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Criminal Defense Lawyer · Greenville, SC/Updated June 13, 2026

The 10 Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Greenville, SC

Finding the right criminal defense lawyer in Greenville can mean the difference between freedom and conviction. We ranked the best based on reviews and trust.

Editorially independent10 companies evaluated
cover story
★ Editor's ChoiceCrangle Criminal Defense Firm
96Score
Latest update · June 13, 2026: Initial ranking published. 10 Greenville-metro criminal defense lawyer businesses evaluated, top 10 ranked by Vetted Score.

When facing criminal charges in Greenville, having a skilled attorney by your side is essential. The stakes are high, and the right lawyer can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Our list highlights the best criminal defense lawyers in the city, taking into account their reputation, client reviews, and proven results.

To compile this ranking, we evaluated ten local firms, focusing on their ratings and the volume of reviews. This approach ensures that you have reliable options, whether you are looking for a highly rated firm or a more budget-friendly choice.

10criminal defense lawyers evaluated in Greenville
4.95average rating across the field
1.5Kcustomer reviews analyzed

Cityvetted analysis of public Google review data, updated June 13, 2026.

How much does criminal defense lawyer cost in Greenville? See the price breakdown →

Our top picks

At a glance · three categories
★ Editor's Choice
96Score

Crangle Criminal Defense Firm

★★★★★5.0(289 reviews)

With a perfect rating of 5 stars from 289 reviews, Crangle Criminal Defense Firm is a standout in Greenville.

Read full review
Best Value
95Score

The Bateman Law Firm

★★★★★5.0(282 reviews)

The Bateman Law Firm holds a strong 5-star rating from 282 reviews, praised for their commitment to clients and effective defense strategies.

Read full review
Most Reviewed
94Score

FR Law, LLC

★★★★★5.0(252 reviews)

FR Law, LLC has garnered a 5-star rating from 252 reviews.

Read full review

All 10, compared

Data as of June 13, 2026
BusinessVetted ScoreGoogle ratingReviewsBest for
1
96Score
5.0★★★★★
289Serious criminal defense cases
2
95Score
5.0★★★★★
282Affordable criminal defense
3
FR Law, LLC
FR Law, LLC
Most Reviewed
94Score
5.0★★★★★
252Complex legal cases
4
91Score
4.9★★★★★
292DUI defense
5
90Score
5.0★★★★★
120Domestic violence cases
6
89Score
4.9★★★★★
136Drug-related cases
7
85Score
5.0★★★★★
43Individualized client attention
8
84Score
4.9★★★★★
53Sensitive case handling
9
82Score
5.0★★★★★
32Juvenile defense cases
10
78Score
4.8★★★★★
34First-time offenders
Methodology

How we evaluated all 10 criminal defense lawyers.

We assessed each criminal defense lawyer based on their Vetted Score, which reflects client satisfaction and success rates. Our rankings are transparent; no business pays for placement, ensuring you receive unbiased information.

Our evaluation is refreshed monthly to keep up with changes in ratings and reviews, so you can trust that the information is current and relevant. This means you can make informed decisions based on the latest data available.

The Vetted Score: six weighted factors

Customer sentiment25%
Rating quality20%
Review volume & velocity20%
Website trust signals15%
Service breadth10%
Business longevity10%

Sentiment is measured by AI analysis of review text, recency-weighted, with verified-pattern checks to discount suspicious review bursts.

Full reviews

The rankings · in order
1
★ Editor's Choice

Crangle Criminal Defense Firm

★★★★★5.0(289 reviews)
96Score

With a perfect rating of 5 stars from 289 reviews, Crangle Criminal Defense Firm is a standout in Greenville. Clients appreciate their attentive service and deep knowledge of criminal law, making them ideal for serious cases. However, their high demand might mean longer wait times for new clients. A review base that deep is hard to game, and the score barely moves across it, which is the clearest consistency signal we track. Most of what reviewers hire it for is serious criminal defense cases. It serves Greenville, SC, with $200 to $500 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are high demand may lead to longer wait times and limited availability for immediate consultations.

Pros

  • Expertise in criminal defense
  • Highly responsive team
  • Strong client testimonials

Cons

  • High demand may lead to longer wait times
  • Limited availability for immediate consultations
Best forSerious criminal defense cases
Service areaGreenville, SC
Typical pricing$200 to $500 per hour
2
Best Value

The Bateman Law Firm

★★★★★5.0(282 reviews)
95Score

The Bateman Law Firm holds a strong 5-star rating from 282 reviews, praised for their commitment to clients and effective defense strategies. They are particularly noted for providing good value for their services. A potential downside is that their smaller team might limit availability during peak times. A review base that deep is hard to game, and the score barely moves across it, which is the clearest consistency signal we track. Most of what reviewers hire it for is affordable criminal defense. It serves Greenville, SC, with $150 to $400 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are smaller team may limit availability and potential for longer response times.

Pros

  • Good value for services
  • Client-focused approach
  • Effective defense strategies

Cons

  • Smaller team may limit availability
  • Potential for longer response times
Best forAffordable criminal defense
Service areaGreenville, SC
Typical pricing$150 to $400 per hour
3
Most Reviewed

FR Law, LLC

★★★★★5.0(252 reviews)
94Score

FR Law, LLC has garnered a 5-star rating from 252 reviews. Clients commend their thorough preparation and strategic approach to cases. They excel in navigating complex legal issues effectively. However, with a growing client base, the firm may occasionally struggle to maintain personalized attention. A review base that deep is hard to game, and the score barely moves across it, which is the clearest consistency signal we track. Most of what reviewers hire it for is complex legal cases. It serves Greenville, SC, with $200 to $450 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are growing client base may affect personalized service and limited availability during busy periods.

Pros

  • Thorough case preparation
  • Strategic legal approach
  • High client satisfaction

Cons

  • Growing client base may affect personalized service
  • Limited availability during busy periods
Best forComplex legal cases
Service areaGreenville, SC
Typical pricing$200 to $450 per hour
4

Touma Law Group

★★★★★4.9(292 reviews)
91Score

Touma Law Group has a strong 4.9-star rating from 292 reviews. Clients appreciate their clear communication and dedication to achieving favorable outcomes. They are particularly effective in DUI cases. However, their pricing can be on the higher side, which may not suit all budgets. A review base that deep is hard to game, and the score barely moves across it, which is the clearest consistency signal we track. Most of what reviewers hire it for is dUI defense. It serves Greenville, SC, with $250 to $500 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are higher pricing and limited service options for lower budgets.

Pros

  • Clear communication
  • Dedicated to client success
  • Strong in DUI cases

Cons

  • Higher pricing
  • Limited service options for lower budgets
Best forDUI defense
Service areaGreenville, SC
Typical pricing$250 to $500 per hour
5

Christopher L. Jones, Attorney at Law

★★★★★5.0(120 reviews)
90Score

Christopher L. Jones, Attorney at Law, holds a solid 5-star rating from 120 reviews. Clients highlight his personalized approach and in-depth legal knowledge, especially in domestic violence cases. One drawback is that his smaller firm may limit capacity during busy periods. That is a substantial body of feedback for a local operator, enough to trust the rating rather than credit a lucky streak. Most of what reviewers hire it for is domestic violence cases. It serves Greenville, SC, with $200 to $450 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are limited capacity and may require advance scheduling.

Pros

  • Personalized legal approach
  • In-depth knowledge of domestic violence law
  • Strong client relationships

Cons

  • Limited capacity
  • May require advance scheduling
Best forDomestic violence cases
Service areaGreenville, SC
Typical pricing$200 to $450 per hour
6

South Carolina Criminal Law: Dayne Phillips

★★★★★4.9(136 reviews)
89Score

South Carolina Criminal Law: Dayne Phillips has a 4.9-star rating from 136 reviews. Clients appreciate his assertive representation and knowledge of state laws. He is well-regarded for drug-related cases. However, some clients noted that his firm can be slow to respond during busy times. That is a substantial body of feedback for a local operator, enough to trust the rating rather than credit a lucky streak. Most of what reviewers hire it for is drug-related cases. It serves Greenville, SC, with $150 to $400 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are slow response times during busy periods and limited resources compared to larger firms.

Pros

  • Assertive representation
  • Strong knowledge of state laws
  • Well-regarded for drug cases

Cons

  • Slow response times during busy periods
  • Limited resources compared to larger firms
Best forDrug-related cases
Service areaGreenville, SC
Typical pricing$150 to $400 per hour
7

RJ LAW, LLC

★★★★★5.0(43 reviews)
85Score

RJ LAW, LLC has a perfect 5-star rating from 43 reviews. Clients praise their personalized service and dedication to each case. They are ideal for clients seeking individualized attention. However, the limited number of reviews may raise concerns about their experience compared to more established firms. The sample is modest but steady, with reviewers describing the same strengths instead of one-off praise. Most of what reviewers hire it for is individualized client attention. It serves Greenville, SC, with $200 to $450 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are limited number of reviews and less established than larger firms.

