Looking for a Reliable Criminal Defense Attorney?
Protecting the Rights of the Accused Throughout Richland and Lexington Counties
At the David W. Martin Law Group, our Columbia, South Carolina, criminal defense attorneys provide skilled, strategic legal representation to individuals facing criminal charges in the state’s capital and surrounding areas. With over 136,000 city residents and over 850,000 in the greater Columbia metropolitan area, this region sees significant legal activity, including thousands of arrests yearly.
Whether you are a student at the University of South Carolina, an active-duty service member stationed at Fort Jackson, or a long-time resident of Columbia, facing criminal charges can feel overwhelming. We are here to protect your rights, explain your legal options, and fight for your future. Call our Richland and Lexington County defense team for a confidential consultation.
Assault & Battery Defense in Columbia, South Carolina
Assault and battery charges in Columbia can range from misdemeanor offenses to serious felonies, depending on the nature of the alleged harm and the circumstances surrounding the incident. Whether you’re facing a misunderstanding that escalated or accusations of intentional harm, these charges carry severe penalties, including jail time, steep fines, and a criminal record that can impact your reputation and livelihood.
We help clients understand:
- The differences between assault and battery charges.
- What the prosecution must prove.
- How prior criminal history and aggravating factors can elevate charges.
Contact us today if you face assault or battery charges in Columbia—we’ll evaluate your case and build a strong defense strategy.
Burglary Charges in Columbia, South Carolina
Burglary is a felony in South Carolina and is taken seriously by prosecutors in Columbia. It involves unlawful entry into a dwelling or building with the intent to commit a crime, often theft or another felony.
Burglary charges may be classified as:
- Burglary in the first, second, or third degree.
- Violent or non-violent, based on specific elements.
Convictions can carry penalties ranging from several years to life in prison. Our criminal defense attorneys in Columbia understand the nuances of burglary law and know how to challenge the prosecution’s narrative.
Protect your rights from day one. Contact our legal team to discuss your burglary defense options.
Drug Crimes Defense in Columbia, South Carolina
With the proximity of major highways, a large student population, and nearby military installations, Columbia sees a broad range of drug-related arrests. Whether you’re facing a simple possession charge or an allegation of trafficking, South Carolina imposes harsh penalties for drug crimes.
We defend clients charged with:
- Possession of marijuana, cocaine, meth, heroin, or prescription drugs.
- Possession with intent to distribute.
- Distribution and trafficking charges.
- Drug manufacturing or cultivation.
Don’t face drug charges alone. Our experienced Columbia defense lawyers will challenge the evidence and advocate for your rights.
DUI and DUAC Charges in Columbia
South Carolina law distinguishes between Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and Driving with an Unlawful Alcohol Concentration (DUAC). Both carry serious consequences, including license suspension, fines, increased insurance costs, Ignition Interlock Device requirements, and potential jail time. Columbia police, USC campus officers, and state troopers regularly conduct sobriety checkpoints and make arrests throughout the metro area.
Our attorneys defend clients against:
- First-time and repeat DUI charges.
- DUAC charges based on Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) alone.
- Field sobriety test challenges.
- Blood and breath test disputes.
If you’ve been arrested for DUI or DUAC in Columbia, act quickly to protect your driving privileges and future. Call us now to learn more.
Gun Crimes in Columbia, South Carolina
Gun laws in South Carolina permit firearm ownership, but violations—especially those involving concealed weapons or possession by prohibited individuals—can lead to felony charges. With a strong military presence and a population that values Second Amendment rights, the Columbia courts take a firm stance on unlawful gun possession or use.
We defend clients charged with:
- Unlawful carrying of a weapon.
- Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
- Use of a weapon during the commission of a crime.
- Firearms violations near schools or government buildings.
Facing a gun charge? Call our Columbia gun crimes defense team for a clear assessment of your case.
We Also Focus on the Following Criminal Defense Services in Columbia:
- Drug Crimes Defense
- DUAC Defense
- DUI Defense
- Stolen Vehicle Possession Defense
- Sexual Conduct With a Minor Defense
- Shoplifting Defense
- Traffic Violation Defense
- Assault & Battery Defense
- Burglary Defense
- Domestic Violence Defense
- Gun Crimes
Murder and Attempted Murder Defense in Columbia, South Carolina
Few charges carry stakes as high as murder or attempted murder. Convictions can result in decades behind bars—or even life without parole. At the David W. Martin Law Group, we bring trial-tested experience to these complex cases and work closely with forensic experts, investigators, and witnesses to challenge the prosecution’s claims.
We defend clients charged with:
- Attempted murder.
- Voluntary or involuntary manslaughter.
- Reckless homicide.
Time is critical in murder cases. Contact our Columbia office immediately for aggressive, experienced defense.
Domestic Violence Defense in Columbia, South Carolina
Domestic violence charges involve accusations of physical harm or threats against a household member, such as a spouse, partner, or co-parent. These cases are often emotionally charged and may be based on limited or one-sided evidence.
Our domestic violence defense attorneys help clients:
- Understand the criminal charges and potential penalties.
- Navigate no-contact orders and bond conditions.
- Prepare for court hearings and trials.
If you’ve been accused of domestic violence in Columbia, we’ll help protect your rights and tell your side of the story.
Possession of a Stolen Vehicle in Columbia, South Carolina
Possession of a stolen vehicle is a serious offense in South Carolina. To secure a conviction, prosecutors must prove that you knowingly had control of a car you knew was stolen. Our defense team works to dismantle the state’s assumptions and create reasonable doubt.
Whether your charges stem from a traffic stop or a larger investigation, we’ll analyze the facts and defend your rights.
Sex Crimes and Sexual Conduct with a Minor Defense in Columbia, South Carolina
Being accused of a sex crime can be devastating, both personally and legally. In Colombia, these cases are prosecuted aggressively and may require registration as a sex offender. We defend clients accused of sexual assault, criminal sexual conduct, and sexual conduct involving minors.
We take a discreet, strategic approach to these highly sensitive cases and fight to protect our clients’ futures. If you are under investigation or have been charged with a sex crime in Colombia, call us immediately for confidential legal support.
Shoplifting Charges in Columbia, South Carolina
Shoplifting is one of Columbia’s most common criminal charges, especially in busy retail centers like Columbiana Centre or Five Points. However, even a misdemeanor conviction can carry long-term consequences, including a criminal record and difficulty finding employment.
We help clients facing shoplifting charges understand:
- How the value of the merchandise affects your case.
- What penalties may apply based on prior offenses.
- How to challenge video evidence and eyewitness accounts.
Don’t let a shoplifting charge define your future. Contact our defense team for strong representation.
Traffic Violations Defense in Columbia, South Carolina
Traffic offenses in Colombia range from speeding tickets to more serious violations that carry criminal penalties. Repeated infractions or charges like reckless driving or hit-and-run can jeopardize your license and increase your insurance costs.
We defend clients charged with:
- Driving with a suspended license.
- Reckless or careless driving.
- Speeding and failure to yield.
- Hit-and-run and vehicular manslaughter.
A single traffic violation can have long-term consequences. Let our Columbia attorneys fight to protect your record.
Call Our Columbia, South Carolina Criminal Defense Law Firm Today
At the David W. Martin Law Group, we understand that being charged with a crime can feel like your entire life is on the line. We tirelessly defend our clients in Columbia and across Richland and Lexington Counties. Whether you’re facing a misdemeanor or felony, we’ll take your case seriously and fight for the best possible outcome.
Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation with a criminal defense lawyer in Columbia, South Carolina. Your future deserves experienced legal protection—call(803) 219-4902 to get started.
