Law Office of Stephen L. Richards

  3.7 – 22 reviews   • Criminal justice attorney

Law Office of Stephen L. Richards 60604

Social Profile:

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.

Located In: Monadnock Building

Service Options: Online appointments· Onsite services

Appointments: richardscriminallaw.com

Hours

Friday9AM–5PM
SaturdayClosed
SundayClosed
Monday9AM–5PM
Tuesday9AM–5PM
Wednesday9AM–5PM
Thursday9AM–5PM

Address and Contact Information

Address: 53 W Jackson Blvd Suite 756, Chicago, IL 60604

Phone: (773) 817-6927

Website: http://www.richardscriminallaw.com/

View on Map

Services

Criminal Justice Attorney
Civil litigation
Incidents of police brutality or misconduct, Torture, unnecessary use of restraints, or other mistreatment while in custody or prison, False arrest, or other violations of your protected civil rights
Criminal record expungements
Expungement: These are normally used for clearing an arrest from your record. Expungements are commonly used to erase misdemeanor arrests, including retail theft, drug possession, prostitution, solicitation, vandalism, disorderly conduct and similar crimes. When I defend misdemeanor cases, I commonly ask for expungement early on, so there is no delay in clearing your record. Pardon: These are used to clear a conviction from your record. This can be a lengthy process and involves petitioning the governor, not a court. I have a solid track record of securing pardons for my clients. In addition, I was a driving force in the clemency hearings for former Gov. George Ryan. Sealing a record: Some records of old convictions or records of juvenile crime may be sealed. Sealing prevents the record from being viewed by the public, including potential employers. There are strict requirements concerning the crimes eligible for sealing, and I am very familiar with all of them.
Drug possession defense litigation
Any felony drug charge must be treated with great seriousness. Conviction on any of a wide range of drug offenses can bring a mandatory jail sentence — and the length of that sentence could be determined based on precisely where you were, who you are accused of selling to and other very specific factors in your case.
Federal criminal defense litigation
Felony defense litigation
If you or a family member has been charged with murder, attempted murder or another serious felony in northern Illinois, the quality and commitment of the defense lawyer you choose could be absolutely critical. For a free consultation with me, Stephen L. Richards — a veteran of over 75 felony jury trials, including numerous high-profile murder trials — please contact the Chicago law firm.
General criminal defense litigation
Petty crimes & misdemeanor defense litigation
In order to successfully defend clients against sex crime charges, an attorney must be aware of the unique challenges that will arise in these cases. For example, the prior bad acts of the accused are much more freely admitted and used in these cases, forcing the attorney to not only defend against the accusations at hand, but to address these prior, likely unrelated issues as well.
Appeals / Post-Convictions
Direct appeals of the conviction in your case, based on a wide range of possible violations of your rights, Post-conviction petitions — Often due to your belief that you were ineffectively represented by your previous attorney at trial, Habeas corpus appeals
Bench Trials
Burglary
If you are convicted of burglarizing a house, also known as residential burglary, you will not be eligible for probation. This is true even if it is a first offense. For this reason, it is important that you choose an attorney who can win the case, get it dismissed or negotiate reduced charges to an offense that is probational. At the Law Office of Stephen L. Richards, I will use my more than 25 years of experience to pursue the best possible results for you.
Chicago Criminal Defense Lawyer
Civil Rights
Incidents of police brutality or misconduct, Torture, unnecessary use of restraints, or other mistreatment while in custody or prison, False arrest, or other violations of your protected civil rights
Civil Rights Violations
Criminal Charges Attorney
Criminal Defense Attorney
Criminal Law
DUI defense
DUI charges must be met with seriousness. A conviction means an automatic suspension of your license and possibly other penalties, depending on your history. If you face DUI charges, you need a lawyer who is dedicated to your cause and fully capable of defending your rights.
Drug charges
