Richard S. Jaffe

Richard S. Jaffe is a lawyer, Founding and Senior Partner at Jaffe, Hanle, Whisonant & Knight, P.C., focused on criminal defense law in state and federal courts. He has tried hundreds of jury trials and represented thousands of clients during a career spanning more than 40 years. His practice includes white-collar criminal defense, serious felony matters, federal cases, and death penalty litigation. He has represented professionals, public officials, business leaders, and individuals facing significant criminal accusations.

Mr. Jaffe earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Alabama. He later received his J.D. from the University of Alabama School of Law, where he represented the school on the National Moot Court Team. After graduation, he began his legal career as an Assistant Attorney General in Alabama’s criminal appellate division. He later served as Deputy District Attorney for Tuscaloosa County.

Mr. Jaffe has represented more than 60 people facing the death penalty and has handled six federal death penalty cases. His experience includes serving as lead counsel in new trials that resulted in acquittals for three individuals previously sentenced to death. He became a board-certified Criminal Trial Specialist through the National Board of Trial Advocacy and has held leadership roles with major criminal defense organizations.

Richard S. Jaffe is licensed in Alabama, Georgia, New York, and the District of Columbia, along with numerous federal courts and the US Supreme Court. He is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and a Life Member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. His work combines extensive courtroom experience with longstanding involvement in criminal defense education, professional organizations, and trial advocacy.

Law Office Affiliations

• Founding & Senior Partner, Jaffe, Hanle, Whisonant & Knight, P.C.
• Member, American College Of Trial Lawyers
• Life Member, National Association Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL)
• Chair, Alabama Bar Association, Criminal Justice Committee
• Chairman, Jefferson County, Criminal Justice Committee
• Member, District of Columbia Bar Association
• Member, New York State Bar Association
• Member, State Bar of Georgia

Licensed State

• Alabama
• Georgia
• New York
• District of Columbia

Education

• University of Alabama School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of Alabama
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges