Ray Edward Richards II

Ray Edward Richards II

4.5
Rating: 8.8

Licensed for 28 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at TROY, MI
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, Federal Crime, Litigation ... +2 more

200 East Big Beaver Rd, TROY, MI

This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2014
See Details

About Ray

Biography

Practice Areas

5

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 45%

State Court felony and misdemeanor Criminal Defense.

29 years

45%
Federal Crime 40%

Federal Criminal Defense Nationwide.including but not limited to drug/narcotics trafficking and possession prosecution, public corruption, white collar crime, grand jury investigation defense

29 years

40%
Entertainment 5%

Contract review and negotiation;business planning and litigation

5%
Litigation 5%

Drug and Property Forfeiture matters involving criminal prosecutions

29 years

5%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 30 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Michigan for 28 years

State: Michigan

Acquired: 1997

Active in Good Standing

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

Avvo Review Score

4.5 /5.0

30 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (30) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 2 of 2 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge

Posted by Jacqueline | November 13, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

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! ...Thank you Attorney Richards for going above and beyond for your client's!!

Posted by anonymous | May 07, 2014 | Criminal Defense

Ray Richards

I hired Mr. Richards for a federal issue that I got myself into. From the beginning to the end of this dilemma, Mr. Richards was proactive, professional and fair. His experience with federal issues from the beginning of the process all the way down to the sentencing guidelines was evident. He has a g...reat reputation. He knew exactly what to say when to say it and keep me informed every step of the way. I'm very happy with the representation that I received. I highly recommend Mr. Richards as an attorney.

See All Client Reviews

Ray Edward Richards II's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Ray
Joseph A. Lavigne headshot
Joseph Lavigne

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Stevin James Groth headshot
Stevin Groth

Federal crime lawyer | May 16

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"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."

G. David Guinn headshot
G. Guinn

Criminal defense lawyer | May 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Angela Kathleen Howell headshot
Angela Howell

Criminal defense lawyer | May 14

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"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."

Isa Mutata Kasoga headshot
Isa Kasoga

Criminal defense lawyer | May 13

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"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."

William C. Rosenfelt headshot
William Rosenfelt

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Paul Karl Siepmann headshot
Paul Siepmann

Litigation lawyer | Aug 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

James R. Acho headshot
James Acho

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

View All Endorsements
Joseph A. Lavigne headshot
Joseph Lavigne

Criminal defense lawyer

Andrew D. Stacer headshot
Andrew Stacer

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Isa Mutata Kasoga headshot
Isa Kasoga

Criminal defense lawyer

Stevin James Groth headshot
Stevin Groth

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Stephen Drew

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Dean D. Elliott headshot
Dean Elliott

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Joseph Ceglarek

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Delphia Burton

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Odie T Uddyback III headshot
Odie Uddyback

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Craig O. Pavlock headshot
Craig Pavlock

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Ray Paige

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James Dimitriou

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John Egan

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David Thomas

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Paul Siepmann

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James Acho

Employment and labor lawyer

Experience

Rating:  8.8 (Excellent)

Professional misconduct

This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2014.

Suspension issued in MI, 2014

updated on 04/30/2014

Suspension 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 Association

Member

2013 - Present

Wayne County Criminal Defense Bar Association

Member

2008 - Present

Shamrock Bar Association

Board of Directors

2007 - Present

Federal Criminal Justice Act Panel

Member

2006 - Present

National Criminal Defense College

Member

2005 - Present

National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys

Member

1997 - Present

State Bar of Michigan

Member

2007 - 2008

Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan

Member

2003 - 2006

D. Augustus Straker Bar Association

Member

2002 - 2004

Oakland County Bar Association

Member

2001 - 2006

American Trial Lawyers Association

Member

2001 - 2007

Michigan Trial Lawyers Association (Detroit chapter)

Member

1999 - 2000

D. Augustus Straker Bar Association

Secretary

1997 - 2002

Recorders Court Bar Association

Member

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

See More Legal Cases

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

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

2010

Don Diva Magazine Gettin it poppin can get you popped!

2009

Don Diva Magazine Detroit's Criminal Defense Powerhouse

Languages

Spanish

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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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
    This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2014
    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