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Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Columbia, SC

Our Recommended Top 18

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Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored Columbia 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.

109Reviewed

72Curated

18Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

955 West Wade Hampton Blvd, Unit 10B, Greer, SC 29650

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
4.9 (59)
Facebook
5.0 (8)

Why choose this provider?

The Woods Law Firm based in Greenville, South Carolina has 5 offices throughout the state of South Carolina and helps clients in the legal areas or criminal defense and personal injury. The firm has vast experience in all crimes and all injuries in SC and has a track record of wins and verdicts in both categories. The team of high-caliber criminal lawyers near Columbia also handles federal and state based cases and has won NOT GUILTY verdicts in big drug cases as well as LARGE VERDICTS AND SETTLEMENTS in accident and injury cases. The firm has over 26 years direct experience in court trials and a full team of dedicated staff ready to serve you. The Woods Law Firm, Justice on Your Side. Get top notch legal help when you need it. Call 864-810-0384 for help now.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Freddy Woods - PrincipalActive28 yrs

1313 Elmwood Ave Ste B, Columbia, SC 29201

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.9 (40)
Avvo
5.0 (8)
Facebook
5.0 (2)

Why choose this provider?

Well-established among criminal defense attorneys in Columbia, the Law Office of David B. Tarr in Columbia offers criminal defense for DUI, theft, simple possession, underage drinking, parole and probation violations, and other criminal acts to individuals in the Greater Columbia metro area. Mr. Tarr also represents juvenile defendants in family court and helps with post-conviction relief for individuals already sentenced or serving time for their offenses. The practice offers free consultations around the clock.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
David Tarr - PrincipalActive29 yrs

2016 Lincoln Street, Columbia, SC 29201

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.9 (64)
Facebook
4.8 (13)
Yelp
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Law Offices of Lori S. Murray provides legal representation to individuals facing criminal charges in the Columbia metro. Its founder is a former prosecutor and an insurance defense attorney defending clients with cases like assault or battery, drug charges, DUI, and non-violent or violent offenses. The firm also handles criminal sexual misconduct and domestic violence cases. Lori, a member of the Richland County Bar Association, and her team offer flexible appointments and initial consultations to clients seeking aggressive legal support.

  • Drug Crimes
  • Domestic Violence
  • DWI/DUI

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Lori Murray - PrincipalActive28 yrs

455 St Andrews Rd. Suite E-1, Columbia, SC 29210

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.7 (77)
Facebook
4.8 (10)
Avvo
5.0 (5)

Why choose this provider?

The Laubshire Law Firm, LLC, defends clients in Columbia facing criminal charges in state and federal courts. It handles cases relating to domestic violence, expungements, and DUI, as well as juvenile, drug, and violent crimes. It also assists with matters involving white-collar crimes and public disorderly conduct cases. One of its attorneys, Michael Laubshire, is a former prosecutor admitted to practice in South Carolina, New York, and the District of Columbia. He is an NACDL and National College for DUI Defense member.

  • DWI/DUI

3104 Devine St, Columbia, SC 29205

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (38)
Avvo
5.0 (8)
Facebook
5.0 (7)

Why choose this provider?

Law Office Of Patrick C. Sharpe, LLC, caters to clients in Columbia and the surrounding localities. The full-service law firm handles criminal defense cases and provides legal counsel to people who have been convicted of a crime. Sharpe, the firm's managing attorney, defends clients in a wide range of cases, including assault, domestic violence, drug charges, DUI, shoplifting, and property crimes. Sharpe previously worked as a prosecutor at the Richland County Public Defender's Office, where he prosecuted over 700 General Sessions cases.

  • Drug Crimes
  • Domestic Violence
  • DWI/DUI

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Patrick Sharpe - PrincipalActive12 yrs

1921 Henderson Street, Columbia, SC 29201

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.8 (81)
Facebook
5.0 (9)

Why choose this provider?

