(410) 648-4008 Stephen P. Shepard (who prefers to simply be called “Steve”) is best described as a criminal defense attorney who simultaneously helps ease the stress and discomfort of people who are accused of crimes while serving as an aggressive and passionate champion against injustice. But at the end of the day, Steve sees himself as simply a person who is trying to make the world a better place by using a mix of his experience, skills, and knowledge.
Long before founding his own criminal defense law firm in Baltimore County, Steve attended Cabrini University. There, he studied criminology and philosophy, and earned his Bachelor of Arts with honors (summa cum laude). While attending Cabrini University, Steve served as the President of the Alpha Phi Sigma National Criminal Justice Honor Society (Kappa Sigma Chapter) and the President of the Phi Sigma Tau International Honor Society for Philosophy (Beta Chapter). Steve’s first real-world exposure to the criminal justice system was through his active participation in the Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program, where students and inmates exchanged ideas on justice and collaborated on ways to promote the rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates once they were released back into society. Steve’s second real-world exposure to the criminal justice system was as an intern in the Major Crimes Unit of the District Attorney’s Office for Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. As part of his internship, Steve co-authored a grant proposal for a comprehensive motor vehicle theft prevention, investigation, and prosecution program. Lastly, Steve was selected to serve as a judge for the Annual Science Olympiad Forensic Science Competition that challenged elementary school students to demonstrate their skills at analyzing a crime scene. Steve was extremely honored to have been chosen by the Science Department Chair for the position after excelling in his college-level forensic science class.
Cabrini University has a motto: Do something extraordinary. And that was precisely what Steve intended to do by pursuing his law degree at the Appalachian School of Law. In law school, Steve concentrated his areas of study on advanced criminal law and procedure, criminal practice, appellate advocacy, and client interviewing and counseling. His article, “Negligent Hiring Liability: A Look at How it Affects the Rehabilitation and Reintegration of Ex-Offenders,” was selected for national publication in the Spring 2011 edition of the Appalachian Journal of Law. Steve was later selected to serve as the Articles Editor on the Executive Editorial Board for the Appalachian Journal of Law in his third year of law school. But during law school summers, Steve interned with the Maryland Office of the Public Defender as a law clerk and found his true calling: Helping people in need who were dealing with difficult legal challenges. After earning his Juris Doctor with honors (magna cum laude), Steve set out to fulfill that calling.
Steve began his endeavor at helping others where he first learned of his calling: The Maryland Office of the Public Defender. Steve began his career as a Volunteer Assistant Public Defender in Howard County, MD in the District Court Division. There, he primarily represented people accused of misdemeanor offenses, serious traffic offenses, DUI/DWI offenses, and violations of probation. Later, Steve transferred to the District Court Division of the Baltimore County, MD Office of the Public Defender. But Steve soon became dissatisfied with the overall acceptance of the “status quo” of the agency and decided to leave and start his own law firm premised on the simple idea of making premier representation both available and affordable to everyone.
In September of 2013, The Law Office of Stephen P. Shepard, LLC was founded based on that idea and a commitment to never become comfortable with the so-called “status quo.” Since going into private practice, Steve has received numerous awards for his legal and trial advocacy skills, been involved in various organizations to further his education and contribute to the positive development of criminal law and DUI/DWI law, and maintained his commitment to providing his clients with the best representation possible in a way that is affordable to everyone. He has handled a variety of cases during his career. No challenge is too big nor too small for Steve – if someone needs legal help, he will answer the call.
(410) 648-4008.
