Top Criminal Defense Lawyers in ZIP 29201 | 38 available

38 Criminal Defense lawyers are available in ZIP code 29201 in Columbia, South Carolina, including John O'Leary, Jonathan Milling, Joseph Leventis, and Justin Kata. Average rating of these lawyers is 4.6/5 and 53% provide free consultation.

Criminal Defense Lawyers Near ZIP 29201 - Map View

Showing top 10 Criminal Defense attorneys in Columbia, South Carolina near ZIP code 29201. Click any pin to view lawyer details, ratings, and contact information. Gold pins indicate top-rated lawyers.


FAQs - Criminal Defense Lawyers in 29201 city Columbia How can a local lawyer help me? A local attorney can review your situation, explain options, and help you plan next steps. Consider speaking to a local attorney for personalized advice.
Avvo Rating: Rated 4.3 out of 5

John O'Leary

Firm: O'Leary Associates, P.A.
714 Calhoun St , Columbia , South Carolina 29201
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense
Avvo Review
“mediately you can sense this urgency to get you off the line or your asking to many questions but yo”
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Avvo Rating: Rated 5.0 out of 5

Raia Hirsch

1720 Main St Ste 301 , Columbia , South Carolina 29201
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense
Avvo Review
“wn for Jack (lawyer). My sons father was rearrested for drugs (Ice) and gun charges. I hired Raia to”
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Yelp Rating: Rated 5.0 out of 5

Whetstone Perkins & Fulda

Firm: Whetstone Perkins & Fulda
1620 Gervais St , Columbia , South Carolina 29201
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, Personal Injury, General Litigation
Yelp Review
“We could not be more appreciative of all of the hard work Will did for us. We appreciate how he always kept us in the loop on what was happening. We highly...”
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Google Review
“Will Whetstone handled several of my cases and I must say I was very pleased with the outcome. He kept me up to date with my cases throughout the entire process.If you looking for …”
— Tiffine Lindsey
Avvo Rating: Rated 5.0 out of 5

Theresa Johns

Firm: Theresa Johns, P.A.
1720 Main St Ste 202 , Columbia , South Carolina 29201
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense
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.
Avvo Review
“felt confident walking into the courtroom and Satisfied leaving. There's only one way out when havin”
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Lawyers.com Review
“I endorse this lawyer. Theresa is a fantastic trial attorney and an aggressive advocate.”

Stephen Krzyston

Firm: Cavanaugh & Thickens, LLC
1324 Gadsden Street , Columbia , South Carolina 29201
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense
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.
Lawyers.com Review
“Stephen is a consummate and dedicated professional whom I have had the privilege of working across from, and witnessing his interactions with others in the SC Criminal Bar. Always …”
Avvo Rating: Rated 5.0 out of 5

Seth C. Rose

Firm: Seth Rose, Attorney at Law
1528 Blanding Street , Columbia , South Carolina 29201
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense
Seth Rose is a former Richland County Prosecutor and founder of the Law Office of Seth Rose, LLC. Known for being hardworking, responsive, and effective.
Avvo Review
“e at all times of day. I never at any point had any doubts or worries.”
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Lawyers.com Review
“I endorse this lawyer. Seth has the perfect combination of intelligence, genuineness, warmth, empathy, and diligence, making him a great lawyer as well as a great person.”
Google Review
“Seth Rose is hands down the best choice. From day 1, his knowledge, connections, attentiveness, and compassion for his job made me confident we could get my case taken care of. His…”
— Julie Gundersen
Avvo Rating: Rated 3.4 out of 5

Richard Whiting

Firm: Law Offices of Richard Whiting
1515 Lady St , Columbia , South Carolina 29201
Practice Areas: Appellate , Criminal Defense , Personal Injury, Divorce & Separation
Google Review
“My custody case has been completely bungled. Whatever Mr. Whiting was responsible for was done poorly or not done at all: * no effort was made to pursue discovery of any relevant d…”
— Pavel Zheltov

Richard Harpootlian

Firm: Richard A. Harpootlian, PA
1410 Laurel St , Columbia , South Carolina 29201
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense
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.
Lawyers.com Review
“I endorse Richard. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community.”
Google Review
“Can we clone him? We need several dozen more.”
— Betsy Ford
Avvo Rating: Rated 4.0 out of 5

Michael McMullen

Firm: Michael D. McMullen
1720 Main Street, Suite 301 , Columbia , South Carolina 29201
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense , Drug Crimes, DUI/DWI, Felonies, Insurance , Parole and Probation, Sexual Abuse, Traffic Violations, Criminal Defense, Criminal Defense
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.
Avvo Review
“he would show up on my behalf and represent me. well I just received a letter in the mail from Lex”
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Lawyers.com Review
“I endorse Michael. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community.”
Google Review
“I am grateful for my experience with Mr. McMullen. His approach and understanding of my case led to the best possible outcome. I highly recommend Michael to handle legal issues wit…”
— Brian Aiken, CCIM
Avvo Rating: Rated 4.7 out of 5

