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Ray Edward Richards II
About Ray
Biography
Attorney Ray Richards your Counsel, Conscience and Champion!
Attorney Ray Richards II was born and raised in the City of Detroit.
His thriving trial and business consulting strategy practice has been serving the Metro Detroit area for over a decade!
He is a proud established Trial attorney specializing in State and Federal Criminal Defense; Civil litigation and Corporate Transactions; Personal Injury and Sports and Entertainment Law.
A well respected courtroom advocate, he has tried and litigated criminal and civil cases Nationwide and represented clients internationally in the civil and criminal courts in the U.K., Canada and Spain.
He is a member of the prestigious Federal C.J.A. Panel of attorneys who are selected by a committee of Metro Detroits finest Criminal Defense Attorney's to represent indigent Criminal Defendants in Federal Court charged with felonies ranging from major drug conspiracies, white collar crimes and death penalty cases.
Mr Richards is known for his tough aggressive but gentlemenly style of trial litigation and negotiation. His cross examination and Closing arguments are the hallmark of his abilities. His presence on Criminal Defense teams as a master strategist has been heralded in some of the City of Detroits major Criminal Litigation on and behind the scenes.
He has been known to negotiate, as a last resort, some of the most brow raising plea resolutions when it most benefits his clients accused of serious crimes.
Mr. Richards is a graduate of Detroit Catholic Central High School; Grand Valley State University and the Ohio Northern Claude W. Pettit College of Law.
Mr. Richards is a frequent speaker at church and law and corporate related events.
At the law office of Ray Richards...Its not over till we say its over!
Cell#
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Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Michigan for 28 years
State: Michigan
Acquired: 1997
Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 2014
Location
Ray E Richards II
200 East Big Beaver Rd, TROY, MI, 48083
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Ray Edward Richards II's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 30 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Joshua | August 30, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Scammer beware!!!!
This man will take all your money and then when it’s time to fight the case he will find some false conflict of interest and jump off your case and leave you high and dry!!!
Posted by anonymous | April 7, 2023 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
TERRIBLE
Mr. Richards is the worst. Poor communication he have been working my case for 3 years I have not yet seen no results or updates. He’s never available he is a scam his office isn’t even his office it’s building for multiple lawyers who just sat up meetings their his secretaries are rude the worst I p...
Posted by anonymous | July 30, 2022 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Terrible
Had a terrible experience with Ray took my husbands case two years ago made promises and did absolutely nothing, after two years I had to ask for my retainer back which he took $1000 out of, he did nothing but give us the rub around about Covid, never went to court never built a case do not give this...
Posted by Jacqueline | November 13, 2018 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Ray Richards top notch Attorney!
I contacted Attorney Richards regarding my son Malik Lemons who for the first time of his life facing criminal charges, Mr. Richards not only calmed my frantic nerves by being there whenever my son and I called with questions regarding his case explaining as well as teaching he and I of his rights! ...
Posted by Kevin | May 23, 2018 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Client
Mr. Richards is a Godsend!!! I had know idea what to do!! I just got my second DUI in one of the toughest areas in Oakland County (W, Bloomfield) and I was losing my mind!! First he calm me down and he lead and guided me through the process step by step like he could see the future and was honest wit...
Ray Edward Richards II's Lawyer Endorsements
"Ray is very hard working and does an outstanding job for his clients. He is well prepared, dedicated and a pleasure to work with. He is the kind of attorney you want to have on your side."
"I endorse this lawyer...We have been involved in complex criminal litigation for the past 6 years in Federal Court. Ray has all the tools of a powerful advocate, plus he is personable and willing to listen. Top notch attorney."
"I have known Attorney Ray Richards II for over 20 years! He is professional,knowledgable, and experienced in all criminal matters involving all levels of government, big or small. Attorney Richards has always been been a zealous advocate for his client's and their rights under the constituion. He is a WARRIOR in the courtroom and he is the man to call when your freedom is at stake. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Ray Richards epitomizes professionalism and expertise. I've had the pleasure of working with him and learning from him. He is organized and thorough; dogmatic, yet compassionate; imperious yet easy to work with. He is a great attorney and true leader."
"I have known Ray Richards personally and professionally for six years. All attorneys should aspire to be as dedicated to protecting their clients rights and interests as is Ray Richards. I have not worked with a more diligent and competent professional."
"I have known Ray for 20 years. He epitomizes class, character and compassion with his actions, deeds and words. He is a consummate professional and I would not hesitate to recommend him to any one in need of his services."
"I've known Ray Richards for going on twenty years. He is an incredibly experienced, highly effective litigator. Any client retaining Mr. Richards will have an excellent advocate on their side."
"Ray Richards is one of a select few attorneys that myself and our firm refer criminal cases too. The 2 things that matter most to me/us: 1) Ray consistently gets excellent results for clients, and 2) his reputation in this business after 12+ years of practice is very good. Fellow attorneys respect him, and so do Judges. That speaks volumes. If you want to know what someone's future results will look like, look at their track record. NBA GM's and high ranking people from the sports world trust him to represent them, and I trust him with clients I'm unable to represent. I recommend Ray to anyone who wants an aggressive but reasonably-priced lawyer who knows the Courts, the Judges, and the CJ system."
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Experience
Professional misconduct
This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2014.
Suspension issued in MI, 2014
updated on 04/30/2014Suspension means an attorney lost his or her license to practice law for a period of time. The attorney typically returns to practicing law when the suspension expires.
