Facing criminal charges in Columbia, South Carolina can shatter your world in an instant. Whether you've been arrested near the State House, detained after a traffic stop on I-26, or charged following an incident in the Vista entertainment district, your freedom, career, and family's future hang in the balance.
Available 24/7 - Immediate Response for Criminal Arrests
South Carolina's criminal justice system moves quickly, and evidence critical to your defense disappears with each passing hour. The experienced Columbia criminal defense team at McGuire Law understands the urgent nature of your situation and stands ready to protect your constitutional rights.
Matthew McGuire has defended clients against criminal charges throughout South Carolina for over 30 years, from DUI arrests and drug charges to assault allegations and white-collar crimes. Don't let a criminal charge define your future—immediate action can mean the difference between conviction and freedom.
When your freedom hangs in the balance, you need an attorney who has spent decades mastering every aspect of criminal defense—from challenging illegal searches to cross-examining police officers and negotiating with prosecutors who know our reputation for taking cases to trial.
Comprehensive defense against drunk driving charges including challenging breathalyzer accuracy, field sobriety test procedures, and traffic stop legality. We fight to protect your license and your freedom.
Aggressive defense for assault and battery charges from simple misdemeanors to aggravated felonies. We investigate self-defense claims, witness credibility, and prosecutorial overreach.
Specialized strategies for domestic violence charges that carry mandatory arrest policies and severe consequences. We protect your rights while navigating these sensitive allegations.
Defense against all drug charges from possession to trafficking. We challenge search and seizure procedures, chain of custody, and negotiate alternatives to incarceration when possible.
While many criminal cases resolve through negotiation, we're always prepared for trial. Our courtroom experience gives us leverage in plea negotiations and confidence when your case must go before a jury.
We defend all criminal charges in Columbia, from misdemeanor traffic violations to serious felonies carrying decades in prison.
Drunk driving charges carrying enhanced penalties for breathalyzer refusal. We challenge every aspect from traffic stop legality to testing procedures.
All drug charges including marijuana possession still criminalized under South Carolina law. We fight mandatory minimums and seek treatment alternatives.
Charges ranging from simple misdemeanors to aggravated felonies. We investigate self-defense claims and challenge witness credibility.
Charges requiring specialized defense due to mandatory arrest policies. We protect your rights while navigating restraining orders and family court issues.
Shoplifting, burglary, armed robbery, and financial fraud. We negotiate charge reductions and fight allegations that can result in felony records.
Firearms violations and concealed carry offenses under South Carolina's evolving gun laws. We protect your Second Amendment rights.
Embezzlement, money laundering, and computer fraud requiring sophisticated defense. We handle complex financial evidence and negotiate with federal prosecutors.
Even misdemeanor convictions create permanent records affecting employment, housing, and professional licensing. We fight every charge aggressively.
Defending criminal charges requires more than legal knowledge—it demands tireless advocacy, creative thinking, and the determination to fight for every client regardless of the charges they face or what anyone else thinks of them.
We defend criminal charges in all 46 South Carolina counties, from Columbia to Charleston to Myrtle Beach. Wherever you're charged, we're ready to fight for you.
Every criminal case presents unique challenges requiring innovative solutions. We find angles other attorneys miss and develop defense strategies tailored to your specific situation.
We ensure you understand every aspect of your case, from potential consequences to defense options. Informed clients make better decisions about their futures.
We fight hard for our clients. Whether negotiating with prosecutors or presenting your case to a jury, we advocate aggressively to protect your freedom and your future.
Criminal arrests happen at all hours. We're available around the clock to respond immediately when you need us most—during the critical first hours after arrest.
Effective criminal defense requires challenging every aspect of the prosecution's case while protecting your constitutional rights.
Challenging illegal searches and seizures that violate your constitutional rights. Evidence obtained illegally can be suppressed and cases dismissed.
Suppressing statements obtained without proper Miranda warnings or during unlawful detention. We protect your right against self-incrimination.
Investigating improper procedures, departmental protocol violations, and officer misconduct that can undermine the prosecution's case.
Analyzing body camera footage, dashcam recordings, and witness statements for inconsistencies that create reasonable doubt.
Challenging the handling and storage of physical evidence, particularly in drug and DUI cases where contamination or mishandling is common.
