Richard Alan Simmons

Richard Alan Simmons

also known as Richard A. Simmons, Richard Simmons

5.0
Rating: 9.0

Licensed for 25 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Annapolis, MD
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI, Personal Injury

147 Old Solomons Island Road, Ste 401, Annapolis, MD

About Richard

Biography

Practice Areas

3

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 40%

As a former assistant public defender, Mr. Simmons has significant experience handling difficult and often times serious criminal cases. His combination of experience and expertise will assist you. Call 410-286-1862

26 years

40%
DUI and DWI 40%

Do not allow a DUI/DWI arrest to ruin your life. Mr. Simmons is an experienced attorney with the legal knowledge to defend your rights. Mr. Simmons will significantly assist you in mitigating often harsh consequences. Call 410-286-1862

26 years

40%
Personal Injury 20%

Mr. Simmons has built his reputation by successfully defending and advocating for his clients. He is committed to ensuring his client’s legal affairs will be given the same level of attention that he would expect to receive. Call 410-286-1862

26 years

20%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 60 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Maryland for 25 years

State: Maryland

Acquired: 2000

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Law Office of Richard A. Simmons

147 Old Solomons Island Road, Ste 401, Annapolis, MD, 21401

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Richard Alan Simmons's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

94 Client Reviews

Showing 1 - 5 of 9 reviews | Compassion

Posted by anonymous | June 08, 2025 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

Straight shooter!

I retained Richard Simmons to represent me after I was pulled over for an alleged DUI. I loved his straight, no nonsense approach. He stated his fee up front, I paid it and didn’t pay anything else…and six months passed between my arrest and my court date. At my hearing, he went over the dash cam foo...tage and questioned the arresting officer on police tactics and procedures. He proved, rather quickly , that there was no legal reason to have pulled me over. The state argued otherwise, but the judge agreed with Mr. Simmons and the case was thrown out. As I’ve never had any priors, not even a speeding ticket, this was the most stressful period I’ve experienced in my life. Richard literally lifted a massive weight off my chest. He shoots straight with his clients AND in the court room. Watching him work his expertise in the court was amazing. He knows his stuff. I would highly recommend retaining Richard Simmons should you need legal help.

Posted by Sandra | November 25, 2024 | Hired Attorney

Rich does his research and is outstanding in every way!

To anyone considering legal representation by Rich Simmons, I do not hesitate to full-heartedly recommend him. Rich is smart, deeply caring, listens, and does his homework before presenting his case. We are extremely pleased in every way. We thank him for a job extremely well done. Thank you, Sandra

Posted by AL | January 12, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Richard Simmons: Excellent Representation!

Richard was recommended to us by another attorney, due to his strong reputation for cases like mine. We hired Richard to handle my case based on this recommendation. My case was seemingly impossible to get a positive outcome. Richard understood the situation, laid out a clear and solid plan th...at would not only help my standing in court, but also helped me grow as an individual. He always conveyed a positive attitude and provided me with our status details, whether it was good news or bad. Richard had a game plan ready to address all scenarios the prosecutor could play out. He was ready. We faced an aggressive prosecutor, but Richard was very skillful throughout the hearing. He has a clear and immense understanding of the law, the courtroom, and the opponent. I felt very confident with Richard defending me. I ended up with the best possible outcome. Richard understands bad things can happen to good people, and his goal is to get you back on track. My family and I are very happy Richard represented me. I would highly recommend Richard Simmons if you ever need solid, professional representation. Hands down, the best!

Posted by Shane | September 08, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

Amazing lawyer!

Rich has defended me twice. Both times I had more than favorable outcomes. I'm also a worry wart and i get nervous at the drop of the hat. If ever I had any questions he was very patient with me and assured that I'll be ok. I totally recommend him. Hopefully I won't have any more legal troubles but i...f I do he's the first person I'll call. He also takes his time with his clients and carefully assesses the case and is well prepared for anything that may happen in the court room. If you hire Rich you'll defiantly have a great outcome. You couldn't be in any better hands than Richard A. Simmons...

Richard Simmons

Replied last September 08, 2017

Shane, Thank you for your kind comments.

Posted by anonymous | April 27, 2017 | Hired Attorney

Great lawyer

Well knowledgeable about the laws. He was there every step and didn't judge me for my mistakes. Gave support where he needed and guided me in the right direction. Have recommended him to several people already and would highly recommend him to anyone needing a lawyer.

