Richard V Stevens III

I am a senior military officer who faced an involuntary administrative discharge board hearing in which the military was attempting to separate me before I could make it to retirement. If I had been separated at the board hearing, I would have lost not only my military retirement, but my retirement b...enefits. Mr. Stevens represented me in this case from the point I received the discharge notification. This was my career and future at stake so having the right representation was extremely important to me. I talked to countless attorneys before I hired Mr. Stevens to represent me. After our first consultation I hired him not only because of our discussion about the case, but also because of the reviews I read about his courtroom performance and professional demeanor. Mr. Stevens' performance in the board hearing was remarkable. His preparation for the case was extremely comprehensive. He sent me documents to provide details of my case that helped him develop a defensible position. He was easy to get ahold of and answered my countless questions either instantly, or within 24hrs if he was on another case. I had e-mails responding to questions as late as midnight and as early as 0600. There wasn’t a moment that I felt he wasn’t focused on my case even while balancing other clients. In the board hearing (which is very similar to a trial), Mr. Stevens interviewed the witnesses and gathered supporting memos, he gave the opening statement, cross-examined the key government witness, questioned our witnesses, and he gave the closing argument. He had a commanding courtroom presence…cool, calm, and collected. His years of experience showed through his confidence and demeanor. His questioning of witnesses was thorough and no detail in support of my case was left unspoken. His cross-examination of the key government witness revealed a lot of information that was supportive of my retention. After Mr. Stevens cross examination of the government witness, I personally felt that the government witness was more beneficial to the defense after being cross examined by Mr. Stevens. His closing argument was undoubtedly the best that I could have hoped for and was exceptionally comprehensive. No minor detail of the case was missed, and he referred to all applicable military instructions supporting my retention. I felt extremely confident after hearing Mr. Stevens’ closing argument. Ultimately, the board members determined that I should be retained in the service. Mr. Stevens' advice, representation, advocacy in the hearing, and his work on the case was exceptional. Not only did he focus on the case, but also prepared me for every possible outcome. Even after the favorable outcome he checked in on me to make sure I was doing well. From our countless discussions he knew how stressful the overall experience was for me and that even though the board chose to retain me, the stress of the entire experience still negatively impacted my overall mental health. He offered life advice, and it was clear that his concern for my overall wellbeing was genuine. Going through this process was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to deal with and I could not be happier with my decision to have had Mr. Stevens represent me. I offer my STRONGEST POSSIBLE RECOMMENDATION to hire Mr. Stevens if you face allegations and adverse actions in the military justice system.

I am a military officer who was falsely accused of sexual assault by a female military member who had a strong motives to make up the allegations against me. I did not face a court-martial because she elected not to participate in the case after making the allegations, but the military still attempte...d to kick me out through an administrative discharge board hearing. If I had been found responsible in the board hearing, I would have been discharged and I would have likely received an Other Than Honorable Conditions discharge that would have negatively affected my future. Mr. Stevens represented me in this case from the beginning. In the board hearing (which is very similar to a trial), Mr. Stevens gave the opening statement, cross-examined the key government witness, questioned our witnesses and our expert, and he gave the closing argument. Mr. Stevens' performance in the board hearing was phenomenal. His experience and case prep showed immediately, with his opening statement being very effective and highlighting the governments weak case immediately. His questioning of witnesses was also excellent, he knows exactly what questions to ask to draw out the needed information. His cross-examination of the key government witness was very tough, thorough and effective. His closing argument was, likewise, very thorough and persuasive. Ultimately, the board members determined that I did not commit the alleged sexual assault, and there was no basis for discharge. So, they recommended my retention in the military. Mr. Stevens' advice, representation, advocacy in the hearing, and his work on the case was great, and absolutely instrumental in me being retained in the air force. Even when I first hired him, his reputation preceded him, as my assigned ADC told me that he was a great lawyer that some of her colleagues had worked with previously. He was always easy to reach over phone or email, and he was very candid about our chances and our case. His professionalism and presence in the courtroom immediately gave me confidence that we had a fighting chance. I would, without a doubt, recommend Mr. Stevens if you face criminal allegations in the military justice system.