Jonathan Milling

Firm: Milling Law Firm, LLC
1614 Taylor Street , Columbia , South Carolina 29201
Practice Areas: Civil , Criminal Defense , White Collar Crime, Criminal Defense
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.
Lawyers.com Review
“I endorse this lawyer.”
Avvo Rating: Rated 5.0 out of 5

Matthew McGuire

Firm: McGuire Law
2001 Assembly St. , Columbia , South Carolina 29201
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense
Avvo Review
“Matt will fix your problems. Matt doesn't stop until you get the very best outcome from the judge an”
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Avvo Rating: Rated 5.0 out of 5

Luke Shealey

Firm: The Shealey Law Firm, LLC
2008 Lincoln St , Columbia , South Carolina 29201
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, Personal Injury, DUI & DWI
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.
Avvo Review
“No seriously!!! These guys are real. They are absolutely without a doubt, totally invested in the b”
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Lawyers.com Review
“Luke is a very competent in the field of criminal law, and anyone that I have ever referred to him has been truly impressed. Well experienced and attentive.”

Lir Derieg

1924 Barnwell St , Columbia , South Carolina 29201
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense
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.
Lawyers.com Review
“l have known Lir for many years now and I fully endorse him as both a lawyer and a person. I highly recommend him!”
Avvo Rating: Rated 5.0 out of 5

Lacey Thompson

Firm: Thompson & Hiller Defense Firm
1231 Elmwood Ave. , Columbia , South Carolina 29201
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense
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.
Avvo Review
“THANK YOU THANK YOU. My case has caused me so much anxiety and stress. Ms.Lacey and Ms.Mindi showed”
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Lawyers.com Review
“Lacey has a reputation as a great criminal defense attorney and I endorse her.”
Avvo Rating: Rated 4.0 out of 5

Justin Kata

Firm: The Giese Law Firm, LLC
1315 Blanding St , Columbia , South Carolina 29201
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense
Avvo Review
“Was put in contact with Justin back in 2019 and he's been my Lawyer every since. very reasonable for”
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Avvo Rating: Rated 5.0 out of 5

Joseph Leventis

Firm: Leventis Law Firm, LLC.
1913 Bull Street , Columbia , South Carolina 29201
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense
A lifelong resident of Columbia, South Carolina, Joe holds both a B.S. (2009) and a J.D. (2013) from the University of South Carolina. While attending law school, Joe served as a law clerk at the Fifth Judicial Circuit Solicitor’s Office; after graduation, he began working as an Assistant Solicitor for that Office, trying cases in both General Sessions and Magistrate’s Court. Subsequent to his tenure in the Fifth Judicial Circuit Solicitor’s Office, Joe went to work for the Richard A. Harpootlian law firm, joining a team of other experienced litigators. There, he worked at the federal and state court levels handling a variety of criminal and civil litigation cases.. Joe aggressively seeks justice for his clients and is a tireless student of the law, leaving no stone unturned in his research and understanding of relevant case law that he can bring to bear in defending criminal clients and achieving a successful outcome for those with civil claims. He takes pride in finding solutions to complex problems and is passionate in his quest for justice for every client.
Avvo Review
“Joe Leventis is a very professional and knowledgeable lawyer. He did an outstanding job handling my”
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Lawyers.com Review
“I met Joe a few years ago when he first came out of law school. In the time that I have known him, he has not stopped learning and improving his skills. Many people claim on their …”
Google Review
“I had the best experience one could ever have when finding yourself in search of a Lawyer. From my first conversation with Joe to our first meeting, he was up front & honest, very …”
— Wendy hutchins
Yelp Rating: Rated 3.3 out of 5

McWhirter Bellinger & Associates

Firm: McWhirter Bellinger & Associates
1807 Hampton St , Columbia , South Carolina 29201
Practice Areas: Personal Injury, Social Security, Criminal Defense
Yelp Review
“Great staff. Gabriela and Elizabeth were great at keeping updated with case. They are the best. Would definitely recommend them to anyone looking for...”
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Yelp Rating: Rated 1.0 out of 5

William A. Hodge, Attorney at Law

Firm: William A. Hodge, Attorney at Law
1426 Richland St , Columbia , South Carolina 29201
Practice Areas: DUI, Criminal Defense
Yelp Review
“South Carolina Attorney, William A. Hodge, allowed me to stay in jail for 27 months, when unbeknownst to me at the time, there was a court order for my...”
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Google Review
“William is the person that you want on your side. He’s real. He tells you how it is with no fluff and he always keeps his word. He works hard and tirelessly and is a genuinely good…”
— Presley Bright

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