Accusation: Attempted First-Degree Murder
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
When you face severe felony charges in Chicago or elsewhere in Illinois, you need a criminal defense lawyer who knows how to handle high-stakes situations. Who you choose significantly impacts your case and the potential consequences for your future.
At the Law Office of Stephen L. Richards, our Chicago criminal defense attorneys focus exclusively on defending people against complex, high-level felony charges, bringing together more than 50 years of collective criminal defense experience. Firm founder Stephen L. Richards has successfully overturned convictions in twelve murder cases and won seven out of nine appeals before the Illinois Supreme Court. Furthermore, his commitment to justice earned him the esteemed Defender Prize from the National Legal Aid and Defender Association in 2003. Finally, our firm offers around-the-clock accessibility to make sure you always know what’s happening with your case and address your questions or concerns.
Choose a defense team with the experience to make the right moves. Contact the Law Office of Stephen L. Richards now for a consultation.
Our defense attorneys handle many serious felony cases in Chicago land and throughout Illinois. Some cases we take include:
Appeals and post-conviction relief provide ways to challenge wrongful…
Juvenile charges can significantly affect a young person’s future…
In Chicago, it’s no secret that law enforcement officers have a history…
Murder, manslaughter, and similar charges involve accusations that…
Wrongful convictions occur when a jury finds an innocent person guilty due…
Our justice system and those who participate in it are imperfect.
A criminal conviction can
change your life.
Taking Action For Victims
Of Civil Rights
Using Legal And Technical Knowledge For A Strong Murder Defense
Illinois prisons see thousands of people behind bars for a variety of crimes.
When the authorities accuse you of murder or another high-level felony, everything about your case becomes more complicated. The charges alone can bring intense pressure from the police, prosecutors, and the media. Police officers might act friendly or reassuring, and prosecutors may claim they want to “help” you clear things up. But make no mistake. Their primary goal is a conviction, not protecting your interests or freedom.
These factors are why you need experienced Chicago criminal defense lawyers on your side. At the Law Office of Stephen L. Richards, we deeply understand how prosecutors handle complex felony charges. With more than 50 combined years of experience in defending serious crimes, we know the strategies prosecutors use and how to counter them. Our team can thoroughly investigate every detail of your case, challenge weak evidence, and fight tirelessly for the best possible outcome. From securing crucial evidence to handling plea deal negotiations and presenting a defense to a jury, our experience means you’re always a step ahead.
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.
In some cases, yes. Our attorneys can negotiate with prosecutors for outcomes like diversion programs, reduced charges, or conditional dismissals. These options can help you avoid a lasting criminal record, but the specifics depend on your charges and background.
Public defenders are qualified lawyers, but they often manage heavy caseloads, which limits their ability to give your case personal attention. A private firm like ours provides dedicated resources and time to thoroughly fight your charges and achieve the best possible outcome.
Our firm uses a flat-fee payment structure. We never charge per court date. This approach benefits you, as we’re motivated to resolve your case quickly, efficiently, and favorably, with no hidden costs or unexpected fees.
People facing drug charges in Chicago often come to us genuinely confused about what they’ve actually been charged with. And honestly, that confusion is understandable. The terms get used loosely, sometimes interchangeably, and the distinction between possession with intent to
A felony conviction in Illinois does not close every door. What it does do is start a series of deadlines, and missing those deadlines can cost you options that might otherwise still be available. In our experience working with clients
A murder charge in Illinois is unlike anything else in the criminal justice system. The stakes are not just high. They are life-altering in a way that most people never fully grasp until they are standing inside a Cook County
People facing drug charges in Chicago often come to us genuinely confused about what they’ve actually been charged with. And honestly, that confusion is understandable. The terms get used loosely, sometimes interchangeably, and the distinction between possession with intent to
A felony conviction in Illinois does not close every door. What it does do is start a series of deadlines, and missing those deadlines can cost you options that might otherwise still be available. In our experience working with clients
A murder charge in Illinois is unlike anything else in the criminal justice system. The stakes are not just high. They are life-altering in a way that most people never fully grasp until they are standing inside a Cook County
A murder charge in Illinois does not arrive quietly. It arrives with handcuffs, a holding cell, and a clock that starts ticking the moment police take someone into custody. What happens in those first hours and days shapes the entire
When the justice system is breathing down your neck, choose a defense team with the experience to make the right moves. Call the Law Office of Stephen L. Richards now or complete our contact form for a consultation.
