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1720 Main St, #301 | Columbia, South Carolina 29201-2850
CONTACT US AT 800-701-0599

South Carolina Attorney Skilled in Criminal Defense

Columbia lawyer dedicated to helping the criminally accused

Jack B. Swerling, Attorney at Law, is devoted to representing people charged with crimes in state and federal courts. From his office in Columbia, Mr. Swerling defends clients from all walks of life throughout South Carolina. In his more than 40 years of legal practice, he has handled thousands of cases from drug trafficking, theft, robbery, weapons charges, murder and other violent crimes to white collar crimes including blackmail, bribery, public corruption, forgery, perjury, computer crime, extortion, money laundering and various types of fraud. He represents clients in state and federal criminal investigations and grand jury proceedings.

Proven success in high profile cases

When you retain Jack B. Swerling as your defense counsel, you get a seasoned lawyer with wealth of experience in high-profile and contentious criminal law cases. Two of Mr. Swerling’s cases, State v. Larry Gene Bell and State v. Donald “Pee Wee” Gaskins, were the subjects of made-for-TV movies, and several of his clients have been the subject of true crime books, including Bell, Gaskins and Richard Starrett. The late Chief Justice of the South Carolina Supreme Court, Julius Ness, was once quoted in the Charlotte Observer as saying, “I hope I will never be accused of a crime, but if I am, I certainly would want Jack Swerling to represent me.” In one challenging case after another, Mr. Swerling has built a reputation for thorough investigation, engaging top investigators, forensic experts, consultants, and even professional researchers to build a defense that delivers the best possible result for his clients.

Experienced in defense of a broad scope of criminal charges in state and federal courts

Mr. Swerling’s criminal defense practice covers the full range of federal and state charges, including:

Mr. Swerling is ready and able to represent you, a loved one, or a friend in a criminal investigation or against criminal charges that have been brought by a federal or state law enforcement agency.

Videos document skillful trial lawyer in action

Jack B. Swerling delivers a passionate opening statement in State v. Douglas McKown, a drug possession case:

Opening Statement

Aggressive cross-examination compels a witness to admit she lied in earlier testimony:

Cross Examining

The jury acquits Douglas McKown on all charges:

Criminal Defense Attorney

Experience fighting for a wide range of clients in contentious criminal cases

When you choose Jack B. Swerling to stand between you and the government as a protector of your rights and freedom, you are selecting a lawyer with a proven ability and a documented record of past performance. He has a reputation for vigorously defending the rights of the accused, believing that no matter what the crime or who is charged, every person should be afforded the best legal representation possible. Since 1973, Mr. Swerling has defended public officials, bankers, lawyers, doctors, law enforcement officers, educators, business owners, business employees, executives, and athletes. He has represented factory workers, farmers, students, government employees, sales personnel, store clerks, mechanics, and laborers. His clientele is diverse and represents a virtual cross section of the South Carolina community.

2014 Compleat Lawyer Award Platinum Recipient

COMPLEAT LAWYER AWARD: In recognition of his distinguished career, Jack Swerling receives praise from his alma mater, University of South Carolina School of Law.

Contact a dedicated South Carolina criminal lawyer today

Jack B. Swerling, Attorney at Law, in Columbia works tirelessly and pursues every option available for the best result attainable for each of his clients. If you are in need of a criminal defense lawyer in South Carolina, call 800-701-0599 or contact us online to make an appointment for a consultation.

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Our Office
  • Columbia Office
    1720 Main St
    #301
    Columbia, South Carolina 29201-2850
    Phone: (803) 765-2626
    Fax: 803-799-4059
  • Highest Level of Professional Excellence Award
    Excellent Client Service Award
  • Best Lawyers Award: Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Columbia SC
    Super Lawyers Award: Top Criminal Defense Attorney in Columba, SC
  • Top 500 Fellows
    Selected As Fellow
  • Selected As Fellow - American Board of Criminal Lawyers
    Member IATL
  • Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Columbia South Carolina Award

Jack Swerling In The News >>

  • Jack Swerling, Derrick Mobley and Alissa Wilson were successful in having a Judge rule after an extensive hearing, that the defendant was immune from prosecution based on the “Stand Your Ground” law in a murder prosecution. The Judgment was handed down on March 29, 2021.
  • Jack Swerling, Gregory Harris and Alissa Wilson obtained a Not Guilty Verdict in Lexington County on March 3, 2022. An Orthopedic Surgeon was charged with Involuntary Manslaughter in the accidental shooting death of a friend.
  • “When Jack is on my docket, I tell my law clerks, ‘You do not want to miss this. You are seeing one of the greatest trial lawyers in the state’s history.'” -South Carolina Circuit Court Judge
  • Jack was selected to Super Lawyers Magazine Top Ten List for 2019. Each year Super Lawyers recognizes the top lawyers in South Carolina via a selection process involving peer evaluations, independent research and professional achievement. The South Carolina lawyers who receive the highest points during this selection process are further recognized in the South Carolina Super Lawyers Top Ten List.
  • USA v. FRANK*: In a child pornography case, Swerling was successful in obtaining a 22 level variance reducing the defendant’s sentence from 8 years to 6 months.
  • STATE v. BORIS: The defendant was found not guilty by reason of insanity in a case where the defendant was involved in a shoot-out with 3 police officers.
  • STATE v. TYGER: Jack Swerling obtains a not guilty verdict in a criminal sexual conduct case in Beaufort County.
  • Pre Trial Dispositions: STATE v. DWAYNE: Mr. Swerling successfully argued for the dismissal of stalking and unlawful use of telephone charges brought against a prominent businessman in Florence County.
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