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

South Carolina Lawyer Skilled at Federal Criminal Defense

Experienced Columbia trial attorney works tirelessly to protect your rights

Federal crimes are typically investigated by the FBI, DEA, IRS, or other federal agencies and prosecuted by attorneys in the U.S. Department of Justice. The level of professionalism and the almost unlimited resources brought by federal prosecutors put a defendant in serious jeopardy of conviction and a lengthy sentence. Jack B. Swerling, Attorney at Law, in Columbia, SC has extensive experience defending individuals and businesses against federal criminal charges. He understands the complexity of relevant laws and works tirelessly to challenge every element of the prosecution’s case. Even when the facts seem to go against you, Mr. Swerling will fight with determination to produce the best possible outcome.

Robust defense to a variety of federal criminal charges

Mr. Swerling’s extensive federal court experience includes defending cases involving:

  • White collar crimes
  • Drug crimes
  • Environmental crimes
  • Public corruption
  • Internet crimes

This is just a short list of the types of federal criminal cases for which Mr. Swerling has conducted a strong defense for his clients. He is prepared to protect your rights no matter the charges, so you can receive the spirited and effective defense you need.

Your determined advocate through every step of the legal process

Even before charges have been filed, if you learn that you are the subject of an investigation, or have been summoned before a grand jury, Mr. Swerling can investigate the potential charges against you and advise you on what to expect and how to conduct yourself during each stage of the case, including:

  • Arrest and arraignment— If you are arrested by federal authorities, you or your family should contact Mr. Swerling immediately so he can start arranging for a bail bond hearing to secure your release. In the federal system, you may receive prior notice of criminal charges with an order to appear before a United States Magistrate on a set date. Mr. Swerling often arranges such an appearance with a clear understanding on the issue of bail. At the court appearance, you will be advised of the charges against you. It is routine to enter a not guilty plea at this time.
  • Pre-trial proceedings — Federal criminal charges are not only serious but can often be complex. It is not unusual for there to be thousands of pages of investigative reports, statements by witnesses, financial records, lab reports and other documents. Mr. Swerling will file appropriate motions to ensure that all pertinent documents in the government’s hands are released to the defense, including information that may work to your advantage.
  • Plea bargaining — After a thorough review of all the facts and information gathered, Mr. Swerling will discuss with you the various options that are available, a plea bargain with the government. This may take the form of a guilty plea to a lower charge with dismissal of others The government may also agree to certain stipulations regarding factors that may influence sentencing, including whether certain enhancements apply or certain mitigating factors should be considered.
  • Trial — If a decision is made to go to trial, Mr. Swerling will work tirelessly to ensure you get the best possible defense by aggressively investigating, preparing and defending their case, using all available resources.
  • Sentencing — Some clients wrongly assume that because of federal sentencing guidelines, they don’t need effective representation once they’ve been convicted or enter a plea agreement. Nothing could be further from reality. A carefully prepared presentation at a sentencing hearing can humanize the client for the sentencing judge, help show remorse and demonstrate why a lighter sentence would still ensure that justice is served.
  • Appeals — Mr. Swerling is prepared to pursue appeals of unfavorable results for whether he represented you at trial or whether he was not the original trial lawyer. He has argued appeals before the Fourth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals and has a thorough understanding of federal appellate procedure.

Mr. Swerling can also help you negotiate proffer agreements with federal prosecutors. This type of arrangement permits a witness or subject of an investigation to provide information to the government with the understanding that it cannot be used against them in a criminal proceeding except under specified circumstances. A proffer may help the government and the defense lawyer evaluate a person’s involvement or lack of involvement in the alleged crime. If there is involvement, Mr. Swerling can evaluate how assisting the government may potentially benefit you.

Contact a highly professional Columbia counsel for federal criminal charges

If you are facing federal criminal charges in South Carolina or learn you are the subject of an investigation, you may call Jack B. Swerling, Attorney at Law, 24 hours per day at 800-701-0599 or contact us online and receive a prompt reply.

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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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