevens' representation and support through this whole process made this successful outcome possible. I give Mr. Stevens my highest possible endorsement and my deepest thanks for savings my life. If you face military allegations and discipline, he is the one I would recommend, above anyone else. He made this outcome, and my retirement, happen for me, when it seemed like the military was determined to end my career and deny me the retirement I had earned. Thanks Mr. Stevens, I'm forever grateful. - Officer client

Posted by anonymous | August 10, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Sex Crime

Falsely accused of sexual assault by a civilian acquaintance

I am a military Senior NCO who was falsely accused of sexual assault by a civilian acquaintance. I faced a general court-martial trial. Mr. Stevens represented me in this case, and I was completely exonerated. I plead not guilty in front of a military "jury" consisting of officers and enlisted.... Mr. Stevens handled all aspects of my court-martial trial. In a separate motion hearing, he filed and argued motions to help us present my defense. The written motions were extremely well written and the intent was more than I ever expected. His legal knowledge was superior. Likewise, his motion arguments during the motion hearing were vital to ensure I received a fair trial and ensured all possible evidence would be discovered. When my case went to trial, Mr. Stevens conducted the voir dire, delivered both the opening statement and closing argument, and he questioned all major witnesses, to include cross-examining the complaining witness. Mr. Stevens' opening statement was precise, direct, and to the point. His questioning of the witnesses demonstrated his high level of experience. Particularly with regard to his questioning of the complaining witness, and exposing her lies and her motive to make false allegations against me, his cross-examination of her was vital to my defense and left no doubt for the panel of jury members that she was not being truthful. Finally, Mr. Stevens delivered his closing argument, to wrap up the case, to expose the truth of my innocence, and with my future on the line. His closing argument was exactly what the jury needed to hear. He truly explained their responsibilities and was very meticulous in exposing all the evidence and motives to ensure justice prevailed. After a long and contentious trial, I was found not guilty of all allegations I faced - and the verdict came back very quickly. It was obvious the case against me was false, and Mr. Stevens' work on the case was crucial to show this. I was cleared of the allegations and went back to resume my military career. I would highly recommend Richard Stevens.

Posted by anonymous | November 02, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Sex Crime

Not Guilty on all Charges and Specifications

Mr. Stevens was amazing in defending me throughout my General court Martial and I'm not saying that term lightly. I literally owe him my life and freedom. If you want to be spending time with your loved ones and not sitting in a military prison then you should very much consider reaching out to this ...man. Hiring Mr. Stevens was one of the best decisions I've ever made, and I would do it again a thousand times over. I am a military NCO who was falsely accused of sexual assault and related claims by a civilian. I faced a general court-martial trial, in which the maximum punishment if convicted was decades in prison and I would have had to register as a sex offender. I plead not guilty at trial and Mr. Stevens represented me during my court-martial. This included him filing and arguing pretrial motions, delivering the opening statement, cross-examining the complainant and key government witnesses, calling multiple expert witnesses to the stand on my behalf, and delivering the closing argument. Mr. Stevens has a very good reputation as an ethical and very effective defense attorney in the Military Justice System. It felt like the whole world was against me until Mr. Stevens leveled the playing field. After a long and difficult trial, I was found not guilty of all allegations I faced and I couldn't be happier.

Posted by anonymous | March 06, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Sex Crime

Successful Defense

I am a senior military officer who was falsely accused of sexual assault by another military member. A senior sex crimes prosecutor was on the case against me. I was represented and defended by my military defense attorney and I hired Richard Stevens as my civilian defense counsel in the case. Th...e processing of my case was lengthy, but Mr. Stevens was always available to discuss the case with me and to advise me regarding various issues in the case. He always described things in a way that they could be understood and appropriately considered. There were significant legal issues in my case prior to the litigation of the allegations, and Mr. Stevens submitted briefs and argued the discovery and evidentiary issues - which we prevailed on. Mr. Stevens made the opening statement in my case, he questioned the important witnesses, and he delivered the closing argument. Because of my rank, the panel members were very senior, and Mr. Stevens was able to confidently and comfortably communicate to them, based on his prior military experience and the length of his affiliation with the military legal system. His witness questioning skillfully exposed the facts necessary to show my innocence. Mr. Stevens' closing argument was perfect! He tied together the facts, evidence, testimony, and instructions into our theory of the case, and was extremely persuasive in how he argued. He prepared a timeline of the important facts of the case, to indicate the motive of the complainant to make her false claims. He pointed out the inconsistencies in her story, and the inconsistencies between her story and what other witnesses said. After waiting so long to have my case fairly heard, it was a relief to have such a strong and thorough closing argument that left no doubt that the allegations against me were false. That was exactly why I brought Mr. Stevens onto the case! Although I was still nervous about the outcome, I was not surprised when the members announced we had won. It was the right result based on my innocence, but it was also the right legal result, based on the work of my defense attorneys. My career and my retirement were saved. I highly recommend anyone facing legal trouble in the military hire Richard Stevens as their civilian defense attorney, and if they face rape or sexual assault allegations, I can't imagine going to court without attorney Richard Stevens on your side!

Posted by anonymous | December 02, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Sex Crime

I'm forever Grateful! Saved my Family and my life

I am a military member who was falsely accused of sexual assault by an acquaintance. I faced a general court-martial trial accusing me of sexual assault, and the government had a prosecution team that included a senior sex crimes prosecutor. I hired Richard Stevens to represent me. From the outse...t, Mr. Stevens was very involved in preparing my case for trial, to include requesting multiple experts, identifying and interviewing witnesses during our own investigation, and filing motions. He always answered my questions and provided timely advice. Mr. Stevens traveled to my base to represent me at the motion hearing. He had filed several important motions, and this provided us the chance to question the complainant under oath. She did not handle the questioning well, and came off very poorly. Mr. Stevens handled all of the witness questioning during the motion hearing, and arguments on the main motions. He was very well prepared and he obviously was an expert in military law and procedure. Soon after the motion hearing, based on the support of the complainant, the government agreed to drop the court-martial and handle the case through administrative action instead. This allowed me to avoid a public felony-level criminal trial, and - knowing the environment in the military right now - the possibility of a federal criminal conviction, sex offender registration, and a sentence that could have included a lengthy prison sentence and dishonorable discharge...all despite my innocence. If you face a serious military case, particularly an alleged sexual assault, I would highly recommend Mr. Stevens. He lived up to his reputation for me and my family. Furthermore, Mr. Stevens not only saved me but provided me another chance to be with my Family with his skillful knowledge in Sexual Assault cases and his professionalism. Thank you!!!!

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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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