Richard Krech was born in 1946 and grew up in Berkeley, California. He became involved in civil rights activities in 1963 and started writing soon thereafter. His first book was published by d.a. levy in 1967. Krech published a poetry magazine and organized a series of poetry readings on Telegraph Avenue in Berkeley from 1966 to 1969. After a decades-long hiatus, Krech began writing poetry again early this century.

In 1976 he went to law school and has been practicing criminal defense in Oakland, California since 1980 with his law partner Bill Cole. His practice has included everything from murder to shoplifting as well as pro bono representation of anti-war demonstrators and others similarly situated. He now has a primarily appellate practice.

Krech has traveled frequently to Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Europe. He has three children, three grandchildren, and lives with his wife Mary Holbrook in Albany, California.