See All Client Reviews

Richard Alan Simmons's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Richard
Michael John Berman headshot
Michael Berman

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 14

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"When I was an ASA, if I saw Mr. Simmons was on the other side, I gave my file another once over. Mr. Simmons is an extremely hardworking advocate for his clients (who were always extremely well mitigated thanks to Rich). He is diligent and highly competent. I endorse him without hesitation."

Bennett James Wills headshot
Bennett Wills

Unknown lawyer | Aug 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Anthony Richard Tuorto headshot
Anthony Tuorto

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 03

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer."

Stephen Patrick Shepard headshot
Stephen Shepard

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Simmons is a knowledgeable and skilled attorney who regularly contributes valuable content to the Avvo Q&A boards. He is a valuable member of the Maryland bar and the Avvo community."

Erin Hayley Snyder headshot
Erin Snyder

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 17

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Very knowledgeable and cares about his clients."

Michael Stuart Neall headshot
Michael Neall

Civil rights lawyer | Sep 10

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Richard Simmons is without a doubt one of the best attorneys I have ever worked with. He has the knowledge and skill to handle any criminal case. He is also a skilled civil litigator. Not only is he great at what he does but he is also a great person to boot. I would use him if I ever had the need."

Michael P Darrow headshot
Michael Darrow

Unknown lawyer | Sep 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Brian David Lyman headshot
Brian Lyman

Litigation lawyer | Sep 07

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Rich is a contentious and service oriented litigator. His organization skills and case preparation are excellent. It was a pleasure co-counseling a major litigation with him."

James Eric Gibson headshot
James Gibson

Litigation lawyer | Sep 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work. I have known Rich for several years. In my opinion, he displays the characteristics that make him an excellent attorney: integrity; diligence, expericence and commitment to his client's causes."

Stephen P Norman headshot
Stephen Norman

Personal injury lawyer | Sep 25

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Mr. Simmons is an excellent attorney. In my experience working with Mr. Simmons he has involved himself in every aspect of his client's case and gotten to know his clients on a personal level. I goes above and beyond the typical role of an attorney to present his client's the highest probability of success. I endorse this lawyer's work and would not hesitate to recommend him or refer matters to him."

Stacey Burnett Rice headshot
Stacey Rice

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work. He is smart, hard working, respected, and very professional."

Ryan J Foran headshot
Ryan Foran

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work. He is a talented lawyer that is well qualified and prepared."

View All Endorsements
Erin Hayley Snyder headshot
Erin Snyder

Criminal defense lawyer

Ronald M Naditch headshot
Ronald Naditch

Family lawyer

Michael P Darrow headshot
Michael Darrow

Business lawyer

Michael Stuart Neall headshot
Michael Neall

Debt collection lawyer

Warren Washburn Davis III headshot
Warren Davis

Constitutional lawyer

Christopher Redmond Dunn headshot
Christopher Dunn

Civil rights lawyer

Jennifer Anne Pratt headshot
Jennifer Pratt

Estate planning lawyer

Brian David Lyman headshot
Brian Lyman

Litigation lawyer

Stephen P Norman headshot
Stephen Norman

Personal injury lawyer

James Eric Gibson headshot
James Gibson

Divorce and separation lawyer

Ryan J Foran headshot
Ryan Foran

Personal injury lawyer

Stacey Burnett Rice headshot
Stacey Rice

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.0 (Superb)

Honors

2018

Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2002

Outstanding Assistant Public Defender, State of Maryland - Office of the Public Defender

1999

Recognition for Tireless Commitment to Making the Roadways Safer, Mothers Against Drunk Driving

Work Experience

2003 - Present

Principal, Law Office of Richard A. Simmons

2000 - 2003

Assistant Attorney, State of Maryland - Office of the Public Defender

1995 - 2000

Police Officer, Anne Arundel County Police Deparment

1993 - 1995

Police Officer, Annapolis City Police Department

Associations

2009 - Present

Anne Arundel County Bar Association

Member

2003 - Present

Maryland Criminal Defense Attorneys' Association

Member

2000 - Present

United States District Court for the District of Maryland

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

Arnold man fined $500 for hindering county police

Not Guilty: Assault

Arnold man not guilty in police attack

Man Shot By Anne Arundel Co. Police Files Lawsuit

pending

See More Legal Cases

Education

2000

University of Baltimore School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1991

Loyola College of Maryland

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution