Stephen L. Richards

PRO

Stephen L. Richards

4.8
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 40 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%

11 years

100%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer

Licenses

Licensed in Illinois for 40 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

Showing 1 - 5 of 12 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge

Posted by Sara | September 11, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Appeals

Best PC Lawyer in Illinois

I hired Mr. Richards to represent my husband on an appeal from a Post Conviction. During oral argument, he was well prepared, knowledgeable, and effectively argued the crux of our case. He thoroughly dissected the constitutional claims before the Court and was swift in response to questions that were... raised. It is clear from his performance, that he is well accustomed to arguing in the Appellate Court. I highly recommend him.

Posted by Paige | May 09, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Stephen Richard's review

Mr. Richards was a great lawyer! He did everything he could to make sure my case was handled in the most beneficial way. I did not have any prior convictions and he stressed the importance of that. He was able to get me the best/ most appropriate deal for the situation. He was very helpful when it ca...me to any questions I had. He was wonderful, especially being a far distance from me, he made sure to keep in contact throughout the case and to give me updates all the way through. He has also been there to help with any issues or questions I have when I comes to my supervision. He has been willing to help and very knowledgeable. If it weren't for his diligence, my case could have gone completely different. I'm very thankful for all of his hard work and understanding.

Posted by anonymous | April 28, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

A Defense Attorney to Trust

Mr. Richards exuded self confidence and knowledge of the law with regard to our case. He was always clear in his approach to defending our son. If we had questions or concerns, he always responded to our questions. He showed compassion. His inolvement did not end after the court ruling.

Posted by Kim | October 08, 2015 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Excellent Criminal Attorney

Mr. Richards definitely knows all there is to know about Criminal Law. Prior to hiring Mr. Richards, we had hired two other attorney's that failed miserably at getting justice for my son (a first time offender) who had gotten arrested for tying to be a drug dealer in Southern Illinois. With only one... Appeal left, I located Mr. Richards on the AVVO website and simply knew by the reviews written about him and his photo that he was our one last shot at justice for our son. We are so happy that we hired him. Overall, Mr. Richards was able to convince the court to reduce my son's sentence which will allow him to return to freedom in 2016. Mr. Richards was attentive, responsive to our questions & concerns and very knowledgeable about the justice system as a whole. We are so happy that we hired him. If you are considering hiring Stephen L. Richards - you're on the right path.

Posted by anonymous | October 01, 2015 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Great guy and very effective lawyer

I was arrested and accused of burglary / theft felony. I was facing 15 years of prison and had to switch lawyers as my previous one said the case could not be won. Atty Richards was very pleasant, did not make any promises but seemed certain that a better deal may be reached. He was very well known t...o the entire court house (judges, attorneys and staff) which always helped with getting our preferred schedules. He also knew which judge would be likely to issue a more favorable verdict or which prosecutor will be more likely to settle the case without trial. In the end he navigated these details so perfectly that we were offered only 2 years of second chance probation and 30 hours of community service. DOWN FROM 15 YEARS!!! I am very grateful. He also offers flexible payment plans which is important for those who due to arrest history are not employed on regular basis. His charges are comparable with industry standards although his service is definitely above that. Do not let his appearance fool you... Atty Richards looks like a good, old fashioned, absent-minded college professor but is knowledgeable and fierce during his arguments. Well worth the money.

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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."

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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

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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