Law Office of Stephen L. Richards is a Chicago criminal defense firm serving Cook County and northern Illinois since 1985. Its practice concentrates on serious felony allegations, including murder, homicide, violent crimes, drug trafficking, federal offenses, weapons violations, sex offenses, and juvenile matters. The firm also handles civil rights disputes involving unlawful searches, coerced confessions, excessive force, and police misconduct, providing representation across investigative, trial, and appellate proceedings.
Law Office of Stephen L. Richards has secured reversals in 12 murder convictions, including a case in which an appellate court overturned a first-degree murder conviction and released a defendant serving a 47-year sentence. Its work examines trial records, flawed forensic evidence, inconsistent witness accounts, questions about evidence preservation, improper jury instructions, and prosecutorial misconduct to identify grounds for challenging wrongful convictions through appellate and post-conviction litigation.
Law Office of Stephen L. Richards reports seven successful outcomes in nine cases before the Illinois Supreme Court. Its extensive capital litigation and death penalty defense includes representation in the Palatine Brown's Chicken multiple-homicide prosecution, where a defendant received life imprisonment rather than execution. In another first-degree murder prosecution carrying a potential 60-year sentence, the firm negotiated a second-degree murder plea resulting in a 15-year term.
Law Office of Stephen L. Richards brings more than 50 years of combined criminal defense experience, with a record spanning over 150 felony jury trials and involvement in hundreds of death penalty cases. Its founding attorney received the 2003 Defender Prize from the National Legal Aid and Defender Association. These achievements reflect the firm's emphasis on serious litigation, detailed preparation, and constitutional protections. Its litigation addresses jury selection violations.
Law Office of Stephen L. Richards assists clients from the earliest investigation through pretrial motions, jury selection, plea negotiations, sentencing, and later appeals. It reviews police reports, surveillance recordings, and testimony, consults appropriate forensic specialists, and offers jail visits and flexible flat-fee arrangements. Available around the clock, the firm provides free initial consultations at its West Loop Chicago office and by telephone. Families can request prompt case updates.
