Chicago, Illinois, Law Firm
I began my legal career as a law clerk for the Chief Justice of the Illinois Supreme Court — where I have since argued six cases and delivered dozens of oral arguments. I then spent more than a decade as an assistant public defender in Cook County and many more years in a leadership role with the Office of the State Appellate Defender. All of this experience now serves me well as I work to defend the rights, and the very lives, of people accused of crimes.
Skilled Representation From A Proven Criminal Defense Lawyer
If your freedom, or perhaps even your life itself, is on the line because of criminal charges, you need a resourceful, determined advocate on your side. I am Stephen L. Richards, a Chicago criminal defense lawyer with more than 25 years of experience aggressively protecting the rights of the accused. No matter how challenging your case may seem, I can help.
A Trial-Tested Attorney With A Wealth Of Complex Case Experience
My experience as a criminal defense lawyer includes more than 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 clemency was granted to death row inmates in 1993
- Multiple appellate cases that have established important precedents involving jury selection, prosecutorial misconduct and other pivotal issues
My Chicago, Illinois, law firm is located on the West Loop, a convenient location with easy-access parking. From there, I represent people accused of crimes throughout northern Illinois. I also handle civil rights cases.
Contact Me For A Free Consultation
Unlike some criminal 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.
To schedule your free consultation, call me at 866-852-6426, locally at 773-467-7079 or contact me online.