CityvettedCriminal charges can change your life. Choosing the right defense attorney in Summerville is critical for your future.
In Summerville, SC, facing criminal charges can be daunting. The stakes are high, and the right legal representation can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. With a mixed market of a few well-reviewed leaders and smaller firms, it’s crucial to understand the differences in service quality and pricing.
We evaluated six criminal defense lawyers in the area, focusing on their ratings, review counts, and overall reputation. Our ranking reflects a transparent assessment, ensuring that no one pays for placement, and we refresh our data monthly to keep our information current and relevant.
Cityvetted analysis of public Google review data, updated June 13, 2026.
How much does criminal defense lawyer cost in Summerville? See the price breakdown →
The Justis Law Firm, LLC has an impressive rating of 4.9 stars based on 144 reviews.
Read full review| Business | Vetted Score | Google rating | Reviews | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | 96Score | 168 | Comprehensive criminal defense | |
| 2 |  | 95Score | 144 | Affordable and effective representation | |
| 3 |  | 94Score | 63 | Courtroom representation | |
| 4 | 82Score | 56 | Clear communication and options | ||
| 5 | 80Score | 33 | Supportive legal assistance | ||
| 6 | 78Score | 6 | Intimate legal experience |
To create this ranking, we analyzed various factors such as customer reviews, star ratings, and the number of reviews each lawyer received. The combined total of 470 reviews across the six providers highlights the experiences of clients and their satisfaction levels.
We take pride in our independent approach. Each business is evaluated solely based on their performance and reputation in the Summerville area, ensuring that our rankings reflect the true quality of service without bias.
Sentiment is measured by AI analysis of review text, recency-weighted, with verified-pattern checks to discount suspicious review bursts.
With a perfect rating of 5 stars from 168 reviews, Susan E. Williams - Attorney at Law is recognized for her extensive experience and strong advocacy skills. Clients commend her for being approachable and thorough in her legal approach. While she excels in various criminal defense cases, her availability can be limited due to her high demand.
The Justis Law Firm, LLC has an impressive rating of 4.9 stars based on 144 reviews. Clients appreciate the firm's personalized attention and strategic approach to cases. This firm is often highlighted for its competitive pricing and effectiveness in resolving legal issues. However, some clients feel that response times could improve during peak periods.
Thurmond Kirchner & Timbes, P.A. also holds a stellar 5-star rating, but from fewer reviews (63). Clients often highlight their thoroughness and commitment to client education throughout the legal process. This firm is well-regarded for its strong courtroom presence. However, the smaller number of reviews means their reputation is still developing.
Russell D. Hilton, Attorney at Law, LLC has a 5-star rating from 56 reviews. Clients appreciate his straightforward approach and willingness to discuss all options. He is best suited for individuals looking for clear communication. However, his practice may not offer as many resources as larger 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 clear communication and options. It serves Summerville, SC, with $150 to $400 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are limited resources compared to larger firms.
Greg McCollum Complete Legal Defense Team holds a 4.9-star rating with 33 reviews. Clients often mention the team's dedication and responsiveness. They are well-regarded for their supportive approach to clients. However, the smaller number of reviews may leave some potential clients unsure about their overall track record. 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 supportive legal assistance. It serves Summerville, SC, with $150 to $350 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are smaller review base.
Stegall Law has a perfect 5-star rating but only 6 reviews. Clients appreciate the personalized attention and thorough explanations of the legal process. This firm is ideal for clients seeking a more intimate legal experience. However, the limited number of reviews raises questions about their experience level. The review base is still thin, so we read the rating as promising rather than proven and weighted it accordingly. Most of what reviewers hire it for is intimate legal experience. It serves Summerville, SC, with $200 to $400 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are limited number of reviews.
Selecting the right criminal defense attorney requires careful consideration of both price and reputation. Here are key factors to weigh in your decision.
Look for lawyers with high ratings and a substantial number of reviews. This indicates a track record of success and satisfied clients.
Evaluate what you can afford. While cheaper options exist, investing in a well-reviewed attorney may yield better outcomes.
Choose a lawyer who specializes in criminal defense and has experience with cases similar to yours. This can significantly impact your case's direction.
Understanding the cost of hiring a criminal defense lawyer is essential for budgeting your legal expenses. Here’s a breakdown of typical pricing tiers in the area.
Costs vary but expect rates typically ranging from $150 to $400 per hour, depending on the lawyer's experience and case complexity.
Look for experience, client reviews, and success rates in cases similar to yours. The number of reviews can indicate reliability.
We re-run the full analysis monthly with fresh review data. Last updated June 13, 2026.
Susan E. Williams - Attorney at Law is the best overall choice, thanks to a perfect 5-star rating from 168 reviews. For those seeking value, The Justis Law Firm, LLC delivers exceptional service with a 4.9 rating on 144 reviews. If you're ready to splurge, consider Thurmond Kirchner & Timbes, P.A., which also holds a 5-star rating but has fewer reviews, making it a promising but unproven option.
