The legal community and residents of Sacramento are grieving the sudden loss of Richard Chan, a well-respected criminal defense attorney, who tragically passed away in a car accident on December 12, 2024. The collision occurred on the I-80 freeway near the Watt Avenue exit, where Chan’s vehicle struck another car, resulting in a fatal crash. Local authorities are investigating the incident, with early reports suggesting that speed may have been a contributing factor.
At 45, Chan was a distinguished partner at one of Sacramento’s top criminal defense firms, known for his dedication to his clients and his expertise in the courtroom. With over 20 years of legal experience, he earned a reputation as a tenacious advocate for the accused, representing clients in some of the most high-profile cases in the region. His legal acumen, combined with his compassion for those he defended, made him a standout figure in the Sacramento legal community.
Chan was returning home after a late client meeting when the accident occurred. According to family members and colleagues, the cause of the crash remains unclear, but preliminary reports suggest that Chan’s vehicle veered off the road, striking a guardrail before colliding with another car. Emergency responders rushed to the scene, but despite their best efforts, Chan succumbed to his injuries shortly after the accident. The driver of the other vehicle was not injured.
