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1720 Main St, #301 | Columbia, South Carolina 29201-2850
CONTACT US AT 800-701-0599
Meeting with a Criminal Defense Attorney

Meeting With Your Criminal Defense Attorney

It is very important to prepare in advance for your first meeting with your criminal defense attorney.  It is also important to meet as soon as possible so your attorney can formulate a strategy and defense for your case.  No matter how good your criminal defense attorney is, he or she has to rely on the information that you give.  If that information is incomplete or inaccurate, it can hurt your case down the road.

Be Aware of the Charges You Face

If you are seeking the help of a criminal defense attorney in Columbia, you have probably already had some contact with law enforcement.  If you are not yet charged, you likely were questioned by police.  In either case, it is crucial that you know what the police suspect you of having done and why they suspect you.  This information allows your attorney to begin planning your case.

Prepare an Accurate and Thorough Account of What Happened

While interactions with the police can be very stressful, it is important to remember what occurred during every interaction.  Small details about where you were and what was said can be crucial to your defense.  If you incriminated yourself during questioning, details about the circumstances under which the police questioned you can help your attorney try to keep those incriminating statements out of court.  Even if your attorney is unable to keep those statements out of court, it is still important that he or she knows what you said because it will likely come up at trial.

Be Honest About Details That May Harm Your Case

Concealing unfavorable details from your attorney is never a good strategy.  Most prosecutors are very good at what they do and usually have no problem uncovering those details on their own.  Concealing unfavorable details only makes it harder for your attorney to prepare a defense.  For example, if you are accused of harming a person with whom you had a previous argument or grudge, tell your attorney about it.  He or she needs to know these things in order to prepare for when they come up at trial.

Have Some Idea of the Financial Resources You Can Devote to Your Defense

Criminal attorneys in Columbia have a variety of experts and professionals at their disposal that they can use in the technical or scientific areas of your case.  Using these experts can be expensive.  Your lawyer should know what resources you are willing to commit to your defense.

Contact South Carolina Criminal Defense Attorney Jack B. Swerling Today

If you are facing criminal charges or learn you are the subject of a criminal investigation, call our law firm 24 hours a day at 800-701-0599.  Our answering service can direct you to Jack Swerling, Attorney at Law.  You may also contact Jack Swerling online.

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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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