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 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.

I am a military officer who was falsely accused of sexual assault. With the allegations being completely false and some very clear motives to fabricate from the accuser, I was sure that the government would quickly recognize these claims were clearly false and let me move on with my career.  I was co...mpletely wrong... As the investigation continued I started to quickly realize that you are ‘guilty until proven innocent’ with respect to sexual assault allegations in the military. I felt as if my branch that I served faithfully for years quickly abandoned me and chose to take the word of an individual with several documented integrity issues.  As I started to realize the severity of the situation and the investigating agencies willingness to conduct a biased investigation in order to collaborate an almost inconceivable narrative, I began my search for legal representation. I had consultations with over a dozen attorneys. I read reviews, case results, bios, strategies, and talked to everyone from high profile costly attorneys with lavish social media accounts, to the newest firms specializing in court martial defense. Ultimately, I stumbled across Mr. Stevens' blog. I decided to give him a call. First impressions are everything and what I can tell you is that my first impression of Mr. Stevens was that he is the guy I can put my trust in. During the consultation, I did not feel rushed like I did with others. I did not feel like I had to cash a check at that moment in order to get some ‘real advice.’ I felt as if I was talking to a friend that was giving just the right amount of guidance for that stage of the game. Mr. Stevens tactfully gave me a ‘reality check’  and  incredibly sound counsel.  His knowledge of the system is unparalleled. From consultation to hiring, I was continuously amazed at his ability to identify the intricacies of the system and how to navigate around or even through them. In my opinion, Rich knows the system better than those who run it. The investigation phase was very long. I was optimistic in terms of timeline and the 'process' that would prove my innocence. However, I was continuously let down. Mr. Stevens was able to answer a lot of the questions for me during our long waits. I can’t count how many times I look back now and can say “wow Rich was right again.” One thing I like about Rich is that he will always give you an answer or advice based on FACTS. He doesn’t tell you what you want to hear. He will tell you what you NEED to hear. When it came to questions with established facts his answers were spot on and almost seem like ‘insider information.' When it came to subjective questions about the case itself, theories, strategy, etc. Rich was always extremely calculated and answered based on the information available. During the investigation phase, Rich conducted his own investigation. I was amazed at his attention to detail and meticulousness. It was incredibly unbiased and in my opinion he conducted a superior investigation compared to the government. As we began to prepare for my defense “new information came to light” and the complainant decided not to participate and dropped their false allegations. One thing that gave me a little peace of mind at night was that Rich was on my side. An acquaintance familiar with the inner circles of the military justice system asked who I decided to have represent me. I told them “Mr. Richard V. Stevens, have you heard of him?” They just smiled and replied “I know Rich… he is the best of the best.”  No matter how early it is in your situation, speak to no one. In today’s culture a single accusation (no matter how ridiculous) will be taken as truth by the government as you find yourself preparing for a GCM. Mr. Stevens WILL prepare you for what you are going to face. He guided me through the most difficult time of my life with the utmost professionalism with the compassion of a friend.

I am a military officer who was accused of misconduct during my career. Upon direction of my commander, I faced an involuntary administrative discharge board where the government attempted to end my career. Mr. Stevens represented me during my discharge board hearing, which, like a trial, included a...n opening statement, cross-examination of government witnesses, to include my commander, and presenting of witnesses and evidence on my behalf before delivering closing arguments over multiple days. I hired Mr. Stevens, after working with another lawyer whom I fundamentally disagreed with in terms of a winning strategy. My philosophy was that the charges were somewhat petty and taking this to a board in the first place was based on a misinformed and over-reacting command climate. Interestingly, as a result of the disposition of my case, and Mr. Stevens speaking truth to power, the climate has since changed. Coming across as apologetic and throwing myself on the mercy of the board, was not the approach that I sought to take. I wanted to refute the charges, and I believed there was enough on my side to be able to do that. Ergo, I wanted a lawyer that shared the sentiment, and would then step in and SELL that narrative. Although my Area Defense Counsel mostly shared this view as well, and was very competent for his level of experience and I valued his counsel, I wanted the absolute best chance at winning this case, as this was a binding decision and a once in a lifetime event that would forever change the course my life would take. In my mind, it would have been a very regrettable decision to leave that any more to chance then necessary. While Mr. Stevens may or may not have as much notoriety as some lawyers, that isn't what makes a good lawyer. I had previously heard of Rich's work from another service-member, had looked at his website once before, and since he came recommended to me by the my appointed counsel (AC), I called him. From the first time I contacted him leading up to the case, I felt that he was frank and gruff with me about what to expect from the government and what was important to focus on to win this case. He was able to sift through the array of evidence and hearsay I had for and against me and determine the best course of action better then I or the AC ever could have. Both in the courtroom and in person he is a straight-shooter and he will set you straight and help align you with the reality of your situation, which I needed and appreciated. He is speaking from his experience dealing with the government going after you. I felt he was great at exploiting holes in the prosecutions arguments and unpreparedness in certain areas, as well as scientifically building a narrative into the minds of the board members to anticipate and control their train of thought within the limits of rational and equitable decision making. The disposition was no basis for discharge, I was retained, and have a clean slate. While your mileage may vary depending on the specifics of your case, I can wholeheartedly say that Rich is the most competent lawyer I have ever worked with, and that is saying a lot because I've interacted with 7 lawyers over my life, spoken to and have friendships with others, AND i thought that the AC was the best I had worked with, before I met Mr. Stevens! I believe this gentleman is a cut above even the top tier of lawyers out there both military and civilian. Whatever the burden of proof allows for, you will get with Rich, whatever speculation the jury or judge may have when they have to decide your case, will become as objective a decision as possible. He will SELL and paint as clear and favorable of a narrative/picture as the evidence allows for, to influence the decision makers to generate as much clemency or as favorable a decision possible. He's easy to get a hold of and always responds within 24 hours. He won't take a heavy case load so he can give each case enough attention.

"I am a military member who was falsely accused of sexual assault by an acquaintance who had been drinking and claims she was too drunk to consent. 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 prosecut...or. Initially, I was represented only by my military attorney who seemed to rarely have time for me or the questions I had. So, I released that military counsel and hired Richard Stevens. From the outset, Mr. Stevens became very involved in preparing my case for trial, to include successfully requesting an important expert witness, identifying and interviewing witnesses, and filing motions. He always answered my questions, provided timely advice, and never seemed too busy to take my calls or talk to me about the case. Mr. Stevens traveled to my base to represent me at the motion hearing, in which he had the opportunity to question the complainant under oath. It seemed that she didn't handle the questioning well. Mr. Stevens handled all of the witness questioning and arguments during the hearing, and it was clear how well prepared he was, how well he knew military law, and his performance was great. Soon after the motion hearing, 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, I would highly recommend Mr. Stevens. He truly knows his way around a military case and courtroom!"