Expertise.com Homepage

2024

Last updated:

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Charleston, SC

Our Recommended Top 20

We did the research for you!

  • Licensing
  • User Reviews
  • Mystery Shopping Calls

Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored Charleston Criminal Defense Lawyers on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.

100Reviewed

68Curated

20Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

165 King Street, Suite 2, Charleston, SC 29401

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
5.0 (24)
Google
5.0 (5)
Avvo
5.0 (5)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of Sara A. Turner is based in Charleston, South Carolina. Sara A. Turner has spent most of her legal career protecting her client’s rights in all courts in South Carolina. She has experience handling serious violent and non-violent crimes, such as murder, aggravated robbery, fraud, embezzlement, and theft. She also handles misdemeanor offenses, including simple possession of marijuana, driving under the influence, college-related offenses, and assault and battery third degree. Attorney Turner has advocated in criminal cases in municipal, magistrate, family, and federal courts throughout South Carolina.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Sara Turner - PrincipalActive12 yrs

116 Church St Fl 3, Charleston, SC 29401

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
5.0 (24)
Google
5.0 (20)

Why choose this provider?

Kulp Law Firm is a criminal defense law firm that represents clients in the Charleston area. Its criminal defense practice focuses on defending and representing those accused of DUI, white-collar crimes, assault and battery, drug violations, and domestic violence. Attorney Timothy Clay Kulp has been practicing law for over 30 years. As a former prosecutor, he uses his experience to aggressively defend clients. Mr. Kulp is a member of the South Carolina Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Timothy Kulp - Owner/Founding PartnerActive46 yrs
Timothy Kulp - Owner/Founding PartnerActive46 yrs

PO Box 1034 8 Chalmers Street, Charleston, SC 29402

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (7)
Facebook
4.0 (7)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of Gedney M. Howe, III PA, founded in 1937, is a criminal defense firm representing clients in Charleston. It defends those accused of crimes in local, state and federal courts and works aggressively to protect the rights of the accused. It also practices personal injury, product liability and maritime law. Highly respected as a skilled criminal defense attorney in Charleston, attorney Howe is Martindale-Hubbell AV-rated and was presented with the Pursuit of Justice Award by the American Bar Association in 2012.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Gedney Howe - PrincipalActive53 yrs

222 West Coleman Boulevard, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (40004)
Avvo
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Loignon Law Firm is a criminal defense, injury, and family law firm that serves clients in Charleston. It specializes in representing defendants in the criminal court system. The law firm has also handled family court cases that involved minor children and DDS matters. Lawyer and owner Michael Loignon is a combat veteran and an experienced trial attorney. He currently serves as a major in the U.S. Army National Guard. A fitness buff, he has also worked as a personal trainer at Bluefish Fitness Club from 2009-2011.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Michael Loignon - PrincipalActive11 yrs

884 Johnnie Dodds Blvd Ste 201, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.4 (7)

Why choose this provider?

Founded in 1996, Stirling & O'Connell is a Mount Pleasant law firm practicing criminal defense, personal injury, and family law throughout the Charleston area. The firm's criminal defense practice advocates for clients in state and federal courts who have been charged or are under investigation. Stirling & O'Connell handles cases that involve drug-related offenses, crimes of violence, including homicide, DUI, and theft, and white-collar crimes, such as fraud and tax evasion.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Michael O’Connell - PrincipalActive49 yrs

455.5 King Street, Charleston, SC 29403

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.9 (71)
Facebook
4.9 (25)
Avvo
5.0 (10)

Why choose this provider?

Young & Young is a criminal defense law firm located in Charleston that works with clients throughout South Carolina. The knowledgeable criminal justice attorneys in Charleston provide defense services to clients facing a wide variety of charges, including theft, weapons violations, fraud, assault, domestic violence, and robbery. The law firm also handles personal injury and magistrate court cases. Partner Kelley F. Young is a former judge, and both she and attorney Adam D. Young are former prosecutors.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Kelley Young - PartnerActive13 yrs
Adam Young - PartnerActive16 yrs

260 W Coleman Blvd Ste B, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.9 (35)
Facebook
5.0 (10)
Avvo
5.0 (5)

Why choose this provider?

