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Laurels

Best Criminal
Defense Lawyers
in Columbia
2021

We scored 107 Criminal Defense Lawyers in Columbia, SC and Picked the Top 16

Here are the Picks:

Bluestein Thompson Sullivan, LLC

Cavanaugh & Thickens

Cromer Law Offices, LLC

Dayne Phillips Attorney At Law

Deborah B. Barbier

Elizabeth Franklin-Best

Kendrick & Leonard, P.C.

Kent Collins Law Firm

Law Office of David B. Tarr

Law Office of Jonathan M. Harvey

Masella Law Firm, P.A.

McMullen Law Firm

Milling Law Firm, LLC

The Farley Law Firm, LLC

The Steele Law Firm, LLC

The Woods Law Firm

Why These Criminal Defense Lawyers?

Our goal is to connect people with the best local experts. 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.

Reviewed Curated Top Picks 107 70 16

Our Selection Criteria:

  • 1. Availability

    Consistently approachable and responsive, so customers never feel ignored.

  • 2. Qualifications

    Building customer confidence with licensing, accreditations, and awards.

  • 3. Reputation

    A history of delighted customers and outstanding service.

  • 4. Experience

    Masters of their craft, based on years of practical experience and education.

  • 5. Professionalism

    Providing service with honesty, reliability, and respect.

Bluestein Thompson Sullivan, LLC

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.

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1614 Taylor St
Columbia, SC 29201

Website

(803) 784-8827 Website

Professionalism: A

More Info

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.

Responsiveness: A+

Friendliness: A+

Helpfulness: --

Detail: --

Bluestein Thompson Sullivan, LLC Attorneys:

Attorney Names: Bar Association Status: Years Of Experience:
Margaret Bluestein - Partner Active 27
Individual Attorney Information

Cavanaugh & Thickens

Established in 2016, Cavanaugh & Thickens Attorneys at Law offers results-driven and client-focused criminal defense to residents of Columbia. The firm serves as advocates for the accused, taking a personalized approach to criminal defense of DUI, minor in possession, drug crimes, and traffic offenses. Attorney J. Eric Cavanaugh is a member of the South Carolina Association for Justice and the American Association for Justice. Free consultations are available upon request by prospective clients.

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1324 Gadsden St
Columbia, SC 29201

Website

(803) 888-2200 Website

Reputation: A

More Info

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.

Online Profiles:

1 (Good)

Average Review Score:

5 / 5 (Best)

Total Reviews:

2 (Good)

Score Consistency:

Consistent (Best)

Professionalism: A+

More Info

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.

Responsiveness: A+

Friendliness: A+

Helpfulness: A+

Detail: A

Cromer Law Offices, LLC

The Cromer Law Offices LLC has been providing criminal defense representation to clients in Columbia for more than 25 years. Attorney Bubba Cromer represents defendants in state, federal, magistrate, municipal, and administrative hearing courts throughout South Carolina and has previous experience working in the county solicitor's office. The practice focuses on defendants charged with DUI, criminal domestic violence, drug trafficking, simple possession, and possession with intent to distribute. It provides consultations upon request.

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1430 Blanding St
Columbia, SC 29201

Website

(803) 254-7900 Website

Reputation: A+

More Info

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.

Online Profiles:

1 (Good)

Average Review Score:

4.9 / 5 (Best)

Total Reviews:

26 (Best)

Score Consistency:

Consistent (Best)

Dayne Phillips Attorney At Law

Dayne Phillips Attorney at Law is a trial-tested criminal defense lawyer handling felony and misdemeanor cases in Columbia and surrounding areas. The practice has experience representing clients charged with drug offenses, domestic violence, gun offenses, DUI, theft, and solicitation, among other crimes. Mr. Phillips is a member of the South Carolina Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the National Trial Lawyers, and he has an AV Preeminent peer rating with Martindale-Hubbell.

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1614 Taylor St Ste D
Columbia, SC 29201

Website

(803) 291-4439 Website

Reputation: A

More Info

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.

Online Profiles:

2 (Better)

Average Review Score:

5 / 5 (Best)

Total Reviews:

8 (Good)

Score Consistency:

Consistent (Best)

Professionalism: A+

More Info

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.