Bailey Law Firm, L.L.C., represents Columbia residents in various aspects of criminal law. It fights for the rights of individuals, helping them gather pieces of evidence to support their cases. The office also caters to at-fault drivers facing charges for DUI violations. In addition, it offers counsel to plaintiffs suffering from serious injuries resulting from auto collisions and slip-and-fall accidents. At the age of 28, founder Tyler Bailey was named as one of the Top 40 Under 40 Trial Lawyers by the National Trial Lawyers Organization.

  • DWI/DUI

1527 Blanding Street, Columbia, SC 29201

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.9 (32)
Facebook
5.0 (11)

Why choose this provider?

Reeves & Lyle Attorneys at Law serves clients in Columbia and the neighboring communities. The firm focuses on criminal defense concerns, assisting individuals facing forthcoming litigation proceedings. It counsels and represents clients with misdemeanor and felony charges. It also extends its legal expertise to clients going through matters concerning birth injury, domestic violence, and workers' compensation. Paul Reeves and Todd Lyle lead the team at the firm with over 30 years of experience representing clients in federal and state courts.

  • Drug Crimes
  • DWI/DUI

1611 Augusta Rd, West Columbia, SC 29169

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.6 (33)
Facebook
5.0 (4)
Avvo
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Floyd & Spangler, Attorneys at Law, caters to residents in Columbia and nearby locations. It protects the rights of individuals who have been accused of various serious offenses such as criminal sexual conduct, murder, and drug crimes. The firm also represents people who have been injured in accidents, assisting them in obtaining compensation from insurance companies for unpaid wages and medical bills. Its lawyer, Colin Spangler, is a member of the American Association for Justice.

  • Juvenile Crimes
  • Drug Crimes

2113 Park Street, Columbia, SC 29201

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
3.9 (48)
Facebook
4.8 (19)
Avvo
4.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

The Rutherford Law Firm, LLC, handles criminal defense-related cases in the Columbia community. The firm started out 20 years ago, providing representation to individuals on matters related to DUI, drug charges, probation, misdemeanors, and federal offenses. Founding partner Todd Rutherford also deals with cases related to workers' compensation, medical malpractice, wrongful death, and motor vehicle accidents. Additionally, he represents clients with civil litigation concerns. Before he founded the firm, Rutherford had served as an assistant solicitor and special prosecutor of narcotic and drug cases.

  • Probation Violation
  • Federal Crime
  • Drug Crimes

1528 Blanding Street, Columbia, SC 29201

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (313)
Avvo
5.0 (24)

Why choose this provider?

Seth Rose, Attorney at Law, addresses the legal needs of criminal defendants and injured clients in Columbia and its nearby communities. The office defends wrongfully accused individuals involved in a variety of criminal matters, such as alcohol offenses, traffic violations, DUI defense, drug charges, and property crimes. Founder Seth Rose aggressively advocates and fights for the rights of clients before state, South Carolina magistrate, and federal courts. He also helps them in expunging criminal records. Rose has been featured in Free Times Post & Courier.

  • Expungement
  • Drug Crimes
  • DWI/DUI

907 Calhoun Street, Columbia, SC 29201

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.6 (21)
Avvo
5.0 (3)

Why choose this provider?

For more than 20 years, the Sullivan Firm has been assisting residents of Columbia and the surrounding communities in navigating the criminal legal system. Using a compassionate approach, it advocates for individuals accused of various felony, municipal, and magistrate offenses, such as breach of trust, DUI, traffic violations, and assault. Its process entails examining the circumstances of a client's arrest and explaining available options so that they can make an informed decision based on their needs and interests.

