Choose A Defense Team With The Experience To Make The Right Moves
Your future is on the line.
Award-Winning Legal Representation In Cook County And Northern Illinois Since 1985
Defending Your Freedom And Constitutional Rights
Appeals & Post-Conviction
Criminal Defense
Civil Rights Violations
Murder Defense
Wrongful Conviction
Federal Criminal Defense
A Seasoned Defense When The Stakes Are High
The penalties are steep when you are contending with charges for suspicion of capital murder, federal drug or weapons offenses, securities fraud and other serious charges. If you are looking for a seasoned defense for a murder appeal, post-conviction trial, wrongful conviction, clemency, certificate of innocence and more, you are at the right place.
Attorney Stephen L. Richards has built a well-respected career out of winning tough battles in the courtroom for his clients. He has been leading counsel on more than 150 felony jury trials and over 300 bench trials. He won an oral argument at the Supreme Court in 2011. Now, together with his son, defense attorney Joshua S.M. Richards, the team at the Law Office of Stephen L. Richards provides a power-packed combination to defend clients in the courtroom. Call us when your future liberty is at stake.
Face The Music With Confidence
Chicago’s law enforcement officers have a long history of overstepping their legal boundaries. It may be the 21st century, but wrongful arrests and convictions still happen every day. Intimidation is the name of the game. It is understandable that you might think the prosecutors are on your side if you only cooperate with them. They are not on your side. You have a right to keep silent until you have an attorney by your side. Embrace that right and call the Law Office of Stephen L. Richards any time, night or day. We take strong action for victims of civil rights violations.
Throughout an intense career that has spanned more than 35 years, the energy and efforts of our founding attorney, Stephen L. Richards, have been focused specifically on criminal law in Chicago and northern Illinois. If you are contending with an arrest or investigation for suspicion of a criminal offense, our attorneys will listen to your side of the circumstances. We will help you understand the charges you are facing, clearly explain your legal options and be by your side so you can confidently stand before prosecutors.
Notable Results
Accusation: Attempted First-Degree Murder
Facing: 30 years in prison at 85%
Result: Post-conviction petition granted
Conviction: First-Degree Murder
Sentence: 47 years in prison
Result: Conviction reversed outright; defendant released
Accusation: First-Degree Murder
Facing: 60 years in prison
Result: Plea to second-degree murder; 15 years in prison at 50% time.
Accusation: Aggravated DUI/Death
Facing: Seven years in prison
Result: Two years of probation
An Intelligent Defense Team With Aggressive Strategies
Murder defense attorney Stephen L. Richards’ ability to skillfully navigate Illinois’ complicated criminal justice system has earned him a national award for excellence in criminal defense, the Defender Prize. He has also been listed in Chicago’s Super Lawyers list of top-rated criminal defense attorneys consecutively since 2012. Fewer than five percent of Chicago defense attorneys will make this list. He holds a 10.0 rating on Avvo, the highest rating available on the lawyer-rating site.
Do not hesitate to call the Law Office of Stephen L. Richards in Chicago at 773-467-7079 for a free consultation when you are facing any type of felony charge, including white collar offenses or when you believe you are a victim of police brutality and other civil rights violations. If you prefer, you may send us an online inquiry to arrange for a consultation.
The Law Office of Stephen L. Richards has a well-established reputation for seeking justice and upholding people’s rights.
Meet Our Team
At the Law Office of Stephen L. Richards, the individuals we represent and defend appreciate the listening skills and responsiveness of our attorneys. Our clients depend on the personal contact and clear guidance we provide through all phases of a case. We are available 24/7.
Stephen L. Richards
Joshua S.M. Richards