Top Criminal Defense Lawyers Near Me in Columbia Area

William Hodge is an experienced attorney who practices in the areas of criminal defense, juvenile defense, and personal injury.

Victor Li is a native of the Pee Dee.  He grew up in Cheraw, South Carolina and attended Cheraw High School until his sophomore year when he was accepted to the South Carolina Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics.  Victor is an avid gamer and enjoys competing in Scrabble, Poker and Chess.. Victor graduated from Clemson University in 1999 with a B.S. in Chemistry and from there  attended the University of South Carolina School of Law.  After graduating from law school in 2003, Victor postponed taking the bar in pursuit of opening Northstar Learning Center, a tutoring center focused on helping underprivileged children in the Midlands.. In 2008, Victor began his legal career in the Fifth Judicial Circuit working as a prosecutor for then Solicitor Barney Giese.  Although Victor was grateful for his first opportunity to practice law in the State of South Carolina, he quickly realized that his passion was defending and helping the people in his community.  Since 2009, Victor has been protecting and defending the constitutional rights of those who are accused of drug charges, DUI, and other violent crimes.. “I believe that honesty and transparency are the best ways to cultivate a strong attorney-client relationship.  Once you have retained me for the entirety of your case, you will be provided with my personal cell phone number to ensure easy and direct communication between client and attorney, not between office staff and client.”. In 2014, Victor was instrumental in reforming the City of Columbia Police Department’s drug lab.  He effectively challenged the drug analysis of the department’s drug chemist by showing that the reported drug weight was grossly exaggerated.  Because of his work, not only was his client protected from false prosecution, but so were hundreds of other defendants who would have been victims of shoddy police work.. Victor believes in his clients and bases his practice on a client-centric perspective.

Richard “Dick” Ara Harpootlian is one of South Carolina’s leading courtroom advocates with 30 years of trial experience as a prosecutor, defense attorney, and civil litigator. Mr. Harpootlian’s dynamic and persuasive advocacy style and record of success has earned him a reputation amongst South Carolina’s legal community as a lawyer who can get results.. Mr. Harpootlian began his career as a prosecutor in the Fifth Circuit Solicitor’s Office. Within two years, he was named Deputy Solicitor and tasked with the administration and supervision of over 20 prosecutors and staff members. As the Fifth Circuit’s chief homicide prosecutor, Mr. Harpootlian personally prosecuted hundreds of murder cases, including 12 death penalty cases.. He defended one of those convictions on appeal before the United States Supreme Court. In 1983, Mr. Harpootlian earned a conviction in the prosecution of Donald “Pee Wee” Gaskins—South Carolina’s most notorious serial killer. Mr. Gaskins was sentenced to death. In 1990, Mr. Harpootlian was elected as Fifth Circuit Solicitor, winning by a margin of almost 2-1. He served from 1991 until 1995. As Solicitor, he personally prosecuted and obtained convictions in a number of high-profile murder, drug, and public corruption cases. In 1991, Mr. Harpootlian prosecuted and convicted ex-University of South Carolina President Jim Holderman for public corruption charges arising from the abuse of his office for personal gain.. For the last 20 years, Mr. Harpootlian’s private practice has earned him state and national recognition for his efforts on behalf of civil litigants and criminal defendants, including a number of multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements, some of which are listed here.. In addition to his law practice, Mr. Harpootlian has been active in South Carolina politics. He was popularly elected and served on Richland County Council from 1986 to 1991. He served as Chairman of the South Carolina Democratic Party from 1998 to 2003 and again from 2011 to 2013. During his first tenure as Chair, the Party elected Governor James Hodges, the first candidate to unseat an incumbent South Carolina governor, and five other Democrats to statewide office.. Mr. Harpootlian’s views as a commentator on law and politics are regularly sought by national news programs. He has appeared on 60 Minutes, Good Morning America, ABC Nightly News, NBC Nightly News, Dateline NBC, and various CNN, MSNBC, CNBC, and Fox News broadcasts. He is also frequently quoted in local, state, and national publications, including the New York Times, the Washington Post, the Boston Globe, the Los Angeles Times, and TIME Magazine.. Mr. Harpootlian has been invited to share his experience with bar colleges as a lecture for the South Carolina Bar Association on topics including class action litigation and criminal defense. For the last 20 years, he has lectured newly barred South Carolina lawyers during the Bridge the Gap Program. He is a former chair of the Criminal Law Section of the South Carolina Bar Association and a past member of the South Carolina Bar Board of Grievance and Discipline. He has served on the South Carolina Chief Justice’s Blue Ribbon Committee on Docketing and he is an adjunct professor at the University of South Carolina School of Law.