A couple years ago a false sexual assault allegation was made about me. After being handed off 2 times by the Air Force legal system I opted for a civilian attorney that would make it all the way to trail with me. I did a lot of research and interviewed many different attorneys across the U.S. and fo...und Mr. Stevens to be the best fit for me and my situation. He was always 100% upfront and candid with me from the start. He wasn’t one to say something to make you feel good; he told the truth and his thoughts on the matter. Throughout the process I never once felt like just another number, another paycheck. When he was working on my case at that point in time nothing else mattered. Anybody that has or is going through a case such as mine will say it is stressful. However, I believe my team made me feel more at ease than anybody else could. I am extremely grateful to Mr. Stevens for poking holes in her story and getting the truth in front of the panel members. I highly recommend Mr. Stevens for anybody seeking a highly skilled and experienced defense attorney.

I am a military officer who was falsely accused of sexual assault by a civilian. I faced a general court-martial trial, which, if convicted, would have resulted in decades in prison and registration as a sex offender. With my future and livelihood on the line, I sought out the best representation p...ossible, and came across Rich Stevens. Mr. Stevens represented me in this case from the Article 32 hearing onward, and his tenacity resulted in the case ultimately being dropped after a lengthy investigation and legal process. From the very beginning, the complaining witness's motivation to lie was obvious, and their credibility issues were considerable. Mr. Steven’s efforts resulted in a positive recommendation from the Article 32 Preliminary Hearing Officer, but the case proceeded forward to trial anyway. During the course of the proceedings, Mr. Stevens represented me through multiple motions hearings. This included his writing, filing, and arguing of said motions, as well as his questioning of witnesses and experts on the stand, including the cross-examination of the complaining witness on numerous occasions. Mr. Stevens' performance on my behalf was nothing short of strategic and overwhelmingly compelling. His preparation was thorough, and he took into account all aspects and angles of the available evidence. In the courtroom, his questioning of witnesses cut straight to point, and clearly demonstrated the inherent weaknesses of the government’s case. His arguments eventually led the government to conclude that continuing was not in its best interest, resulting in the case’s dismissal. After the case concluded, Mr. Stevens continued to advise me and assist with issues that needed to be addressed to fully clear my name, which in itself was a lengthy process. Mr. Stevens' representation, advocacy, and work on the case was crucial in demonstrating my innocence and in combating the idea that all sexual assault allegations must be believed. If you find yourself facing a similar situation, please understand that the system is going to be heavily weighted against you, regardless of how false and unbelievable the allegations may be. You are going to want the best representation available, I would, without a doubt, recommend Mr. Stevens to defend against criminal allegations in the military justice system.

I am a military SNCO who was falsely accused of sexual assault by another military member. I was wrongfully convicted, my case was overturned on appeals, but the Convening Authority preferred charges AGAIN!! I faced a general court-martial trial and, if I was convicted, not only would I have had to f...ace a sentence for something I did not do, but I would also have been required to register as a sex offender. I knew deep down that it was something I did not want to risk so I did my research. Mr. Stevens' name was at the top of every list/person I spoke with, but I didn't think he could live up to the hype. I was so happy to be WRONG about that...he's a BULLDOG in the courtroom! Mr. Stevens represented me in this case, and I was found not guilty at trial. He walked me through the process and was available to answer any questions I may have had. He also provided great advice, wasn't pushy with his recommendations, and reminded me that decisions were ultimately mine. I pled not guilty in front of a military panel ("jury") Mr. Stevens handled all aspects of my court-martial trial. In separate motion hearings, he filed and argued many motions to help us present my defense and obtain discovery. His written motions were very detailed and organized. Likewise, his motion arguments during the motion hearing were a sight to see. When my case went to trial, Mr. Stevens presented both the opening statement and closing argument, and he questioned all major witnesses, to include cross-examining the complaining witness and government expert. Mr. Stevens' opening statement was like something out of a movie. He painted a picture for the jury and did an even better job presenting evidence to back it up. His questioning of the witnesses was even more impressive. 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 noteworthy. He asked direct questions and impeached her on statements she made at the previous trial. Finally, Mr. Stevens delivered his closing argument, to wrap up the case, and to show the truth of my innocence. His closing argument was very thorough. He walked the jury through everything that he previously laid out. He re-attacked key points, her lies and inconsistencies, and reaffirmed to the jury that anything other than NOT GUILTY was inconceivable! After a long investigation and intense trial, I was found not guilty of the allegation. Mr. Stevens' representation, advocacy, and work on the case was crucial to show my innocence and to combat the idea that all sexual assault allegations must be believed. I would, without a doubt, recommend Mr. Stevens if you face criminal allegations in the military justice system. He is definitely someone that you want on YOUR team.