Any felony drug charge must be treated with great seriousness. Conviction on any of a wide range of drug offenses can bring a mandatory jail sentence — and the length of that sentence could be determined based on precisely where you were, who you are accused of selling to and other very specific factors in your case.
Expungements and Pardons
Expungement: These are normally used for clearing an arrest from your record. Expungements are commonly used to erase misdemeanor arrests, including retail theft, drug possession, prostitution, solicitation, vandalism, disorderly conduct and similar crimes. When I defend misdemeanor cases, I commonly ask for expungement early on, so there is no delay in clearing your record. Pardon: These are used to clear a conviction from your record. This can be a lengthy process and involves petitioning the governor, not a court. I have a solid track record of securing pardons for my clients. In addition, I was a driving force in the clemency hearings for former Gov. George Ryan. Sealing a record: Some records of old convictions or records of juvenile crime may be sealed. Sealing prevents the record from being viewed by the public, including potential employers. There are strict requirements concerning the crimes eligible for sealing, and I am very familiar with all of them.
Federal Criminal Defense
Felony Defense
First Degree Murder
Fraud
Fraud covers a broad array of criminal offenses. At the Law Office of Stephen L. Richards, we frequently defend clients against fraud and fraud-related crimes such as: Medicare and Medicaid fraud, Credit card fraud, Mail fraud, Insurance fraud, Check fraud, Social Security fraud, Unemployment fraud, Forgery. With more than 30 years of experience in Chicago, we can defend against the most complex fraud charges such as those accompanied by conspiracy charges.
Jury Trials
Juvenile offenses
If your minor child has run into serious legal trouble, you may be desperate for dependable counsel to help you protect his or her future. Whatever charges your child faces, I am a dedicated criminal defense attorney prepared to investigate, negotiate and litigate on his or her behalf. If your child is being prosecuted as an adult, I will do everything possible to have the case brought back to juvenile court.
Legal Representation
Murder Charges
Murder defense
If you or a family member has been charged with murder, attempted murder or another serious felony in northern Illinois, the quality and commitment of the defense lawyer you choose could be absolutely critical. For a free consultation with me, Stephen L. Richards — a veteran of over 75 felony jury trials, including numerous high-profile murder trials — please contact the Chicago law firm.
Plea Negotiation
Post-Conviction Relief
Robbery
If you have been accused of robbery, the stakes are high. You need an attorney who is willing to work hard to chip away at the case against you, striving to reduce the charges or reduce the sentence and put you in the best position possible. Years in prison are on the line. In armed robbery cases, the minimum is 21 years, and that goes up if there are allegations of injuries to the victim. My name is Stephen L. Richards. With more than 25 years of experience on my side, I know how to attack robbery charges to obtain positive results.
Robbery Burglary
Self-Defense
Sex crimes
In order to successfully defend clients against sex crime charges, an attorney must be aware of the unique challenges that will arise in these cases. For example, the prior bad acts of the accused are much more freely admitted and used in these cases, forcing the attorney to not only defend against the accusations at hand, but to address these prior, likely unrelated issues as well.
Theft
Shoplifting, Auto theft, Theft via fraud, White collar theft, Robbery, Burglary
Trial Attorney
White collar crimes
Applying a solid understanding of current technology and both Illinois and federal criminal law, we offer a variety of services for white collar individuals such as:Embezzlement defense for those accused of using company funds for personal useFraud defense for those accused of securities fraud, mail fraud, wire fraud or industry-specific offenses such as health care fraud or mortgage fraudDefending those facing internet crimes chargesDefending against allegations of money laundering and racketeering (RICO) violationsWe know that the circumstances leading to your arrest or investigation may be extremely complex — and that evidence against you may include computer data, business records, an accounting trial and witness testimony. We are deeply familiar with effective strategies for challenging the prosecution’s case and for negotiating a plea or reduced sentence when the case against you is strong.
… View more

