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

Columbia South Carolina Appellate Practice

When a person is convicted and in limited other circumstances, an appeal may be taken to the appellate courts. In the South Carolina state courts, appeals are directly taken to the South Carolina Court of Appeals. A limited number of cases may be directly appealed to the South Carolina Supreme Court. If a party receives an unfavorable decision in the Court of Appeals, including the prosecuting agency, the party may petition for review or certiorari to the South Carolina Supreme Court. The Supreme Court may affirm, reverse, or modify a decision of the Court of Appeals. An appeal is often the last hope from an unfavorable result and the lawyer you select to handle the appeal should have a wealth of experience in the appellate courts. Appeals from the United States District Court are taken to the United States Court of Appeals for the Forth Circuit which sits in Richmond, Virginia and, as in the state court, a party may petition for review or certiorari to the United States Supreme Court.

Jack Swerling has an extensive appellate practice and provides advice and advocacy on appeals to the South Carolina state and federal appellate courts for his own clients and for many people referred by other attorneys. In his 40 years of practice, he has handled scores of appeals. In recognition of his ability and character, he was selected to be a Fellow in the American Academy of Appellate Lawyers, only one of five lawyers in the state of South Carolina to be so honored.

Whether a client’s goal is to reverse an adverse verdict, or protect a favorable one, Mr. Swerling gives each appeal a fresh perspective, carefully analyzing the record on appeal, identifying any trial or sentencing errors, advising clients on the advisability of an appeal and creating a successful strategy if the decision is made to proceed. He often works together with top researchers in an effort to submit excellent appellate briefs, which are the documents that contain a party’s factual and legal arguments to the appellate court.

Mr. Swerling’s depth of knowledge and breadth of experience in criminal law makes him an effective advocate for clients before the appellate courts. He has represented clients in cases before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, the South Carolina Court of Appeals and the South Carolina Supreme Court. (For additional details see: In the News and representative-cases.)

If you have been convicted of a crime in South Carolina, call our office at 800-701-0599 to discuss your options for an appeal with Jack Swerling. You may also e-mail Jack Swerling at [email protected]. E-mails are checked regularly.

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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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