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Columbia Criminal Defense Attorney

Criminal charges devastate lives, careers, and families every day across Columbia and South Carolina, with over 40,000 arrests annually in Richland County alone. Facing felonies, misdemeanors, or federal charges threatens your freedom, employment, reputation, and future opportunities.

Don't let prosecutors steamroll your rights or accept inadequate plea deals. McGuire Law has been the trusted advocate fighting tirelessly for criminal defendants in Columbia and Richland County since 1993, securing dismissals, acquittals, and reduced charges for thousands of clients.

Our experienced Columbia criminal defense attorneys understand how the prosecution operates and know how to challenge evidence, protect constitutional rights, and hold the state accountable to their burden of proof.

Time is critical - evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and prosecutors build stronger cases every day. Every hour of delay gives the state more opportunity to strengthen their case against you. Protect your freedom today with aggressive legal representation that gets results.

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Criminal Defense Legal Representation

Felony Defense

Defending serious felony charges including violent crimes, drug offenses, theft crimes, and federal charges with prison exposure.

Misdemeanor Defense

Representing clients in misdemeanor cases including DUI, assault, theft, drug possession, and traffic violations.

Constitutional Challenges

Identifying violations of Fourth Amendment search and seizure rights, Miranda violations, and due process violations.

Evidence Suppression

Filing motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence, coerced confessions, and unconstitutional searches.

Plea Negotiations

Negotiating favorable plea agreements, reduced charges, alternative sentencing, and diversion programs.

Trial Representation

Aggressive courtroom advocacy with proven trial experience and successful jury verdicts for clients.

Appeals and Post-Conviction

Appellate representation, post-conviction relief, and challenging wrongful convictions through legal appeals.

Expungements

Clearing criminal records through expungements and pardons to restore employment and housing opportunities.

Bond and Bail Hearings

Securing reasonable bail amounts and conditions to keep clients out of jail during prosecution.

Who Faces Criminal Charges in Columbia

Criminal charges in Columbia affect various demographics and circumstances:

  • College Students - USC students facing charges with academic and career consequences
  • Working Professionals - Those requiring security clearances, professional licenses, or clean records
  • Military Personnel - Service members facing both civilian and military justice consequences
  • Young Adults - First-time offenders needing protection from lifelong criminal records
  • Repeat Offenders - Those with prior convictions facing enhanced penalties and habitual offender laws

Types of Criminal Charges We Defend

DUI and Traffic Crimes

Drunk driving, reckless driving, driving under suspension, hit and run, and serious traffic violations.

Drug Crimes

Possession, trafficking, manufacturing, distribution, and prescription drug offenses with federal implications.

Violent Crimes

Assault, battery, domestic violence, armed robbery, homicide, and weapons charges with serious penalties.

Theft Crimes

Shoplifting, burglary, robbery, embezzlement, fraud, identity theft, and financial crimes.

Sex Crimes

Sexual assault, rape, indecent exposure, child pornography, and sex offender registry consequences.

Federal Crimes

Federal drug trafficking, weapons charges, fraud, tax evasion, and interstate crimes requiring federal defense.

White Collar Crimes

Fraud, embezzlement, tax crimes, money laundering, securities violations, and professional misconduct.

Juvenile Crimes

Youth offenses requiring family court representation with focus on rehabilitation and record sealing.

Probation Violations

Defending against probation and parole violations that threaten immediate incarceration.

Appeals

Challenging wrongful convictions, excessive sentences, and procedural errors through appellate courts.

Warning Signs You Need a Criminal Defense Attorney

Recognizing when legal representation is essential protects your rights and freedom:

Arrest or Investigation

You've been arrested, charged, or contacted by police for questioning - immediate legal representation is critical.

Serious Charges

Felony charges, violent crimes, or any offense carrying potential jail time requires experienced legal defense.

Constitutional Violations

Illegal searches, Miranda violations, coerced confessions, or other constitutional violations affecting your case.

Career Implications

Professional licenses, security clearances, employment requiring clean records, or academic standing at risk.

Repeat Offenses

Prior convictions creating enhanced penalties, habitual offender consequences, or three-strike implications.

Complex Evidence

Technical evidence, forensic analysis, digital evidence, or scientific testimony requiring expert challenges.

Federal Jurisdiction

Federal charges, interstate crimes, or cases involving federal agencies requiring specialized federal defense.

Victim Impact

Cases involving alleged victims, restitution claims, or protective orders complicating legal strategy.

Columbia Criminal Defense Experience

Matt McGuire has defended criminal cases in Columbia and Richland County since 1993, understanding local courts, prosecutors, judges, and effective defense strategies.

Local Court Knowledge

Familiarity with Richland County judges, prosecutors, and court procedures provides strategic advantages.