  • Drug Crimes
  • Domestic Violence
  • DWI/DUI

1614 Taylor St, Columbia, SC 29201

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.5 (38)
FindLaw
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Bluestein Thompson Sullivan LLC advocates for the rights of people seeking criminal defense assistance in Columbia and surrounding communities. The firm has more than two decades of experience providing aggressive defense for individuals facing misdemeanor and felony charges for DUI, drug crimes, property crimes, and violent crimes. Ms. Margaret Miles Bluestein is a member of the South Carolina Women Lawyers Association, the South Carolina Bar, and the Richland County Bar Association.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Margaret Bluestein - PartnerActive31 yrs

137 E Butler St, Lexington, SC 29072

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
3.3 (13)
Avvo
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

The Farley Law Firm LLC in Lexington is a criminal defense law firm advocating for the rights of accused parties in the Greater Columbia metro area, including all of Richland County. Mr. Farley and his team offer zealous defense for clients accused of all types of crimes, including assault, theft, drug trafficking and possession, domestic violence, and sex offenses. He is a member of the South Carolina Association for Justice and the South Carolina Bar Association.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Andrew Farley - PrincipalActive18 yrs

1700 Sunset Blvd, Columbia, SC 29169

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.4 (95)
Yelp
2.5 (3)

Why choose this provider?

Moore Bradley Myers is a law firm serving the Columbia community and the neighboring cities. It defends the rights of individuals accused or arrested for criminal cases to help reduce or eliminate their legal consequences, such as drivers' license revocation, high fines, prison time, and mandatory probation. It also handles criminal cases relating to domestic violence, theft, white-collar crimes, drug offenses, and assault and battery. The law firm's founding senior partner, S. Jahue Moore, has been in the field since the 1970s.

  • Drug Crimes
  • DWI/DUI

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Christian Spradley - Managing PartnerActive27 yrs
S. jahue Moore - Founding Senior PartnerActive48 yrs
Stanley Myers - Managing PartnerActive20 yrs

1821 Hampton Street, Columbia, SC 29201

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.5 (24)
Facebook
5.0 (2)

Why choose this provider?

The Giese Law Firm, LLC, is a Columbia-based practice that serves clients in the local metro. It represents individuals who are facing criminal charges after being arrested for domestic violence, drug possession, or theft. One of its attorneys, Barney Geise, utilizes his experience serving as a prosecutor in providing clients with a unique interpretation of their cases. In addition to defending accused clients, the firm's team has more than 66 years of combined experience in helping clients file personal injury claims and handle insurance company negotiations.

  • Drug Crimes
  • DWI/DUI

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Warren Giese - PrincipalActive43 yrs

1720 Main St. Suite 105, Columbia, SC 29201

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (20)
Facebook
5.0 (4)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of A. Randolph Hough offers criminal defense representation to individuals in Columbia. The cases it handles involve offenses like domestic violence, theft, homicide, and drug, sex, and white-collar crimes. It also represents individuals seeking pardons and expungements and provides DUI defense to people from all walks of life. The law firm's founding attorney, Randolph "Randy" Hough, is a former prosecutor with more than 25 years of experience practicing criminal and DUI defense.

  • DWI/DUI

607 S Lake Dr, Lexington, SC 29072

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (142)
Facebook
5.0 (28)

Why choose this provider?

Located in Lexington, South Carolina, the Kent Collins Law Firm is a criminal defense practice serving the needs of the greater Columbia, South Carolina, area and surrounding communities. Attorney Kent Collins has been practicing law for more than 11 years. The firm handles an array of criminal cases, including criminal domestic violence, drug cases, shoplifting, assault and battery, and driving under the influence. Mr. Collins offers free consultations upon request.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Michael kent Collins - PrincipalActive22 yrs

6923 North Trenholm Road, Columbia, SC 29206

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.7 (211)
Yelp
5.0 (2)

Why choose this provider?

Strom Law Firm, L.L.C., offers criminal defense services to clients based in Columbia. Founded in 1996, the firm's lawyers represent individuals that are facing various types of criminal charges, such as domestic violence, assault and battery, DUIs, and extortions. Aside from criminal defense, Strom Law Firm also handles personal injury and family law cases. The Strom Law Firm team is committed to helping people and vigorously advocating for their rights.

