Free Consultation
$0 first 30 minutes
also known as Steve Shepard, Stephen P. Shepard
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.
.
3
Practice Areas
14 years
14 years
14 years
Free Consultation
$0 first 30 minutes
10 %
Always
Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.
Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.
Chat withState: Maryland
Acquired: 2012
No misconduct found
303 W. Pennsylvania Avenue, Towson, MD, 21204
55 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 15 reviews | General Knowledge
Posted by Cathy | March 13, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Speeding & Traffic Ticket
Great Attorney!
I had a great experience working with Steve. He handled my traffic case with professionalism and expertise. He was always available to answer my questions and kept me informed throughout the process. Thanks to his guidance, we achieved a positive outcome. I highly recommend Steve to anyone in need of...
Posted by Jason | August 21, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
THE GREATEST HUG I EVER HAD
Steve Shepard is the best attorney I could have ever asked for. But what I hold dear to my heart is that he is even a better person. I had been falsely convicted of a serious crime and facing life in prison. I hope no one ever has to go through what I went through. I fired my original attorney after ...
Posted by Todd | January 27, 2024 | Hired Attorney
Incredible Attorney!
Steve is the best attorney I have ever worked with. From our first meeting, he explained everything to me in terms I could easily understand and was always very responsive when I had questions outside of our meetings. If anyone is looking for a knowledgeable attorney at a great price, then go to S...
Posted by Quentin | December 20, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Fantastic person excellent lawyer
I just really want to thank the law office of Stephen P Shepard mr. Stephen P Shepard really helped me with what was going on in my life I had some serious charges pending against me very serious charges and doing that course my father passed away and this man right here is like an angel from God ver...
Posted by Scott | October 20, 2017 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI
Great lawyer
Stephen Shepard was hired for defense of a DUI case in Baltimore county. Upon meeting Stephen he was very professional, knowledgeable, personable, detailed, and patient. Extra time was taken to make sure everything was explained and all questions were answered including what steps to take pretrial. ...
Thank you for your review of my services. I am so glad to hear that you had a positive experience with me and my office. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to represent you. Moreover, thank you for the trust that you placed in me with your case.
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"Mr. Shepard is an exceptional attorney who zealously represents his client. I would highly recommend his services."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Shepard is a hardworking, knowledgable, and personable attorney. I would recommend his services to anyone!"
"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."
"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!"
"Stephen is a responsive, professional, and detail-oriented attorney who deeply cares about his clients. I highly recommend this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. He is quite knowledgeable and provides excellent advice. Mr. Shepard seems to really care about his clients."
"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."
"I endorse Stephen. Highly respected in the legal community with a strong reputation for client advocacy and dedication."
Criminal defense lawyer
Business lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
DUI and DWI lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Family lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Family lawyer
Family lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
2025
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2024
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2023
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2022
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2021
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
2020
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2020
Criminal Law - State Level Crimes, Lead Counsel
2020
Drunk Driving Defense, Lead Counsel
2020
Premier DUI Attorney, American Association of Premier DUI Attorneys
2020
Top 40 Under 40, National Trial Lawyers
2020
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2019
Top 40 Under 40, National Trial Lawyers
2019
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2019
Premier DUI Attorney, American Association of Premier DUI Attorneys
2019
Drunk Driving Defense, Lead Counsel
2019
Criminal Law - State Level Crimes, Lead Counsel
2019
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2018
Criminal Law - State Level Crimes, Lead Counsel
2018
Premier DUI Attorney, American Association of Premier DUI Attorneys
2018
Premier Attorney, National Academy of Jurisprudence
2018
Drunk Driving Defense, Lead Counsel
2018
Top 40 Under 40, National Trial Lawyers
2018
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2017
Premier DUI Attorney, American Association of Premier DUI Attorneys
2017
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2017
Premier Attorney, National Academy of Jurisprudence
2017
Top 40 Under 40, National Trial Lawyers
2017
Criminal Law - State Level Crimes, Lead Counsel
2017
Drunk Driving Defense, Lead Counsel
2016
Top Contributor, Avvo
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
Premier Attorney, National Academy of Jurisprudence
2016
Criminal Law - State Level Crimes, Lead Counsel
2015
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
2014
Top Contributor, Avvo
2014
Client's Choice, Avvo
2013
Top Contributor, Avvo
2025 - Present
Panel Attorney, Maryland Office of the Public Defender
2023 - Present
Of Counsel, The Law Offices of Richard K. Scott, LLC
2013 - Present
Principal, Shepard Law
2016 - 2018
Appointed Attorney, District Court Of Maryland
2015 - 2018
Appointed Defense Attorney, Maryland Office Of The Public Defender
2013 - 2018
Panel Attorney, Maryland Office Of The Public Defender
2012 - 2013
Volunteer Attorney, Maryland Office Of The Public Defender
2012 - 2012
Law Clerk, Maryland Office Of The Public Defender
2011 - 2011
Law Clerk, Maryland Office Of The Public Defender
2015 - Present
American Association of Premier DUI AttorneysFounding Member
2015 - Present
National Trial Lawyers AssociationMember
2013 - Present
Maryland Criminal Defense Attorneys' AssociationMember
2013 - Present
Baltimore County Bar AssociationMember
2012 - Present
Maryland State Bar AssociationMember
2017 - 2020
National College of DUI DefenseGeneral Member
2016 - 2019
National Association of Drug Court ProfessionalsMember
2014 - 2016
American Association for JusticeMember
2013 - 2021
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2012 - 2016
Maryland Association for JusticeMember
2011 - 2021
American Bar AssociationMember
2012
JD - Juris Doctor
2009
BA - Bachelor of Arts, Criminology and Philosophy
2023
Judge
2015
What it's Like to be a Criminal Defense Attorney
2011
English
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
What are the odds of receiving an early PBJ expungement?
06 Feb 2026
I have a benchwarrant should I turn myself in Sundaynightor Mondaymorning?
11 Oct 2025
What should I do?
12 May 2025
Understanding Expungement in Maryland
30 Jan 2016
Understanding Your Right to Remain Silent
22 Jan 2016
Understanding Maryland's New Marijuana Decriminalization Law
02 Nov 2014