Randolph “Randy” Hough has practiced law for over 25 years, both as a prosecutor and as a criminal defense lawyer. He knows how the criminal justice system works from the inside out, and leverages that knowledge to help build a better defense for you. He has personally handled more than 2,000 DUI cases alone, and has represented clients in municipal, state, and federal courtrooms.

Preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of SC and the United States of America is my pledge to each and every one of my clients. My clients depend on me to stand up for them in times where they need a strong voice. I have dedicated my life to helping others in their times of struggle and injustice. In order to accomplish my goal of helping others, I stay motivated by the trust they put in me to keep their confidences and secrets.

My name is Lacey Thompson, and I am a criminal defense attorney in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and Columbia, South Carolina.  I started my career in criminal defense at the Frederick Law Office, and I have been hooked since my first day.  I never wanted to practice criminal defense, but as the saying goes, tell God your plans and He’ll laugh.  While it was not what I originally wanted to do, it was where I ended up, and I am so glad I did.  I get to help people every day I come into the office.  Now, I can’t imagine doing anything else, and I’m the happiest I’ve ever been.  While this job can often be a struggle with what criminal defense attorneys face, those clients that I have helped and are helping make it worth it.. Any result that Lacey Thomspon achieved on behalf of one client in one matter does not necessarily indicate similar results can be obtained for other clients.

Mr. Shealey attended the University of South Carolina and graduated with a BA in 2001. After finishing his undergraduate work and exploring what career paths excited him the most, Brian chose to study law in Boston, Massachusetts, and graduated from New England Law in 2007. Mr. Shealey worked for 5 years at the Richland County Public Defender’s Office before establishing the Shealey Law Firm, LLC. Mr. Shealey has spent the majority of his legal career defending the most violent charges, including clients charged with murder, armed robbery, rape and burglary. Throughout his career, Mr. Shealey has achieved an impressive number of acquittals at trial, but he always attempts to use his courtroom success in an effort to shield future clients from the risks of trial by getting favorable results before ever entering a courtroom. The time spent fighting for his client’s rights in trial has given him a unique set of experiences that he enjoys putting to work for all of his clients in his every day practice. Mr. Shealey is admitted to practice in all South Carolina State and Federal Courts.

Mr. Milling handles civil litigation, corporate litigation, criminal defense, white collar criminal defense and appeals in all South Carolina state and federal courts. He is a former criminal prosecutor and is a CJA Panel attorney for the District of South Carolina and Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals. Mr. Milling is a member of the South Carolina Bar and licensed to practice before the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina, Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, DC Circuit Court of Appeals and the United States Supreme Court.

Luke Shealey graduated from The University of South Carolina with a B.A. in 2001. After clerking for two years at a major Columbia law firm Luke decided to pursue the practice of law. Mr. Shealey graduated law school in Boston, Massachusetts from the New England School of law. While there he was elected to the Student Bar Association and invited to write for one of the school’s several journals.. In 2006 Luke moved back to Columbia, SC and began working as an Assistant Public Defender, where he would diligently represent indigent clients on criminal cases for almost seven years. Mr. Shealey was a tireless advocate for his clients, and for the majority of his time as a public defender he represented only the most serious crimes. Mr. Shealey has taken countless cases to trial with exceptional results, earning an uncanny amount of not guilty verdicts to include murder, all levels of assault, domestic violence, kidnapping and driving under the influence cases. Luke was a graduate of the National Criminal Defense College in Macon, GA in 2008, and in 2012 he taught trial advocacy to the inaugural class of the South Carolina Defense College. In 2013 Mr. Shealey was appointed to his first death penalty case. He and the other team members were tasked with literally trying to save this man from execution by the State of South Carolina. In 2015 Mr. Shealey and the other members of the team were able to secure a life sentence for their client. Mr. Shealey has trained in the Colorado Method of Captial Voir Dire at the Colorado School of Law and also in death penalty defense at the Santa Clara University School of Law. Mr. Shealey is a member of the South Carolina Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and active within his community. Mr. Shealey strives to provide powerful representation, and his vast courtroom experience allows him to achieve maximum results for his clients.. Mr. Shealey is admitted to practice in all South Carolina State and Federal Courts.

