Choose a Defense Attorney With The
Experience To Make The Right Moves

Jury Consulting: Helping You Build Solid Cases

When you and your law firm take on an important criminal case, you want to do everything you can to get a positive outcome for your client. A victory preserves your client’s rights and freedoms, and enhances your reputation in the legal world, making you more attractive to future clients. To be successful, you need to have a complete grasp of not only the facts and law, but also a thorough understanding of what motivates juries and judges as they decide cases.

My name is Stephen L. Richards, and I have more than 25 years of experience defending criminal cases in Chicago and throughout Illinois. I provide comprehensive jury consulting services to lawyers, helping them create strategically sound plans for defending clients in state and federal courts. I have taken more than 75 felony cases to jury trials and 300 others to bench trials. I have extensive experience defending capital murder cases and other serious felony charges with an excellent record of success.

Providing Successful Trial Strategies

At my Chicago jury consulting law firm, I provide a full range of support services for attorneys handling major criminal cases. Using the insight I have gained over my long career, I can help you understand the complex dynamics of jury selection and trial, such as:

  • Case themes
  • Jury perceptions
  • Dealing with hostile jurors
  • Factors that drive verdicts

I provide advice on how to take a tactical approach to voir dire and the trial itself, which can often make the difference between winning and losing.

Trust A Successful, Experienced Consultant

During my career at the Cook County Public Defender’s Office, I participated in at least 10 mock trials in capital cases. I was also a jury consultant in the Andre Crawford case, in which the defendant, convicted of 11 murders, received a no death verdict.

I can help you in all phases of case preparation, including:

  • Witness preparation
  • Conducting mock trials
  • Setting up focus groups
  • Analysis of venue
  • Advice on case value

Contact A Chicago And Rockford Mock Trial Attorney For Your Consulting Needs

If you or your firm are preparing a case and would like advice on developing a strategic case plan, the Law Office of Stephen L. Richards can assist you. To speak with an attorney and jury consultant, call me at 866-852-6426, locally at 773-467-7079 or contact me 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