3 Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Columbia, SC

"Michael Jeffcoat completed his JD at the University of South Carolina School of Law. He is committed to his profession, which extends beyond his practice. He is a State Delegate to the American Association for Justice, a longtime board member of the South Carolina Association for Justice, and a former member of the South Carolina Bar’s House of Delegates. He has recorded multiple noteworthy resolutions for his clients. He assists individual people who are up against powerful forces, whether it be an insurance company, a corporation, the government, or a professional licensing board, or what have you. Jeffcoat Criminal Defense Lawyers is a South Carolina criminal defense firm that provides legal assistance to its clients in Columbia and the surrounding areas. You can contact Jeffcoat Criminal Defense Lawyers if you’ve been accused in South Carolina to schedule your free consultation.

"Dayne Phillips completed his JD at the University of South Carolina School of Law. He is a member of the South Carolina Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the Lexington County Bar Association, the Richland County Bar Association, and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. He is admitted to practice in the South Carolina Bar, the Supreme Court of the United States, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, and the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina. Dayne has many years of experience successfully defending clients, achieving numerous not-guilty verdicts in felony jury trials. He is dedicated to obtaining the best possible outcomes by providing passionate and personalized representation. Dayne believes that success comes from a strong work ethic and diligence. Dayne has also served as an Assistant Public Defender in the Eleventh Circuit Public Defender’s Office. His cases have been featured in The State Newspaper, SC Lawyers Weekly, and local TV news stations. Dayne Phillips is the President of the South Carolina Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. Dayne is currently practicing at South Carolina Criminal Law. The firm has a team of knowledgeable and recommended lawyers, and they are responsive and aggressive while advocating for their clients. They have another office in Myrtle Beach, Lexington, Greenville, Charleston, North Charleston, and Spartanburg. You can contact South Carolina Criminal Law to get a free consultation. Weekends and after-hours appointments are available.

"Jack B. Swerling focuses on criminal cases in state and federal courts, along with a few civil cases. He completed his Law Degree at the University of South Carolina School of Law. He is a member of the South Carolina Bar and licensed to practice by the Supreme Court of South Carolina. He has received honorary fellowships from the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, the American College of Trial Lawyers, the American Board of Criminal Lawyers, and the American Academy of Appellate Lawyers. He has 53 years of experience in this field, has handled thousands of criminal cases, and has fought in many notable courtroom battles. He is selected as 2025 Lawyer of the Year in Criminal Defense for the Columbia metro area in the 31st edition of Best Lawyers in America. He is the 2024 recipient of the Chief Justice’s Lifetime Achievement Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Legal Profession and was the recipient of the 2014 Pettigru Platinum Compleat Lawyer Award from the USC School of Law. He lectures often at continuing legal education programs for lawyers and judges, and speaks at schools, civic organizations, and professional groups. Jack is one of only five lawyers in South Carolina in the American Academy of Appellate Lawyers. Jack also teaches legal education programs for lawyers and judges and gives talks at schools, civic organizations, and professional groups. In 1991, he published a book titled "The Right to Free Speech Versus the Right to a Fair Trial." You can contact Jack B. Swerling to schedule your appointment.