Landon Miller focuses his practice in the fields of DWI defense, alcohol and drug offenses, traffic violations, general criminal defense matters, and personal injury matters. Landon grew up in Raymore, Missouri, and understands the unique dynamic of Missouri. After graduating Ray-Pec high school, Landon joined the United States Marine Corps Reserves. While in the Marine Corps, Landon recieved a bachelor's degree in criminal justice administration from Columbia College. He went on to the University of Missouri School of Law where he earned a Juris Doctorate. While in law school, Landon became rule 13 certified and practiced as an assistant prosecutor in Cass County. Landon also competed on the law school mock trial teams with such success that the law school asked that he coach the future teams. In his first year of coaching, his team won the TYLA regional competition and advanced to the the national competition. He is currently an active member of the Missouri Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.. Landon has handled over a hundreds of cases and strives for the best possible result for his clients in every case. When he is not able to secure a dismissal or favorable outcome through negotiation, Landon is not afraid to take the fight into the courtroom. Landon's prior experience working for the Cass County Prosecuting Attorney and coaching at the law school has provided him with a thorough understanding of both sides of a case allowing a more comprehensive approach to each case he evaluates.

John Paschal Meadors is the criminal defense attorney for MBA, practicing primarily  in Columbia, Lexington, Camden, Orangeburg, Aiken and Newberry counties.. He received his B.A. from Wofford College in 1983, where he served as Student Body President.  John received his J.D. from the University of South Carolina in 1987 and was admitted to the South Carolina Bar.  He was admitted to the United States District court in 1995.. Mr. Meadors has spent over 28 years practicing criminal law in the courtrooms of this State.  He served as an Assistant Solicitor, First Assistant Solicitor and Deputy Solicitor for the Fifth Judicial Circuit for twenty-three years.  He has served as an Assistant Attorney General in the State Grand Jury Division for over five years, where he handled major drug conspiracies throughout the State. He was also appointed a Special Assistant United States Attorney.  Governor Sanford appointed him to the Child Fatality Review Board which he served on for 8 years.. John has been a speaker at numerous Continuing Legal Education courses and received the 2005 Ernest F. Hollings Award for Excellence in State Court Prosecution.  He has handled thousands of criminal cases including over 100 murder cases.  He has been representing clients for MBA for over 5 years.. John is married and has four children.  He is a member of Shandon United Methodist Church and   the Camden Rotary Club.  He is a member of the Richland County Bar Association and  the Kershaw County Bar Association.. If you are facing criminal charges in the Camden, Lexington, Newberry, Orangeburg, Columbia, or Aiken, South Carolina, area, please contact the criminal defense team at McWhirter, Bellinger & Associates, P.A. today.. Any result our firm may achieve on behalf of one client in one matter does not necessarily indicate similar results can be obtained for other clients.

It is the mission of everyone here at Leigh J. Leventis - Attorney at Law to be courteous, polite, responsive and hard working. Our firm principal, Leigh J. Leventis, along with his team, is very appreciative of the opportunity to assist clients during their time of need. In addition, we are quite honored to have the confidence and trust of those who choose to work with our firm. It is this firm's objective to make a positive difference in the life of each client we have the privilege of working with. Lastly, we will work fiercely to leave "no stone unturned" in our effort to accomplish the objective of each client with whom we work.