Responsiveness: A+

Friendliness: A+

Helpfulness: A

Detail: A

Dayne Phillips Attorney At Law Attorneys:

Attorney Names: Bar Association Status: Years Of Experience:
Mark Foster - Senior Associate Active 8
Chad Shelton - Asssociate Active 13
Dayne Phillips - Principal Active 9
Dayne Phillips - Principal Active 9
Individual Attorney Information

Deborah B. Barbier

Deborah B. Barbier in Columbia is a former federal prosecutor and proven trial lawyer offering criminal defense representation and advocacy for persons accused of crimes in the Greater Columbia metro area. Ms. Barbier has more than 25 years of experience in local, state, and federal court and has an extensive history of handling cases involving drug crimes, fraud, money laundering, counterfeiting, robbery, racketeering, and securities fraud. She also serves clients seeking post-conviction relief.

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1811 Pickens St
Columbia, SC 29201

Website

(803) 445-1032 Website

Professionalism: A

More Info

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.

Responsiveness: A

Friendliness: A+

Helpfulness: A

Detail: --

Elizabeth Franklin-Best

Located in Columbia, Elizabeth Franklin-Best is a criminal defense attorney who takes on white-collar criminal defense cases and appellate cases in federal and state court. Ms. Franklin-Best focuses her practice on federal white-collar crime and federal appeals. She has experience in federal habeas petitions for state-convicted inmates and federal post-conviction relief under Section 2255. She also helps other attorneys representing state and federal detainees with appellate consulting, ghostwriting briefs and motions, and legal research.

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2725 Devine St
Columbia, SC 29205

Website

(803) 331-3421 Website

Kendrick & Leonard, P.C.

Kendrick & Leonard PC offers criminal defense counsel and representation for clients accused of state or federal crimes residing in and around Columbia. The firm represents clients in both felony and misdemeanor cases, including individuals accused of drug crimes, theft, fraud, and domestic violence. It takes on DUI cases ranging from first-time offenses up to fourth and subsequent DUI charges. The practice offers emergency consultations 24/7 for parties arrested or accused of crimes.

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1522 Lady St Ste A
Columbia, SC 29201

Website

(803) 572-4198 Website

Reputation: A

More Info

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.

Online Profiles:

1 (Good)

Average Review Score:

5 / 5 (Best)

Total Reviews:

2 (Good)

Score Consistency:

Consistent (Best)

Professionalism: A

More Info

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.

Responsiveness: A+

Friendliness: A+

Helpfulness: --

Detail: --

Kendrick & Leonard, P.C. Attorneys:

Attorney Names: Bar Association Status: Years Of Experience:
Joshua Kendrick - Partner Active 18
Chris Leonard - Partner Active 10
Joshua Kendrick - Partner Active 18
Individual Attorney Information

Kent Collins Law Firm

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.

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607 S Lake Dr
Lexington, SC 29072

Website

(803) 808-0905 Website

Reputation: A

More Info

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.

Online Profiles:

1 (Good)

Average Review Score:

4.9 / 5 (Best)

Total Reviews:

4 (Good)

Score Consistency:

Consistent (Best)

Professionalism: A+

More Info

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.

Responsiveness: A+

Friendliness: A+

Helpfulness: A+

Detail: A+

Price: Free consultation

Kent Collins Law Firm Attorneys:

Attorney Names: Bar Association Status: Years Of Experience:
M. Kent Collins - Principal Active 18
Individual Attorney Information

Law Office of David B. Tarr

Established in 2000, 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.

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1313 Elmwood Ave Ste B
Columbia, SC 29201

Website

(803) 238-7967 Website

Professionalism: A+

More Info

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.

Responsiveness: A+

Friendliness: A+

Helpfulness: A+

Detail: A+

Price: Free consultation

Law Office of David B. Tarr Attorneys:

Attorney Names: Bar Association Status: Years Of Experience:
David Tarr - Principal Active 25
David Tarr - Principal Active 25
Individual Attorney Information

Law Office of Jonathan M. Harvey

The Law Office of Jonathan M. Harvey in Columbia provides aggressive criminal defense for local individuals facing felony or misdemeanor charges. Mr. Harvey has more than 35 years of experience protecting the rights of clients accused of various crimes throughout the local, state, and federal court systems. His scope of practice includes drug crimes, DUI and felony DUI, violent crimes, sex crimes, white-collar crimes, and federal offenses. Consultations are available at no cost.

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1701 Richland St
Columbia, SC 29201

Website

(803) 779-3363 Website

Reputation: A+

More Info

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.