Ray’s comment:
“I in an unfortunate turn of events, made a mistake had to answer to the same. I learned from my mistake and I am a better person and certainly a better lawyer because of it! I am now active and in good standing and once again fervently fighting on behalf of the accused. As I often tell my clients, that "Your past/present situation is not your final destination.The best is yet to come! " Because of my past unintentional transgression I bear witness to that quote. Stay tuned!”
Honors
2025
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2019
Platinum Client Champion Award, Martindale-Hubbell®
2018
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2017
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2016
Community Lawyer Award, True Resurrection M.B.C.
2016
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2015
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2014
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
1997
Barrister of the Year, Ohio Northern College of Law
1997
Moot Court Executive Board Member of the Year, Ohio Northern University College of Law
1997
Book Award for Trial Advocacy, Ohio Norther College of Law
N/A
Advocacy Award, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Work Experience
2010 - Present
Managing Partner, Richards & Associates PLC
1998 - 1999
Deputy Defender, State Defender Office
1997 - 1998
Grad Intern/Staff Attorney, Backer Lanctot Schoolmaster Taylor and Hom PLLC
1993 - 1997
Graduate Law Clerk, Drew Cooper and Anding PC
1992 - 1993
Intern, US Attorney Office Western District
Associations
2014 - Present
National Trial Lawyers AssociationMember
2013 - Present
Wayne County Criminal Defense Bar AssociationMember
2008 - Present
Shamrock Bar AssociationBoard of Directors
2007 - Present
Federal Criminal Justice Act PanelMember
2006 - Present
National Criminal Defense CollegeMember
2005 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense AttorneysMember
1997 - Present
State Bar of MichiganMember
2007 - 2008
Criminal Defense Attorneys of MichiganMember
2003 - 2006
D. Augustus Straker Bar AssociationMember
2002 - 2004
Oakland County Bar AssociationMember
2001 - 2006
American Trial Lawyers AssociationMember
2001 - 2007
Michigan Trial Lawyers Association (Detroit chapter)Member
1999 - 2000
D. Augustus Straker Bar AssociationSecretary
1997 - 2002
Recorders Court Bar AssociationMember
Sample of Legal Cases
State v C. R.
Case dismissed
State v K.H.
Case dismissed at Preliminary Exam
State v Porch
Attempt Murder Dismissed, Client plead to disorderly conduct
US v White
Not Guilty on all Counts
City vs Pletske
Not Guilty Verdict
State vs Pletske
Case dismissed before trial
State v Saunders
Case dismissed before trial
State v Young
Client convicted of Second Degree Murder after the first mistrial.
In re V.T., T.P. L.P.
Decision not to prosecute/indict clients
US v E.H,
Not Guilty on all but one count of the indictment.
State v P.D.
Plea to impaired driving(the lowest charge one can negotiate a DUI case short of reckless driving), all other charges dismissed.
State vs A.J.
Jury convicted only on being in vehicle after the fact – not guilty of armed robbery, and all of weapons related felonies including the minimum max/mandatory weapons charges.
State v C.S.
Favorable Plea negotiation for client
State v Doe/Combs
Very favorable Plea negotiation on behalf of client
US v Bivens-Bell
Federal Diversion Program. Case Dismissed.
U.S. vs Ramos
Probation
State v Wilson
Dismissal of the felony charges and a plea to a reduced charge. All other misdemeanor outstanding cases dismissed.
State vs Stamps
Case dismissed just before opening statements
State vs Garran
Case dismissed at preliminary exam
State vs Terry
Not Guilty
State vs Stuckey
Not Guilty
State vs Jones
Not Guilty
Education
1996
Ohio Northern University - Claude W. Pettit College of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1993
Grand Valley State University
Bachelor of Science
Speaking Engagements
2019
Graduate Student Lecture Series
The Crossing of the Crusades of Social Work and Criminal Defense-We are all in this together!
2015
Young Black Mens Conference
Hands Up, Shut Up and Hope for the Best
2013
Young Black Male Development Conference
Law and the African American Male
2013
Rodney Heard Foundation Sports Camps
The Law and the Athlete
2012
Community education and Job Fair
Know your Rights and Keep your Liberty!
2011
Rodney Heard Basketball Camp
Representing the Celebrity Athlete
2010
Alpha Phi Alpha Inc Regional
Law and College Life
2009
Law and our Community
Ask the Lawyer!
2007
Ask a Lawyer!
Ask a Lawyer the Questions that you always wanted answers to!
Publications
2017
Chaldean News
How Businesses Can Stay out of Legal Trouble!
2016
Macomb Daily
Man sentenced to four years in best friend's death
2016
Detroit News
Man gets 4-15 years in prison in DUI death of friend
2013
F.E.D.S. Magazine
Federal Appeals 101
2013
F.E.D.S. Magazine
Shut up and Save yourself from yourself!
2012
F.E.D.S. Magazine
White Collar Crime
2011
F.E.D.S.
A Good Defense is a Good Offense
2011
Detroit Native Sun
Michigan first Offense DUI Law Consequences
2010
Don Diva Magazine
Gettin it poppin can get you popped!
2010
ESPN News
Pleas expected in Toledo scandal
2009
Don Diva Magazine
Detroit's Criminal Defense Powerhouse
2009
Languages
Spanish
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
Demand for discovery in a felony case?
12 Jan 2018
Q&A
What will happen at this hearing ?
10 Jan 2018
Legal Guides
Legal Guide
Keep your mouth shut and Call a Lawyer!
07 May 2014
Legal Guide
Outstanding Warrants, Probation Violations, Failure to Appear for Former Michigan Residents
07 May 2014
Legal Guide
Driver’s License Restoration
07 May 2014