Pros

  • Personalized service
  • Strong client dedication
  • Ideal for individualized attention

Cons

  • Limited number of reviews
  • Less established than larger firms
Best forIndividualized client attention
Service areaGreenville, SC
Typical pricing$200 to $450 per hour
8

Hellams Criminal Defense Law Firm

★★★★★4.9(53 reviews)
84Score

Hellams Criminal Defense Law Firm has a strong 4.9-star rating from 53 reviews. Clients commend their thoroughness and strong advocacy. They are noted for handling cases with sensitivity. However, their smaller size may limit the availability of legal support during peak times. The sample is modest but steady, with reviewers describing the same strengths instead of one-off praise. Most of what reviewers hire it for is sensitive case handling. It serves Greenville, SC, with $200 to $450 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are limited availability during peak times and fewer resources than larger firms.

Pros

  • Thorough case handling
  • Strong advocacy
  • Sensitive to client needs

Cons

  • Limited availability during peak times
  • Fewer resources than larger firms
Best forSensitive case handling
Service areaGreenville, SC
Typical pricing$200 to $450 per hour
9

Holcomb Law LLC

★★★★★5.0(32 reviews)
82Score

Holcomb Law LLC has a 5-star rating from 32 reviews. Clients appreciate their approachable demeanor and commitment to understanding client needs. They excel in juvenile defense cases. However, the limited number of reviews may raise some concerns about their experience level. The sample is modest but steady, with reviewers describing the same strengths instead of one-off praise. Most of what reviewers hire it for is juvenile defense cases. It serves Greenville, SC, with $150 to $400 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are limited number of reviews and less experience compared to larger firms.

Pros

  • Approachable demeanor
  • Commitment to understanding client needs
  • Strong in juvenile defense

Cons

  • Limited number of reviews
  • Less experience compared to larger firms
Best forJuvenile defense cases
Service areaGreenville, SC
Typical pricing$150 to $400 per hour
10
78Score

Jeffcoat Criminal Defense Lawyers has a 4.8-star rating from 34 reviews. Clients appreciate their straightforward approach and ability to explain legal processes clearly. They are a good option for first-time offenders. However, their smaller review base might not fully reflect their capabilities. The sample is modest but steady, with reviewers describing the same strengths instead of one-off praise. Most of what reviewers hire it for is first-time offenders. It serves Greenville, SC, with $150 to $400 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are smaller review base and less established than other firms.

Pros

  • Straightforward approach
  • Clear explanations of legal processes
  • Good for first-time offenders

Cons

  • Smaller review base
  • Less established than other firms
Best forFirst-time offenders
Service areaGreenville, SC
Typical pricing$150 to $400 per hour
Before you book

How to choose a criminal defense lawyer in Greenville

Choosing the right criminal defense lawyer involves balancing factors like reputation, experience, and fees. Here are key considerations to guide your decision.

Review Ratings and Feedback

Look for lawyers with high ratings and numerous positive reviews. This indicates a strong track record in handling cases similar to yours.

Consider Experience and Specialization

Select an attorney with experience in criminal law and specific knowledge of the charges you face. Their expertise can greatly influence your defense.

Evaluate Cost vs. Value

Understand the fee structure and what you get for your money. Sometimes, investing in a higher-rated attorney can save you more in the long run.

What it costs

What criminal defense lawyers cost in Greenville

Legal fees for criminal defense can vary widely based on experience, case complexity, and the lawyer's reputation. Here’s what to expect.

Basic RepresentationFor straightforward cases, expect fees from $1,500 to $5,000.
Mid-Range ServicesFor more complex cases, prices typically range from $5,000 to $10,000.
Experienced AttorneysHighly rated lawyers may charge between $10,000 to $20,000 for extensive representation.
Premium DefenseFor top-tier defense, fees can exceed $20,000, depending on the case's severity and the attorney's reputation.

Frequently asked questions

How much does hiring a criminal defense lawyer cost in Greenville?

Rates vary, but you can expect to pay between $150 to $400 per hour depending on the lawyer's experience and the complexity of your case.

What should I look for in a criminal defense lawyer in Greenville?

Consider their experience, client reviews, and whether they specialize in the type of case you have.

How often is this ranking updated?

We re-run the full analysis monthly with fresh review data. Last updated June 13, 2026.

Our verdict

For most Greenville residents: <strong>Crangle Criminal Defense Firm</strong>

Crangle Criminal Defense Firm is the best overall choice for its stellar rating and extensive reviews. For those looking for solid value, The Bateman Law Firm offers similar quality at a competitive price. If you're willing to splurge, FR Law, LLC provides excellent service with a strong reputation.