Online Profiles:

1 (Good)

Average Review Score:

5 / 5 (Best)

Total Reviews:

263 (Best)

Score Consistency:

Consistent (Best)

Professionalism: A+

More Info

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.

Responsiveness: A+

Friendliness: A+

Helpfulness: A+

Detail: A+

Price: Free consultation

Masella Law Firm, P.A.

Masella Law Firm PA is a criminal defense practice located in Columbia with a history of advocating for accused parties in South Carolina that spans more than 30 years. The firm's attorneys take pride in formulating effective defense strategies in misdemeanor and felony cases including drug crimes, Internet crimes, violent crimes, DUI, and theft. This seasoned practice also takes on defendants facing federal crimes, probation and parole violations, and juvenile crimes.

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917 Calhoun St
Columbia, SC 29201

Website

(803) 938-4952 Website

Reputation: A

More Info

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.

Online Profiles:

2 (Better)

Average Review Score:

4.8 / 5 (Best)

Total Reviews:

6 (Good)

Score Consistency:

Consistent (Best)

Professionalism: A+

More Info

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.

Responsiveness: A+

Friendliness: A+

Helpfulness: A+

Detail: A+

Price: Free consultation

McMullen Law Firm

The McMullen Law Firm, located in Columbia, South Carolina, has been practicing criminal law for more than a quarter-century. Established in 1998, the practice has represented hundreds of criminal defendants throughout the state, taking on cases involving felony charges, including DUI and drug charges. The practice offers pre-arrest consultations, bond hearings, plea negotiations, preliminary hearings, trials, and appeals. It also works with clients on post-conviction relief, parole matters, probation revocation, expungements, and pardons.

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1720 Main St STE 301
Columbia, SC 29201

Website

(803) 252-4433 Website

Professionalism: A+

More Info

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.

Responsiveness: A+

Friendliness: A+

Helpfulness: A+

Detail: A+

Price: Free consultation

McMullen Law Firm Attorneys:

Attorney Names: Bar Association Status: Years Of Experience:
Michael McMullen - Principal Active 28
Individual Attorney Information

Milling Law Firm, LLC

Milling Law Firm LLC helps defendants facing criminal accusations in Columbia navigate the criminal justice system. The firm takes on cases involving DUI/DWI, fraud, firearms, narcotics and drugs, tax fraud, and traffic offenses, among other misdemeanor and felony charges. It also helps with post-conviction matters and handles appeals for already-convicted clients. Attorney Jonathan Milling has an AV Preeminent rating with Martindale-Hubbell and is a member of the South Carolina Bar and the Richland County Bar Association.

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2910 Devine St
Columbia, SC 29205

Website

(803) 451-7700 Website

Professionalism: A+

More Info

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.

Responsiveness: A+

Friendliness: A+

Helpfulness: A+

Detail: A+

Price: From $5000

Milling Law Firm, LLC Attorneys:

Attorney Names: Bar Association Status: Years Of Experience:
Jonathan Milling - Founding Member Active 22
Individual Attorney Information

The Farley Law Firm, LLC

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.

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137 E Butler St
Lexington, SC 29072

Website

(803) 805-8213 Website

Professionalism: A+

More Info

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.

Responsiveness: A

Friendliness: A+

Helpfulness: A+

Detail: A+

Price: From $4000 | Free consultation

The Farley Law Firm, LLC Attorneys:

Attorney Names: Bar Association Status: Years Of Experience:
Andrew Farley - Principal Active 14
Individual Attorney Information

The Steele Law Firm, LLC

The Steele Law Firm LLC in Columbia provides aggressive criminal defense for defendants in nearly any criminal proceeding. Mr. Steele and his team have a history of formulating aggressive defense tactics for parties accused of DUI, drug crimes, criminal domestic violence, and theft. The practice also takes on defendants accused of juvenile crimes. Mr. Steele is a former prosecutor with more than two decades of experience offering criminal defense counsel and representation.

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125 Executive Pointe Blvd Ste 205
Columbia, SC 29210

Website

(803) 402-8544 Website

The Woods Law Firm

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.

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

Website

(864) 810-0384 Website

Reputation: A+

More Info

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.

Online Profiles:

2 (Better)

Average Review Score:

4.9 / 5 (Best)

Total Reviews:

67 (Best)

Score Consistency:

Consistent (Best)

Professionalism: A+

More Info

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.

Responsiveness: A+

Friendliness: A+

Helpfulness: A+

Detail: A+

Price: Free consultation

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