In my thirty years of practicing law, I have always tried to give my clients superior representation at a fair price. I can not guarantee results, but I can guarantee that I will fight for you to the best of my ability. If necessary, I will get down in the foxhole with you. If you are fighting the government in a criminal case, I will do my best to see that you prevail.

In 2008 I graduated from the University of Miami's School of Law and immediately moved to South Carolina to practice criminal law.  Within my first two years of practice I argued before the Supreme Court of South Carolina and helped to change the law in South Carolina to the benefit of my clients.  After an additional five years of practice with larger firms and many more cases, I decided to open the Truluck Law Firm.  I am at all times committed to the practice of law and it is my goal to provide responsive representation to keep my client's informed of their options throughout the legal process.

I was born in St. Louis County, raised in Sullivan, and have lived in Columbia since 2001 when I began attending Mizzou.  In addition to Boone, Cole, and surrounding counties, I am very open to taking criminal and traffic cases in and around Franklin County.  I will also take certain types of cases throughout the state.. I am a big sports fan.  My favorites are Boxing, Baseball, and Football, as well as Hockey.  My teams are the Cards, Rams, and Blues, as well as Mizzou.  I never miss a game of any of these teams, nor a boxing match on TV.  I am also working on becoming a boxing judge.. I also like to keep myself updated on politics, and enjoy learning about family history and history in general.. I attend Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Columbia, and sometimes also the St. Thomas More Newman Center on campus.. I speak German a little, and Spanish a VERY little.. My favorite movies include Braveheart, Anchorman, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, Rob Roy, and Rocky (all except 5).  My favorite muscians/bands include George Strait, Breaking Benjamin, Johnny Cash, Seether, Three Days Grace, The Offspring, Garth Brooks, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

I represent individuals accused of crimes. My results are the product of hard work, a great team, and aggressive advocacy. I serve clients in state and federal courts across Missouri.. My work has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Dateline, Vice News on HBO, ABC News, and CBS News, underscoring my team’s reputation as formidable trial attorneys willing to take on complex and high-stakes cases.. In the fall of 2024, my team and I secured a NOT GUILTY verdict on a first-degree murder case—the first such verdict in Boone County in decades. This outcome is a testament to our tenacity, trial skills, and unwavering commitment to securing the best possible results for our clients.. I earned my business and law degrees from the University of Missouri. Before attending law school, I worked for Congressman Ike Skelton in Washington, D.C., where I assisted with legislative duties, drafted Congressional Record documents, and contributed to projects involving American military installations. During law school, I became a Rule 13 certified law student, authorized by the Missouri Supreme Court, and gained hands-on experience at the Boone County Prosecutor's Office.. I am a member of the Boone County Bar Association, the Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys, and the Missouri Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. I have served on the Board of Directors for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Mid-Missouri and the Missouri FarmHouse Association. In addition to my legal work, I am an active volunteer at my daughter’s school, Our Lady of Lourdes Interparish School. I also serve as a lector, on the vocations committee, and chair of the Mardi Gras parade at my family’s parish, St. Thomas More Newman Center.

I joined Cavanaugh & Thickens, LLC, in 2019. Prior to joining Cavanaugh & Thickens, LLC, I worked for over 6 years with the Fifth Circuit Public Defender in Columbia, South Carolina. At the public defender, I focused on defending individuals charged with serious and most serious violent crimes. During the past 6 years, I have successfully defended every type of crime on the books, including Murder and Felony DUI involving Death. I have also successfully tried many criminal cases to verdict and am licensed to provide first-chair defense representation in death penalty cases.. During my tenure as a public defender, I was selected to attend the National Forensic College. This College is an invitation-only program designed to instruct supervisors, trainers, and experienced litigators who will become forensic science experts in their jurisdictions. The College is hosted on an annual basis by the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the Cardoza School of Law in Manhattan, New York.. Additionally, I was selected to attend the Trial Practice Institute at the National Criminal Defense College (NCDC). The Trial Practice Institute is the preeminent hands-on trial skills training program in the United States. The Institute lasts two weeks and is held annually in July. I also completed John E. Reid & Associates advanced interview and interrogation course. The course is devoted to providing advanced instruction on the Reid Technique. The Reid Technique is a controversial set of tactics that are widely used by law enforcement agencies when attempting to extract confessions from suspects and persons of interest.. I was raised in Orangeburg, South Carolina. I received my undergraduate degree from the College of Charleston in 2009, and my law degree from the Charleston School of Law in 2012. During law school, I worked in a plaintiff’s firm which focused on personal injury and disability claims, the Capital Trial Division of the Commission on Indigent Defense, and the Ninth Circuit Public Defender in Charleston County.

