Focused, Skilled Representation by a Proven Defense Lawyer
If your freedom, or perhaps even your life itself, is on the line because of a felony arrest, you will need a resourceful, determined attorney on your side. The outcome could well depend on this advocate's knowledge of criminal law and experience in challenging cases like yours.
I am Stephen L. Richards, a Chicago criminal defense attorney with over 25 years of experience aggressively protecting the rights of the accused. After decades in the public sector, I now dedicate my efforts to private representation in serious felony cases or civil rights litigation. You can contact me anytime to request a free consultation.
A Trial-Tested Defender with a Wealth of Complex Case Experience
My experience as a criminal defense lawyer includes over 75 felony jury trials, involvement in hundreds of death penalty cases, extensive appeals work, and arguments before the Illinois Supreme Court. Among the high-profile cases I have handled are:
- Representation of one defendant in the 1993 Palatine Brown's Chicken multiple homicide, who was sentenced by a jury to life rather than the death penalty
- Successful defense of William Buck in the first Illinois capital murder case to be tried after the clemency granted to death row inmates in 1993
- Multiple appellate cases that have established important precedents involving jury selection, prosecutorial misconduct, and other pivotal issues
Felony Defense, Juvenile Representation, and Appeals in Northern Illinois
The Law Office of Stephen L. Richards are located on Chicago's West Loop, a convenient location with easy-access parking. I am available to handle your serious felony or civil rights case in Cook County, as well as DuPage, Lake, Will, McHenry and Kane counties or elsewhere in Illinois. My experience extends to drug charges and white collar defense, juvenile representation, extensive appeals work, and more.
I believe that personal attention is critical to your case and your confidence. I get to know my clients and their families and truly dig in to the cases I handle — bringing in experts if necessary but never turning you over to a less experienced assistant.
Unlike some defense lawyers, I make jail visits. I can step in and offer counsel from the moment you learn you are under investigation. When you need information or answers, you will be able to reach me directly and count on my commitment to you.
