Stephen L. Richards

PRO

Stephen L. Richards

4.8
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 39 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Chicago, IL
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense

53 west Jackson Suite 756, Chicago, IL

About Stephen

Biography

I pride myself on giving expert and caring client service based on over 30 years of experience

Practice Areas

1

Practice Area

Criminal Defense 100%

10 years

100%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer

Licenses

Licensed in Illinois for 39 years

State: Illinois

Acquired: 1985

Active and Authorized to Practice Law

No misconduct found

Location

Stephen Richards

53 west Jackson Suite 756, Chicago, IL, 60604

richardscriminallaw.com/

Online Presence

Other places you can find Stephen online.

Stephen L. Richards's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.8 /5.0

48 Client Reviews

Posted by Mr. Gant | April 23, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Hire if you want to WIN!

Perfect attorney to have on Retainer. Smartest attorney I know. Highly recommended if you want to WIN!!

Posted by Matthew | June 12, 2024 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

True Life Save

I hired Stephen while I was in custody at Kane county jail, he fought very hard to get my bond reduced and get me out of jail . I hired him for my federal Case as well. Stephen and his son Josh were always in communication through every step of the court process. Today I am able to be with my family... and be a father to my son. I got a second chance at life because of Stephen and Josh.

Posted by Laurie | March 23, 2023 | Consulted Attorney

This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.

Responsive, Professional & Straight Forward

Steve was considerate & quickly got us up to speed with accurate information. His services were valuable and critical to making decisions and accomplishing our goals. We truly appreciate his honesty!

Posted by Robert | August 18, 2021 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Full of knowledge.

This guy really is a great attorney he's helped numerous friends over come significant charges, the top picks in turn of value.

Posted by anonymous | January 1, 2021 | Consulted Attorney

This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.

Professional, Informative, Patient

I have contacted Stephen's office on several occasions and every time he has addressesed my concerns in a timely and professional manner (Even during the holidays!). I have not yet had to hire him for representation but would absolutely do so if ever I found myself in need. Stephen took the time to... listen to me in a way that I didn't feel judged and informed me when he didn't have to. I am grateful for his time and counsel and would absolutely recommend for anyone that finds themselves in need.

See All Client Reviews

Stephen L. Richards's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Stephen
Mark V. Clay headshot
Mark Clay

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I highly endorse Mr. Richards. Truly exceptional and caring attorney who produces great results in representing clients! I want all people with legal problems to contact him first."

Michael Thomas Myzia headshot
Michael Myzia

Criminal defense lawyer | May 22

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I have had the privilege of litigating against Mr. Richards and it is my privilege to endorse him. His experience and skill set are without peer and he is an absolute professional. Judges and prosecutors alike respect Mr. Richards and know that he is prepared on every case, for every court date. An absolutely phenomenal attorney."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer | May 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Stephen. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

Geneva Lynette Penson headshot
Geneva Penson

Unknown lawyer | Apr 27

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Stephen Richards is known throughout the state as a first-class trial lawyer. I have had the pleasure of working with him on more than one case and witnessing his masterful advocacy for his clients first hand. His command of the law and of the facts of any case in which he is involved is remarkable. When people facing serious criminal cases call me looking for trial counsel, there is one lawyer I recommend: Steve Richards."

Joshua Sachs headshot
Joshua Sachs

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 19

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Stephen Richards and I tried two felony jury cases together last year. He is an excellent criminal trial attorney; knowledgeable, thorough, well-prepared, skilfull and persuasive in front of a jury. Judges and prosecutors respect him."

Steven Richard Hunter headshot
Steven Hunter

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Steve Richards has honed his skills on death penalty cases, and has extensive knowledge of case law and forensic evidence."

View All Endorsements
Marshall Curtis Libert headshot
Marshall Libert

Criminal defense lawyer

Michael Thomas Myzia headshot
Michael Myzia

DUI and DWI lawyer

Thomas Gerard Cosgrove headshot
Thomas Cosgrove

Criminal defense lawyer

Jon Karl Stromsta headshot
Jon Stromsta

Litigation lawyer

Steven Allen Greenberg headshot
Steven Greenberg

Criminal defense lawyer

Geneva Lynette Penson headshot
Geneva Penson

Family lawyer

Joshua Sachs headshot
Joshua Sachs

Appeals lawyer

Steven Richard Hunter headshot
Steven Hunter

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2025

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2024

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2023

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2022

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2021

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2020

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2019

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2018

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2017

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2016

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2015

Superlawyer, Superlawyers

2015

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2014

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2013

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2012

Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers

2003

Kutak-Dodds Award, National Legal Aid and Defender Association

Work Experience

2008 - Present

Lawyer, Law Office of Stephen L. Richards

2000 - 2008

Deputy Defender, Illinois Appellate Defender

1989 - 2000

Assistant Public Defender, Cook County Public Defender's Office

1986 - 1989

Law Clerk, Illinois Supreme Court

1984 - 1986

Legal Writing Instructor, Illinois IInstitute of Technology/Chicago-Kent College of Law

Associations

Illinois Public Defender's Association

Sample of Legal Cases

People v. Encarnacion Torres

Reversed and remanded

See More Legal Cases

Education

1983

Brooklyn Law School

JD

N/A

University of Chicago

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2007

Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education

Capital Jury Selection

Publications

2007

Illinois Public Defender Association Classes/Seminars: New Ideas for Jury Selection

2003

American Bar Association The Admissibility of Expert Testimony

2001

John Marshall Law Review Reasonable Doubt Redux

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