Second Court of Appeals

Justice Place 5

David Leonard Richards (1996 to 2002)

David Leonard Richards was born on March 14, 1957, in Victorville, California.  He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Texas and later earned his law degree from Texas Tech School of Law.

After graduating from law school, he worked as an Assistant Criminal District Attorney from 1984 to 1991.  He started his own practice in 1991, focusing on criminal appellate defense.  In 1996, he was elected as a justice on the Second Court of Appeals, where he served until 2002.  After leaving the full-time bench, he sat by appointment on multiple courts, including the Second and Tenth Courts of Appeals. In 2003, he returned to private practice.  In 2015, he rejoined the Tarrant County District Attorney’s office, where he continues to serve.

Richards also taught as an adjunct professor at Texas Wesleyan School of Law (now Texas A&M School of Law) in 2002.  He is board certified in criminal law and criminal appellate law.