Constitutional Expertise

Deep understanding of Fourth Amendment, Fifth Amendment, and Sixth Amendment protections in criminal cases.

Trial Experience

Proven courtroom success with jury trials, bench trials, and successful defense verdicts for clients.

Evidence Challenges

Expertise in suppressing illegally obtained evidence, challenging forensic analysis, and exposing police misconduct.

Plea Negotiation

Skilled negotiation with prosecutors to secure favorable plea agreements and reduced charges when appropriate.

Appellate Practice

Experience with criminal appeals, post-conviction relief, and challenging wrongful convictions in higher courts.

Federal Court Practice

Representation in federal court for federal crimes requiring specialized knowledge of federal procedures.

Record Clearing

Helping clients clear criminal records through expungements, pardons, and record sealing when eligible.

Legal Defense Strategies

Multiple defense strategies can be employed in criminal cases:

  • Constitutional Challenges - Challenging illegal searches, Miranda violations, and due process violations
  • Evidence Suppression - Excluding illegally obtained evidence and coerced confessions
  • Alibi Defense - Proving defendant was elsewhere when crime occurred
  • Self-Defense - Justifying actions as necessary protection from harm
  • Lack of Intent - Challenging prosecution's proof of criminal intent or knowledge
  • Entrapment - Proving law enforcement induced criminal activity

South Carolina Criminal Law

Burden of Proof

Prosecution must prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt, with defendant having no obligation to prove innocence.

Constitutional Rights

Right to remain silent, right to attorney, protection against unreasonable searches, and due process protections.

Sentencing Guidelines

South Carolina sentencing structure with enhanced penalties for repeat offenders and violent crimes.

Statute of Limitations

Time limits for prosecution vary by crime type, with serious felonies having longer limitation periods.

Juvenile Justice

Special procedures for youth offenders with focus on rehabilitation and record confidentiality.

Expungement Eligibility

Opportunities to clear criminal records for eligible offenses after completing sentences and waiting periods.

Habitual Offender Laws

Enhanced penalties for repeat offenders with potential life sentences for certain conviction patterns.

Pretrial Detention

Bond procedures, detention hearings, and constitutional rights during pretrial incarceration.

Consequences of Criminal Conviction

  • Incarceration - Jail or prison time ranging from days to life depending on charges
  • Fines and Costs - Substantial fines, court costs, and restitution payments to victims
  • Probation - Court supervision with conditions and restrictions on activities
  • Employment Impact - Job loss, professional license revocation, and career limitations
  • Housing Restrictions - Difficulty obtaining housing with criminal background checks
  • Educational Consequences - College admission issues and financial aid restrictions

Protecting Your Criminal Defense Rights

Steps to protect your rights in criminal cases:

  • Exercise Right to Silence - Don't answer questions without attorney present
  • Request Attorney - Clearly state you want legal representation before questioning
  • Document Everything - Preserve evidence, witness information, and case details
  • Avoid Social Media - Don't discuss case details or post anything that could be used against you
  • Follow Conditions - Comply with all bond conditions and court orders while case is pending

Protect Your Freedom from Criminal Consequences

Criminal charges threaten your freedom, reputation, and future opportunities. Don't face the justice system alone. Contact us for experienced criminal defense representation to protect your rights and secure the best possible outcome.

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What Our Clients Say

"Mr. McGuire and his team got me out of jail, period."

-Becky M., Columbia, SC

"McGuire Law is not like the law firms advertising on TV that run an assembly line. They are available all day, every day, home or office."

-Darrell M., Orangeburg, SC

"Responded not only the same day, but within the hour on a Sunday. Amazing, five stars."

-Jordan D., Spartanburg, SC

"If you need the best personal injury attorney in South Carolina, you call McGuire Law right now. I talked to an attorney with one call."

-Hilary A., Columbia, South Carolina

"I got a DUI in college and Mr. McGuire fixed it. One thousand stars!"

-Logan R., Lexington, South Carolina

"I have sent Matt more referrals than I can count at this point. Everyone is always astonished at the effort Matt and McGuire Law put into every case."

-Dan V., Sumter, South Carolina

"McGuire law does not play around. Don't think you can handle something like court yourself. You can't, so hire Mr. McGuire."

-Xander H., Spartanburg, S.C.

"Mr. McGuire handled my personal injury case with professionalism and got me the settlement I deserved. Highly recommend!"

-Sarah T., Charleston, SC

"When my family faced financial exploitation, McGuire Law fought tirelessly to recover our stolen assets. They truly care about their clients."

-Robert K., Columbia, SC

"Outstanding legal representation in my criminal case. Mr. McGuire's experience and dedication made all the difference."

-Michael P., Greenville, SC

"The team at McGuire Law provided compassionate support during our wrongful death case. They secured justice for our family."

-Jennifer L., Rock Hill, SC