I decided to go to Law School after having been a Tennessee State Park Ranger for 10 years. This decision was made, in part, because of a desire to advocate for persons in court instead of being the reason they were there (enforcement of the law).

He has represented clients in difficult, high profile cases that have been featured on CBS's 48 Hours and Court TV's Trial Story. He has served as a guest commentator on Court TV's Catherine Crier Live.. Mr. Slusher has received training in courtroom techniques at places such as the Wyoming Trial Advocacy Institute, the California Institute for Criminal Defense Advocacy and Gerry Spence's Trial Lawyer's College.. Mr. Slusher also has experience representing clients in appeals to the Missouri Appellate Courts, the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit and the United States Supreme Court.. Christopher A. Slusher received a degree in Business from Indiana University in 1988 and his law degree from the University of Missouri in 1991. His litigation practice concentrates on serious personal injury, wrongful death and criminal defense.

Having been married for 45 years and having raised 3 children, I have a great deal of experience and insight into family dynamics and the pressures and issues families confront.  I use this experience and knowledge in assisting my clients to navigate the judicial process involved in numerous family law proceedings.  I take the time necessary to really listen to my clients as I seek to meet their needs, whether in divorce proceedings, estate planning, accident cases or business planning.

Greetings. I am the principal attorney for the Lilly Law Firm, a multi-service law practice located in Columbia, Howard County, Maryland. I've been practicing law for over 29 years and have extensive trial experience. I have successfully represented multiple men and women in a wide variety of criminal and civil matters. I primarily practice in the area of criminal and motor vehicle law defense but also handle a large number of accident cases and family law matters. My fees are highly competitive.. I served as a Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney from 1992 to 1998. I prosecuted numerous felonies and misdemeanors during that time – including serious motor vehicle offenses (DWI/DUI, Driving While Suspended, etc.) – and developed a particular expertise with respect to narcotics crimes. From 1998 to 2001, I was a Maryland Assistant Attorney General, during which time I investigated and prosecuted a wide range of state criminal environmental offenses.. Since 2001, I've been on the defense side of the aisle with respect to criminal and motor vehicle law matters. I take great pride in providing highly personalized and effective legal representation. With thorough preparation, hard work and meticulous attention to detail, I consistently achieve outstanding results for my clients.. My firm handles a substantial number of personal injury cases – including auto accidents, trucking accidents, and slip and falls. We seek and achieve full compensation for damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. We understand that helping our clients obtain all of the medical care they need – as well as thorough and effective medical documentation – are the keys to maximum personal injury awards – and, where possible, a full recovery.. The Lilly Law Firm also handles a substantial number of family law matters. These cases are often emotionally charged and challenging. While the firm endeavors to achieve a negotiated settlement of the issues presented by a divorce or separation, we are fully prepared to litigate if this is required. The firm offers mediation to opposing parties, often drafting separation agreements based on the terms agreed upon by the parties – avoiding the high financial and emotional costs of litigation.. The firm also has expertise in preparing wills. A will or trust is the best way to ensure your property and assets are passed to the people who matter most in your life. We will carefully and meticulously articulate your wishes and desires in a will or trust.. It was an honor for me to serve in the U.S. Navy Reserve as both an officer and an enlisted sailor from 1988 to 2015. I was mobilized for two years immediately following the events of September 11, 2001. The Lilly Law Firm offers substantial discounts to active duty and reserve military members, veterans, and their families.