Dale Savage Law Firm defends the rights of people accused of felonies and misdemeanors in Charleston. The office works to advise and guide clients through criminal cases. The highly experienced criminal lawyer in Charleston represents individuals charged with driving under the influence, gun crimes, burglary, armed robbery, domestic violence, and other offenses. Founding lawyer Dale Savage has over 15 years of legal experience and is a member of the Charleston County Bar and the South Carolina Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Dale Savage - PrincipalActive18 yrs

126 E 2nd N St,, Summerville, SC 29483

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.8 (19)
Facebook
5.0 (5)

Why choose this provider?

Frost Law Group provides criminal defense solutions to individuals in Charleston. It offers consultation and representation to clients charged with a crime such as domestic violence, traffic offenses, DUI, assault, and battery. The firm helps them deal with issues regarding arrest warrants, administrative license revocations, narcotics violations, and juvenile crimes. Jack Frost, who worked in law enforcement for 14 years, uses his experience as a police officer, master deputy, and SWAT member to defend his clients.

  • Domestic Violence
  • DWI/DUI

3443 Rivers Ave., North Charleston, SC 29405

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.9 (15)
Facebook
5.0 (5)

Why choose this provider?

The Apostolou Law Firm caters to clients in Charleston and the surrounding areas. Its lawyers advocate for legal remedies in different practice areas, including criminal defense. They leverage their expertise in the court system to develop a viable defense strategy for criminally accused individuals. They handle various felonies and misdemeanors, including murder, armed robbery, burglary, drug offenses, and traffic tickets. The firm's founder, Alex Apostolou, served as an Assistant Solicitor for the 9th Judicial Circuit in Charleston County before starting his private practice in 2005.

  • Theft & Burglary
  • Drug Crimes
  • DWI/DUI

525 Folly Rd Ste 208, Charleston, SC 29412

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.7 (20)
Avvo
5.0 (2)

Why choose this provider?

Founded in 1972, Vaux, Marscher, Berglind PA is a law firm based in Charleston that offers criminal defense services to clients across the Lowcountry. The firm works to protect the liberty, finances and reputation of its clients by challenging the evidence presented and examining the processes followed from the moment of arrest through the arguments in the courtroom. Vaux, Marscher, Berglind also provides personal injury, family, real estate, and probate legal services.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Roberts Vaux - Partner- MeritasActive52 yrs
Roberts Vaux - AssociateActive16 yrs

171 Church Street, Suite 360, Charleston, SC 29401

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (12)
Avvo
5.0 (2)

Why choose this provider?

Sarji Law Firm serves the people of the Charleston metro and the rest of the state of South Carolina. Its principal attorney, Leslie Sarji, worked for several years as an assistant public defender before opening her own practice in 2009. She represents individuals who have been pressed with criminal charges, including misdemeanors, felonies, and juvenile delinquencies. She also practices family law. Sarji is admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court of South Carolina and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.

  • Federal Crime

7 Gamecock Ave. Suite 707, Charleston, SC 29407

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
5.0 (11)
Google
4.6 (9)
Yelp
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Cameron Marshall, Attorney at Law, offers representation and advice to clients in the Charleston area. It helps with criminal cases, creating defense strategies for clients' charges in the state, municipal, magistrate, and federal courts. It handles DUI, drug offenses, and DUAC defense, including underage DUI. The firm also provides legal solutions for personal injury and wrongful death claims. Cameron is a former assistant state prosecutor with over 22 years of experience in the legal field.

  • DWI/DUI

215 East Bay Street, Suite 500-H, Charleston, SC 29401

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.8 (16)
Avvo
5.0 (7)
Facebook
5.0 (2)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of Jason Stevens represents individuals in Charleston and nearby areas. It offers legal solutions for those charged with criminal cases involving DUIs. It prepares a defense strategy, references National Highway Traffic Safety Administration manuals, and reviews any mistakes that might have happened during the arrest. The firm also assists with business litigation for torts, breaches of contract, class action and employment disputes, and partner disputes. Jason has been in practice since 2010 and is a Founding Member of the American Association of Premier DUI Attorneys.

  • DWI/DUI

1037-D Chuck Dawley Blvd, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (14)
Facebook
5.0 (8)
Avvo
5.0 (4)

Why choose this provider?

