Choose Defense Attorneys With Experience To Make The Right Moves

We Can Help Fight The Criminal Charges You Face

A criminal conviction can change your life. Aside from years spent behind bars, large fines and a permanent record, your reputation is at stake. When your future is on the line, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney to protect your rights and freedoms.

At the Law Office of Stephen L. Richards, we are a Chicago law firm focused on defending clients against a wide range of crimes in Cook county and throughout northern Illinois. We have built a reputation for skill, integrity and tenacious misdemeanor and felony defense. No matter how serious the crime you have been accused, no matter how complex the case may seem, you can be confident in our ability to pursue a favorable outcome.

Comprehensive Criminal Defense Representation

You do not have to wait until charges are filed to hire an attorney. If you are under investigation, we encourage you to get us involved early to ensure that your rights are protected every step of the way. Action taken early in the process can mitigate or even prevent charges from being brought against you.

We frequently handle state and federal criminal defense cases involving:

In addition to defending adults, we provide defense against charges for juvenile offenses. We handle all appeals and post-convictions, as well as expungements and pardons.

Defending You Against The Most Serious Criminal Charges

While any criminal offense can land you behind bars, some crimes have more severe consequences than others and requires a strong defense strategy. At the Law Office of Stephen L. Richards, our attorneys can defend you against murder charges, drug charges and federal crimes.

We understand that your freedom is at stake. In violent, drug and federal crimes, the state uses the full force of law enforcement to gather evidence and build a strong case against you. Our lawyers have built their careers out of winning tough fights. No case is too severe or too complex for us to defend.

An All-Out Effort To Protect Your Rights

From filing effective motions and actively participating in jury selection to every phase of negotiations or trial, we take a comprehensive approach to each case. You can count on us for:

  • Thorough investigation of all events and evidence
  • Diligent legal research to find precedents useful in your case
  • Development of personal profile information for use in fighting for acquittal or negotiating for reduced consequences
  • Knowledge of alternatives, from boot camps to diversion programs
  • Willingness to conduct skillful negotiation or to argue in front of a judge and jury

Effective defense, particularly in complex felony cases, requires a lawyer who is technologically savvy and prepared to deal with many types of evidence. We understand the DNA, scientific evidence and forensics common in today’s cases, and we can call on independent laboratories and experts in challenging the prosecution’s case against you. Because of knowledge of jury selection, our founding attorney is called upon by fellow lawyers for jury consulting services.

Don’t Wait To Get Started On Your Defense

For over 35 years, the Law Office of Stephen L. Richards has gained a reputation of success including several cases that have received national attention and set legal precedent. When you or a loved one faces criminal charges, you can rely on us to fight tirelessly on your behalf.

To schedule your free consultation, call us at , locally at 773-467-7079 or contact us online.

Notable Results

Accusation: Attempt First Degree Murder
Facing: 30 years in prison at 85%
Result: Post-conviction petition granted
Accusation: Solicitation of a Prostitute, Obstructing Justice, Battery
Facing: 30 years in prison at 85%
Result: Post-conviction petition granted
Accusation: Solicitation of a Prostitute, Obstructing Justice, Battery
Facing: 365 days in jail, loss of legal residence
Result: Post-conviction petition granted
Accusation: Solicitation of a Prostitute, Obstructing Justice, Battery
Facing: 365 days in jail, loss of legal residence
Result: All charges but battery dropped, one year expungeable supervision
Accusation: Solicitation of a Prostitute, Obstructing Justice, Battery
Facing: 365 days in jail, loss of legal residence
Result: All charges but battery dropped, one year expungeable supervision
Accusation: Attempt First Degree Murder
Facing: 365 days in jail, loss of legal residence
Result: All charges but battery dropped, one year expungeable supervision
Accusation: Attempt First Degree Murder
Facing: 30 years in prison at 85%
Result: All charges but battery dropped, one year expungeable supervision
Accusation: Attempt First Degree Murder
Facing: 30 years in prison at 85%
Result: Post-conviction petition granted