Former Prosecutor with over 25 years of experience in criminal law.  Former Adminsitrative Hearing Officer. Experience also as an Investigator for a State Agency. I love trying cases and get great satisfaction by working with clients and presenting their side to prosecutors or law enforcement to get great results without going to trial. Each client's case demands a unique approach, tailored to fit the situation. Clients deal directly with me, not a paralegal or answering service. Call me at to get a lawyer who works hard, knows the law, and a lawyer who cares.

For over 30 years, Jason A. Shapiro has been a highly recognized and sought after attorney in the state of Maryland. Jason has consistently been recognized as one of Maryland’s Superlawyers, by Best Lawyers in America, and was even named their Lawyer of the Year in 2016.  He’s been honored by his peers in the criminal defense bar by being chosen as their leader, serving as President of the Maryland Criminal Defense Attorneys’ Association from 2010 to 2011. Jason has served as the Managing Partner of Shapiro Zwanetz & Associates which has repeatedly been honored as one of the Best Law Firms in America. This recognition is due not just to the excellent results that Jason’s firm delivers to its clients; it is also due to the firm’s recognition that each client is a unique individual, each deserving of the highest client/customer service.. In serving his community as a Defense Attorney, Jason has defended thousands of Criminal, DUI/DWI, Traffic and Juvenile cases. Jason has handled over 1000 Motor Vehicle Administrative Hearings. Most notably, Jason has successfully defended all types of criminal matters, and securing dismissals of all charges regarding the last two First Degree Murder cases which he co-defended with his partner, David Zwanetz.. Prior to entering the private practice of law, Jason served in the Offices of the State’s Attorneys for both Montgomery and Howard Counties. While serving as an Assistant State’s Attorney, Jason prosecuted a myriad of cases from Misdemeanors and Felonies, and from Agricultural Crimes to First Degree Murder cases. As a prosecutor, Jason was honored to receive the scholarship offered by the Maryland State’s Attorneys’ Association to Career Prosecutor School (a/k/a “Prosecutors’ Top Gun School”).. Jason has lived in the state of Maryland his entire life, grew up in Silver Spring, and has lived in Columbia for nearly the past 35 years. He has been active in the local community, coaching his children’s sports teams; serving on charitable Board of Directors; and was appointed by then – Governor Martin O’Malley to be the Chairman of the Trial Courts Nominating Commission for Howard County from 2007 through 2015.  Since 2017, Jason was elected as the President and Chairman of the Board of "HC DRUG FREE" a non-profit organziation seeking to educate the Howard County community regarding the prevention and treatment of drug and/or alcohol abuse.

For a Columbia, SC, criminal lawyer, work with Lir Derieg at Derieg Law Firm, LLC. We have the resources and skills to represent a variety of cases and legal needs. When you need a firm you can trust, we can protect your rights and best interests.. We represent criminal defendants. When you've been accused of committing a crime, we help you avoid unnecessary consequences by building strong defense cases that advocate for reduction or dismissal of your charges. We'll help you understand your rights under the law and your legal options, letting you make informed decisions.. We are proud to represent a wide variety of clients, both personal and commercial. We help you with everything from day-to-day operations to specific legal issue or disputes. We review and explain contracts, guide you through acquisitions and sales, and help you make plans for the future. You can trust that we'll provide knowledgeable advice and guidance that truly looks out for your business's bottom line.. We are also exceptional personal injury lawyers. We represent the needs of victims, helping you secure recovery and additional compensation so that you can get the care you need, pay your medical bills, cover your personal expenses, and move forward with your life. We will work aggressively to advocate for the maximum and work efficiently so that you won't have to wait.. As local Columbia, SC, personal injury lawyers, we want to make sure that you have high quality private representation. You have needs and we are here to meet them. To protect your rights, schedule your initial appointment today. We have flexible appointments available for your convenience.

Each client is important to me, and I believe it is critical to provide one on one personal attention to truly understand each client's unique circumstances. I'd be happy to provide a free consultation to personally discuss your legal matter and determine how to best assist you.