Blazer Law Firm caters to clients in Charleston and the surrounding areas. It offers criminal defense services, handling cases that involve drug and DUI charges as well as computer, campus, white-collar, and sex crimes. The law firm also provides post-conviction representation, legal strategy, and consulting solutions. Cameron J. Blazer, the firm's principal, represents clients in state and federal courts. She has been practicing law for more than a decade. She established the practice in 2016.

  • Drug Crimes
  • DWI/DUI

1495 Remount Road Suite B, North Charleston, SC 29406

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (13)
Facebook
5.0 (12)

Why choose this provider?

South Carolina Criminal Law Dayne Phillips provides legal services in Charleston. It represents clients involved in criminal defense cases, whether they are wrongfully accused, only made a mistake, or overcharged. Some of the cases it handles include drug crimes, gun offenses, theft, DUI, prostitution, and federal misdemeanors. Dayne Phillips, the lead attorney, is a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. He has argued before the South Carolina Court of Appeals and has dismissed cases on drug trafficking, felony DUI, criminal sexual conduct, burglary, and murder charges.

  • Drug Crimes
  • DWI/DUI

105 Wappoo Creek Dr Ste 1A, Charleston, SC 29412

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.8 (19)
Facebook
4.8 (19)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of Grant B. Smaldone defends those facing charges in criminal cases in the Charleston area. It handles cases involving state and federal offenses such as driving under the influence, drug distribution, burglary, assault, forgery, traffic tickets, and violent offenses. The firm additionally aids in probation violation warrants and bond hearings to keep clients out of jail. Smaldone is a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the Charleston Lawyers Club.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Grant Smaldone - PrincipalActive12 yrs

147 Wappoo Creek Dr, Suite 202, Charleston, SC 29412

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
5.0 (3)
Avvo
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Michael A. Uricchio, Attorney at Law is a criminal defense attorney in Charleston with more than 25 years of experience defending people under investigation and charged with a wide range of felonies and misdemeanors. He handles the full range of criminal defense law, including homicide, white-collar crime, drug offenses, and sex-related crimes. Mr. Uricchio has practiced law in South Carolina for his whole career and is a member of the Charleston County Bar Association.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Michael Uricchio - PrincipalActive36 yrs

15 Prioleau Street, Charleston, SC 29401

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (23)

Why choose this provider?

McCoy Law Group, LLC, caters to clients in the Charleston metro and the surrounding communities. It offers guidance and representation to individuals who are facing criminal charges and assists with avoiding consequences, such as loss of children's custody, employment, and liberties. Its strategy includes developing a good defense to help clients avoid heavy fines, jail time, and stained criminal records. Peter McCoy, the attorney, has more than 20 years of experience in the legal field.

  • DWI/DUI

1004 Anna Knapp Boulevard, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
3.0 (2)

Why choose this provider?

Futeral & Nelson, LLC, offers legal services to the people of Charleston. Since 2004, it has been providing support and representation to clients dealing with criminal cases, such as assault and battery, domestic violence, DUI, embezzlement, and theft. The firm guides defendants during preliminary hearings, trials, and bond court proceedings. It also handles cases involving family, personal injury, and employment law. Lead partners Stephan Futeral and Thomas Nelson are part of the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Criminal Trial Lawyers.

  • DUI
  • Family Law
  • Drug Crimes

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Stephan Futeral - Senior PartnerActive31 yrs

125-A Wappoo Creek Drive, Ste. 101-A, Charleston, SC 29412

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (178)
Thumbtack
5.0 (3)
Avvo
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

John W. Molony Law Firm LLC serves people in Charleston and the surrounding areas. Founder John Molony defends the rights of clients charged with crimes linked to DUI, disorderly conduct, drugs, assault, and shoplifting. He also undertakes plea bargains on behalf of individuals arrested for drug possession, trafficking, and distribution offenses, helping them get reduced penalties or acquittal from the charges. Mr. Molony is a member of the American Bar Association Criminal Justice Section.