Practice areas
9 years
9 years
9 years
Languages spoken
English
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
MD | Active | 2012 | 03/30/2022 |
Award name | Grantor | Date Granted |
---|---|---|
Premier DUI Attorney | American Association of Premier DUI Attorneys | 2021 |
Rated Attorney | Lead Counsel | 2021 |
Client Champion Award | Martindale-Hubbell | 2021 |
Top 100 Trial Lawyers | National Trial Lawyers | 2021 |
Rising Star | Super Lawyers | 2021 |
Rising Star | Super Lawyers | 2020 |
Top 100 Trial Lawyers | National Trial Lawyers | 2020 |
Top 40 Under 40 | National Trial Lawyers | 2020 |
Premier DUI Attorney | American Association of Premier DUI Attorneys | 2020 |
Criminal Law - State Level Crimes | Lead Counsel | 2020 |
Drunk Driving Defense | Lead Counsel | 2020 |
Premier DUI Attorney | American Association of Premier DUI Attorneys | 2019 |
Rising Star | Super Lawyers | 2019 |
Criminal Law - State Level Crimes | Lead Counsel | 2019 |
Drunk Driving Defense | Lead Counsel | 2019 |
Top 40 Under 40 | National Trial Lawyers | 2019 |
Top 100 Trial Lawyers | National Trial Lawyers | 2019 |
Drunk Driving Defense | Lead Counsel | 2018 |
Top 40 Under 40 | National Trial Lawyers | 2018 |
Top 100 Trial Lawyers | National Trial Lawyers | 2018 |
Premier DUI Attorney | American Association of Premier DUI Attorneys | 2018 |
Premier Attorney | National Academy of Jurisprudence | 2018 |
Criminal Law - State Level Crimes | Lead Counsel | 2018 |
Premier Attorney | National Academy of Jurisprudence | 2017 |
Premier DUI Attorney | American Association of Premier DUI Attorneys | 2017 |
Top 100 Trial Lawyers | National Trial Lawyers | 2017 |
Top 40 Under 40 | National Trial Lawyers | 2017 |
Criminal Law - State Level Crimes | Lead Counsel | 2017 |
Drunk Driving Defense | Lead Counsel | 2017 |
Premier Attorney | National Academy of Jurisprudence | 2016 |
Criminal Law - State Level Crimes | Lead Counsel | 2016 |
Top 100 Trial Lawyers | National Trial Lawyers | 2016 |
Top 40 Under 40 | National Trial Lawyers | 2016 |
Client's Choice | Avvo | 2016 |
Top Contributor | Avvo | 2016 |
Criminal Law - State Level Crimes | Lead Counsel | 2016 |
Client's Choice | Avvo | 2015 |
Premier Attorney | American Academy of Trial Attorneys | 2015 |
Top Contributor | Avvo | 2015 |
Top 100 Trial Lawyers | National Trial Lawyers | 2015 |
Criminal Law - State Level Crimes | Lead Counsel | 2015 |
Client's Choice | Avvo | 2014 |
Top Contributor | Avvo | 2014 |
Top Contributor | Avvo | 2013 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Principal | The Law Office of Stephen P. Shepard, LLC | 2013 - Present |
Legal Technology Consultant | The Law Office of Stephen P. Shepard, LLC | 2018 - 2020 |
Appointed Attorney | District Court Of Maryland | 2016 - 2018 |
Appointed Defense Attorney | Maryland Office Of The Public Defender | 2015 - 2018 |
Panel Attorney | Maryland Office Of The Public Defender | 2013 - 2018 |
Volunteer Attorney | Maryland Office Of The Public Defender | 2012 - 2013 |
Law Clerk | Maryland Office Of The Public Defender | 2012 - 2012 |
Law Clerk | Maryland Office Of The Public Defender | 2011 - 2011 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
American Association of Premier DUI Attorneys | Founding Member | 2015 - Present |
National Trial Lawyers Association | Member | 2015 - Present |
Maryland Criminal Defense Attorneys' Association | Member | 2013 - Present |
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers | Member | 2013 - Present |
Baltimore County Bar Association | Member | 2013 - Present |
Maryland State Bar Association | Member | 2012 - Present |
American Bar Association | Member | 2011 - Present |
National College of DUI Defense | General Member | 2017 - 2020 |
National Association of Drug Court Professionals | Member | 2016 - 2019 |
American Association for Justice | Member | 2014 - 2016 |
Maryland Association for Justice | Member | 2012 - 2016 |
Publication name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
spslawoffice.com | A Guide to Maryland Expungement Law | 2016 |
spslawoffice.com | Understanding Your Right to Remain Silent | 2016 |
spslawoffice.com | Maryland's "Move Over" Law Now Includes Tow Trucks | 2014 |
spslawoffice.com | What is Drug Paraphernalia and the Related Penalties? | 2014 |
spslawoffice.com | Understanding Maryland's New Marijuana Decriminalization Law | 2014 |
spslawoffice.com | What is a Stet (or the Stet Docket)? | 2014 |
spslawoffice.com | What are the Similarities and Differences Between a Private Attorney and Public Defender? | 2014 |
Appalachian Journal of Law | Negligent Hiring Liability: A Look at How It Affects Employers and the Rehabilitation and Reintegration of Ex-Offenders | 2011 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
Appalachian School of Law | JD - Juris Doctor | 2012 |
Cabrini University | BA - Bachelor of Arts, Criminology and Philosophy | 2009 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Career Day | What it's Like to be a Criminal Defense Attorney | 2015 |
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Kevin Deltrove, Criminal defense Attorney on Sep 4, 2014
Relationship: Worked together on matter
The level of service that Stephen Shepard provides to his clients is truly remarkable. His thorough preparation of cases, excellent organization, and attention to detail all contribute to a great practice, the cornerstone of which is client service. His willingness to take extra steps for clients demonstrates his pursuit of perfection in representation. I highly recommend Mr. Shepard as an attorney.