  • Expungement
  • Arson
  • Domestic Violence

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Joseph Preston Strom - Founder and Managing PartnerActive40 yrs
John Alphin - Senior AttorneyActive19 yrs
John Alphin - Senior AttorneyActive19 yrs
Mario Pacella - Senior AttorneyActive24 yrs
Alexandra Benevento - Senior AttorneyActive14 yrs

Compare our Top Criminal Defense Lawyers

NameExpertise RatingAddressPromotionsLearn more
The Woods Law Firm
955 West Wade Hampton Blvd, Unit 10B, Greer, SC 29650
Law Office of David B. Tarr
1313 Elmwood Ave Ste B, Columbia, SC 29201
Law Offices of Lori S. Murray
2016 Lincoln Street, Columbia, SC 29201
The Laubshire Law Firm, LLC
455 St Andrews Rd. Suite E-1, Columbia, SC 29210
Law Office Of Patrick C. Sharpe, LLC
3104 Devine St, Columbia, SC 29205
Bailey Law Firm, L.L.C.
1921 Henderson Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Reeves & Lyle Attorneys at Law
1527 Blanding Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Floyd & Spangler Attorneys at Law
1611 Augusta Rd, West Columbia, SC 29169
The Rutherford Law Firm, LLC
2113 Park Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Seth Rose Attorney at Law
1528 Blanding Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Sullivan Firm
907 Calhoun Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Bluestein Thompson Sullivan, LLC
1614 Taylor St, Columbia, SC 29201
The Farley Law Firm, LLC
137 E Butler St, Lexington, SC 29072
Moore Bradley Myers
1700 Sunset Blvd, Columbia, SC 29169
The Giese Law Firm, LLC
1821 Hampton Street, Columbia, SC 29201
The Law Offices of A. Randolph Hough
1720 Main St. Suite 105, Columbia, SC 29201
Kent Collins Law Firm
607 S Lake Dr, Lexington, SC 29072
Strom Law Firm, L.L.C. - Columbia
6923 North Trenholm Road, Columbia, SC 29206

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 Columbia, South Carolina?

    Call 803-252-2911 to reach the Columbia Police Department for non-emergency concerns.

  • Is it okay to avoid arrest in Columbia if you are sure you are innocent?

    If you are being arrested in Columbia, do not resist even if you are confident that you have done nothing wrong or that you are innocent. If you believe the charges are incorrect or unfair, cooperate with the authorities anyway and get in touch with an attorney before giving any statement. Running or resisting arrest can result in additional charges and can make you appear guilty.

  • What can a criminal defense attorney in Columbia do for you?

    If you were charged with a criminal offense in Columbia, it would be wise of you to get a criminal defense attorney, who can help you navigate the legal system. Your attorney has better access to resources that can help your case. They will also protect your rights as they handle negotiations with prosecutors. And, if your case ever goes to trial, your lawyer can help you understand the court procedures and prepare you for what to expect.

  • Can you just plead guilty for a petty offense or a misdemeanor in Columbia?

    Even if the offense seems minor to you, the decision to enter a guilty plea in Columbia should not be made rashly. It is advisable that you consult the advice of a criminal defense attorney before you make such a decision. A guilty plea can have lasting consequences in your life, such as potentially losing your right to public housing, the suspension of your driver’s license, the loss of your right to carry a firearm, and even the loss of your right to vote.

  • Can you remove criminal records under your name in Columbia?

    It is possible for you to remove criminal records related to your arrest or conviction in Columbia through a court order called “expungement,” which can give you a fresh start by having a second chance at a clean criminal record. Not all arrests or convictions can be expunged, though. Only non-convictions, or charges that have been dismissed, were not prosecuted, or returned not-guilty verdicts, can be expunged.

  • How do you make sure your charge has been expunged in Columbia?

    If you recently filed for the expungement of your charge or charges and you wish to find out whether they have been officially expunged or not, you will have to head on over to the Violations Department of the Columbia Police Department, which is located under the Municipal Court at 811 Washington Street.