  • Criminal charges
  • Domestic Violence
  • Drug Charges

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
John Molony - Owner and Sole Managing MemberActive8 yrs

Compare our Top Criminal Defense Lawyers

NameExpertise RatingAddressPromotionsLearn more
The Law Office of Sara A. Turner
165 King Street, Suite 2, Charleston, SC 29401
Kulp Law Firm
116 Church St Fl 3, Charleston, SC 29401
The Law Offices of Gedney M. Howe, III, P.A.
PO Box 1034 8 Chalmers Street, Charleston, SC 29402
Loignon Law Firm
222 West Coleman Boulevard, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
Stirling & O'Connell
884 Johnnie Dodds Blvd Ste 201, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
Young & Young
455.5 King Street, Charleston, SC 29403
Dale Savage Law Firm
260 W Coleman Blvd Ste B, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
Frost Law Group
126 E 2nd N St,, Summerville, SC 29483
Apostolou Law Firm
3443 Rivers Ave., North Charleston, SC 29405
Vaux Marscher Berglind, PA
525 Folly Rd Ste 208, Charleston, SC 29412
Sarji Law Firm
171 Church Street, Suite 360, Charleston, SC 29401
Cameron Marshall Attorney at Law
7 Gamecock Ave. Suite 707, Charleston, SC 29407
Law Office of Jason Stevens
215 East Bay Street, Suite 500-H, Charleston, SC 29401
Blazer Law Firm
1037-D Chuck Dawley Blvd, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
South Carolina Criminal Law Dayne Phillips
1495 Remount Road Suite B, North Charleston, SC 29406
Law Office of Grant B. Smaldone
105 Wappoo Creek Dr Ste 1A, Charleston, SC 29412
Michael A. Uricchio, Attorney at Law
147 Wappoo Creek Dr, Suite 202, Charleston, SC 29412
McCoy Law Group, LLC
15 Prioleau Street, Charleston, SC 29401
Futeral & Nelson, LLC
1004 Anna Knapp Boulevard, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
John W. Molony Law Firm, LLC
125-A Wappoo Creek Drive, Ste. 101-A, Charleston, SC 29412

Disclaimer:  Consumers utilizing Expertise.com are free to communicate and contract with any lawyer they choose. Expertise.com is not involved in the confidential attorney-client relationship. Featured lawyers pay a reasonable advertising cost to market their legal services with Expertise.com and must meet similar selection criteria as other lawyers. All cases are different. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

FAQs

  • What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Charleston, South Carolina?

    The Charleston County Consolidated Dispatch can be reached at (843) 743-7200 or the Charleston Police Department at (843) 577-7434.

  • How do criminal defense attorneys help juvenile adjudicated delinquents in Charleston?

    Charleston attorneys help minors who have committed acts of crime by investigating the charges and preparing for negotiations on their behalf. They also represent them in adjudication and sentencing hearings, and prepare them for in-custody or home evaluations. Lastly, they also put in effort in making sure that the mistakes the minor did do not follow them into the future and ruin their chances of finding a good home and a job.

  • Can an offender's criminal records be expunged in Charleston?

    Here are some things that may qualify an offender for an expunction in Charleston:

    • They were found not guilty of their charges during the trial
    • The conviction for the crime they committed carries a maximum sentence of 30 days and/or a $1,000 fine
    • Their charges were dropped by the prosecution
    • They were a first-time offender for a crime that is non-violent
  • Is money laundering in Charleston prosecuted under federal law?

    It depends on whether or not the transactions went beyond Charleston and into a different state, though it often falls under federal jurisdiction because it is a direct threat to the United States tax system. Still, the penalties depend on the amount of money laundered within a one-year time period.

    • Up to 5 years in prison for transactions between $300 and $20,000
    • Up to 10 years in prison for transactions between $20,000 and $100,000
    • Up to 20 years in prison for transactions above $100,000
  • How important is it to get a criminal defense attorney in Charleston?

    Your freedom and your future depend on the outcome of the case you're facing. Personally acquiring the aid of a Charleston attorney may help turn the conviction in your favor or maybe even have the charges dropped entirely. Furthermore, there are pieces of evidence that deteriorate over time and your attorney stands a better chance of helping you win if they can get a hold of these as soon as possible.

  • Can you be arrested for possessing marijuana in Charleston?

    Yes. Simple possession of marijuana in Charleston (or being caught with 28 grams of pot with you) is punishable by a jail time of 30 days and getting fined between $100 and $200. Offenders caught for the first time may have their charges reduced by entering a pre-trial intervention or drug abuse program.