Justin Schwemmer, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 3, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Stephen is an attorney dedicated to his profession. I recommend him for any criminal or related matters. He cares deeply about his clients, and is generous with his time both to them and to other attorneys. Stephen is a model to his peers for civility and client devotion. He will leave no stone unturned.
Matthew Bronson, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 18, 2020
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Mr. Shepard has a vast knowledge and comprehension of criminal issues that may arise during representation of clients in Maryland. Mr. Shepard puts the best interests of his alleged criminal clients at the forefront of his duties as a legal advocate. I endorse this lawyer.
Rahul Aggarwal, Unknown Attorney on Mar 23, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
An excellent lawyer who treats his clients with patience, care, understanding, and utmost professionalism. He is an even better person and I wholeheartedly recommend him for future services.
Daniel Kron, Criminal defense Attorney on Oct 19, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Simply said, Stephen is an outstanding criminal attorney. Highly recommended!
Brett Bell, Unknown Attorney on Mar 15, 2017
Relationship: Other
I endorse this lawyer.
Travis Owen, Unknown Attorney on Mar 8, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Mr. Shepard is an exceptional attorney who zealously represents his client. I would highly recommend his services.
William Fox, Unknown Attorney on Mar 7, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Shepard is a hardworking, knowledgable, and personable attorney. I would recommend his services to anyone!
James Cook, Unknown Attorney on Feb 21, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Mark Clay, Criminal defense Attorney on Sep 12, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I highly endorse Mr. Shepard. Truly exceptional and caring attorney who produces great results in representing clients! I want all people with legal problems to contact him first.
Travis Newton, DUI and DWI Attorney on Aug 3, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
David Preller, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 18, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Stephen is a well-respected attorney in Towson who I endorse without hesitation. He is very knowledgeable in the law and consistently advocates strongly for his client's position. They are lucky to have him!
Justin Schwemmer, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 3, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Stephen is an attorney dedicated to his profession. I recommend him for any criminal or related matters. He cares deeply about his clients, and is generous with his time both to them and to other attorneys. Stephen is a model to his peers for civility and client devotion. He will leave no stone unturned.
Will Denham, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 21, 2015
Relationship: Co-worker
Stephen is a responsive, professional, and detail-oriented attorney who deeply cares about his clients. I highly recommend this lawyer.
Florian Tabaku, Criminal defense Attorney on Feb 23, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. He is quite knowledgeable and provides excellent advice. Mr. Shepard seems to really care about his clients.
Nicole Whitaker, Criminal defense Attorney on Dec 29, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse Mr. Shepard with no reservation. An extremely talented and well respected attorney in the legal community. Very hardworking and diligent. Consistently achieves superior results. Advice is always practical and on point. I recommend to anyone looking for an attorney who knows the law and truly cares about protecting the rights of clients and achieving the most favorable result possible.I endorse this lawyer.
Hovanes Margarian, Unknown Attorney on Nov 30, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Eugene Belenitsky, General practice Attorney on Oct 6, 2014
Relationship: Other
I endorse this lawyer.
Dmitriy Shakhnevich, Criminal defense Attorney on Sep 28, 2014
Relationship: Other
I endorse this lawyer.
Simon Kabzan, Unknown Attorney on Sep 17, 2014
Relationship: Other
I endorse this lawyer. Excellent contributions and an asset to the AVVO community.
Richard Geller, Unknown Attorney on Sep 15, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse Stephen. Highly respected in the legal community with a strong reputation for client advocacy and dedication.
Kevin Deltrove, Criminal defense Attorney on Sep 4, 2014
Relationship: Worked together on matter
The level of service that Stephen Shepard provides to his clients is truly remarkable. His thorough preparation of cases, excellent organization, and attention to detail all contribute to a great practice, the cornerstone of which is client service. His willingness to take extra steps for clients demonstrates his pursuit of perfection in representation. I highly recommend Mr. Shepard as an attorney.
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