Photo Gallery

Related Web Results

Law Office of Stephen L. Richards

You need an experienced attorney when your future is on the line. Call the Law Office of Stephen L. Richards in Chicago. Free consultation: 773-467-7079.

Law Office of Stephen L. Richards – Home | Facebook

I am Stephen L. Richards, a Chicago criminal defense lawyer with more than 25 years of experience… 651 West Washington Boulevard Suite 205, Chicago, IL…

Law Office of Stephen L. Richards | Chicago

Sole Practitioner · Criminal Law · Certified Lead Counsel, Capital Litigation Trial Bar, Illinois Supreme Court, 2001 · Illinois, 1985 · Brooklyn Law School, …

Reviews

Nick Albukerk
I have worked with Steve for many years. When he is your lawyer you get a steely eyed attorney focused on doing everything possible to win your case. He always knows the law better than the judge and the opposing counsel. For many lawyers he is the lawyer they go to when they have questions because of his years of experience with the most difficult cases.
… more
Munkee
Steve Richards has been my Attorney for a couple years. He is caring and compassionate with his clients and has always been concerned with the case and my well-being. Both Steve and his son have helped me and I would HIGHLY recommend them for your legal needs.
… more
Lockout 618
Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, ValueWhen you call Mr. Richards he is very responsive to your call’s, question’s or concern’s. Mr. Richards takes the time to talk to you, unlike other attorneys. I don’t think I have ever met such a down to earth attorney that takes the time to listen to you. Mr.Richards is somebody that not only I trust but respect! What a great man and attorney!! If you are in need of an attorney, I would recommend him or his son that is also at the same law firm!!When you call Mr. Richards he is very responsive to your call’s, question’s or concern’s. Mr. Richards takes the time to talk to you, unlike other attorneys. I don’t think I have ever met such a down to earth attorney that takes the time to …More
When you call Mr. Richards he is very responsive to your call’s, question’s or concern’s. Mr. Richards takes the time to talk to you, unlike other attorneys. I don’t think I have ever met such a down to earth attorney that takes the time to listen to you. Mr.Richards is somebody that not only I trust but respect! What a great man and attorney!! If you are in need of an attorney, I would recommend him or his son that is also at the same law firm!!
… more
matthew Robinson
Never had an attorney that worked as hard as Stephen Richards. My bond was 5 million and another attorney told me it was hopeless but Stephen never gave up he was able to get my bond down to 2 million and I am out of jail today. But the one thing I feel is best about Stephen Richards is the communication he has always picked up my calls and my family’s calls. He would come visit me in jail and would answer every question I had and trust me facing 120 years I had a lot. I’m not one who does reviews but I just want the people to know if you are stuck in jail giving up all hope call Stephen and have him come meet with you he is the best.
… more
Diane Chavez
Whether your criminal case is complex or simple, a lot can happen in the criminal process to derail your future. I cannot overstate to you the importance of choosing the right attorney to represent you when you face criminal charges. It is the single most important decision of your life you will make, and Stephen Richards is the best person you can trust to represent you to the utmost.
… more
Stephen Williams
Very professional and knowledgeable, definitely have the interest of their clients in mind while handling affairs.
… more
Catherine Prettyman
Stephen Richards was my husbands attorney on a first degree murder charge. There was absolutely no physical evidence against my husband. There were alibi witnesses and coroner evidence that he could not have killed the victim. Lead detective perjured herself on the stand. Mr. Richards refused to do anything we asked him to do as our attorney. He did not call the alibi witnesses. He did not object to things he should have. Even the supreme court states in their opinion that he threw doubt on his own clients innocence. He did not object to state not preserving evidence. He single handedly put my husband and father of our four children in prison for life without possibility of parole. In the 15 months we waited for trial he spent 5 hours with my husband. He did not investigation of his own. He did nothing. He was complicit in my husbands conviction. Unless you have hundreds of thousands of dollars to buy his time he will take what you have and give you nothing in return. The Supreme Court sited 56 areas of ineffective assistance of counsel in its opinion.
… more
Vickie Jett
I am very grateful to all of Mr. Richards hard work for helping my brother through the toughest time in his life. You can trust him to be a competent and completely honest lawyer that gets the job done. He gave him back his future!!!!!!!!!!!
… more
Isaac Dearborn
Don’t ever choose this trash Lawyer. He would lose your case, he is lazy lawyer, just willing to take the money and don’t do any work. and the worst of all, he would fully cooperate with the prosecutor against his own clients.
… more
Ricky Wells
Mr Richards saved my life i was sentenced to 31 year’s in jail I hired Mr Richards to do my appeal he came to jail to check on me and let me know about my case but the most important thing was Mr Richards gave me hope now im home with my family and friends thanks to Mr Richards i did 4 year’s instead of 31 year’s god bless you Mr Richards and i love you you gave me my life back
… more
… View more

Leave a Comment

Please rate

Do not miss this experience!

Ask us any questions

Get in touch