Negotiating with prosecutors to reduce charges or secure diversion programs, treatment alternatives, and sentencing options that avoid incarceration.
The Solicitor's Office maintains aggressive prosecution policies, making experienced defense representation essential. You need an attorney who knows the local courts, prosecutors, and judges—and who has the trial experience to back up every negotiation.
When you're facing criminal charges, you need answers now—not next week. We're responsive, available, and committed to keeping you informed at every stage of your case.
We explain criminal law and court procedures in plain language so you understand your options and can make informed decisions about your defense strategy.
We're focused on outcomes that matter—dismissed charges, acquittals, reduced sentences, and protecting your record. Our track record speaks to our commitment to results.
As South Carolina attorneys, we're invested in our clients and our community. We understand that criminal charges affect not just you but your family, employer, and everyone who depends on you.
We understand the financial stress criminal charges create. We provide clear fee structures, work efficiently, and focus resources where they'll have the greatest impact on your case.
Understanding and exercising your rights during police encounters can make the difference between conviction and freedom.
You can assert your constitutional rights without being confrontational. State clearly: "I'm exercising my right to remain silent and I want to speak with my attorney."
Criminal charges raise urgent questions about your future. Here are answers to help you understand the process and make informed decisions about your defense.
Exercise your right to remain silent and request an attorney immediately. Do not answer questions, sign documents, or consent to searches. Call McGuire Law at (888) 499-5738 as soon as possible—we're available 24/7.
Bond hearings typically occur within 24 hours of arrest. We can often arrange emergency bond hearings and secure your release through personal recognizance bonds, property bonds, or electronic monitoring.
Sentencing depends on many factors including charge severity, criminal history, and the strength of your defense. Many cases resolve without incarceration through negotiations, diversion programs, or acquittal at trial.
Yes. Charges can be dismissed for constitutional violations, insufficient evidence, procedural errors, or successful suppression motions. We investigate every avenue to get your charges reduced or dismissed.
Criminal convictions affect employment, housing, professional licenses, gun rights, and immigration status. Even misdemeanors create permanent records. We fight to avoid convictions and protect your future.
No. Anything you say can and will be used against you. Police are trained to obtain incriminating statements. Even innocent explanations can be twisted into evidence of guilt. Always speak through your attorney.
Criminal cases typically take 3-12 months depending on complexity, but some cases resolve quickly through negotiation while others require trial. We push for efficient resolution while protecting your rights.
Defense costs vary based on charge severity and case complexity. We provide clear fee structures upfront with no hidden costs. Call for free to discuss your case and get honest fee estimates.
With over 30 years of experience defending South Carolina, McGuire Law provides elite legal representation with national recognition. McGuire Law has grown from a small practice into one of the most trusted law firms in South Carolina. We understand that legal issues can be overwhelming, whether you're facing criminal charges, dealing with injuries from an accident, or navigating family law matters.
McGuire Law is committed to each client's unique situation, and we don't believe in boilerplate solutions. Every case requires careful analysis, strategic planning, and aggressive representation. Our firm combines over 30 years of experience with cutting-edge legal strategies to achieve the best possible outcomes for our clients.
McGuire Law serves all 46 South Carolina counties. We know these counties, their courts, their legal communities, and most importantly, the people who live here. This local knowledge, combined with our legal expertise, gives our clients a significant advantage.
Matt McGuire received his B.A. from the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill and his J.D. from the University of South Carolina.
Matt has served as a law clerk for a State Circuit Judge, an Assistant Attorney General for the State of South Carolina, and an Assistant Solicitor in the Fifth Circuit Solicitor's Office.
Matt is a proud husband, father of two, and a long-time resident of Richland County, South Carolina.
Call McGuire Law immediately for immediate legal protection. Our Columbia office is ready to begin fighting for your freedom today, and your call is always free.
Don't let a criminal charge define your future—immediate action can mean the difference between conviction and freedom.
Available 24/7/365 - Immediate Response for Criminal Arrests
Don't wait another moment while critical evidence disappears and prosecutors build their case against you. Call McGuire Law immediately at (888) 499-5738 for your free consultation, available 24/7/365. Our Columbia office is ready to begin fighting for your freedom today, and you can also schedule a meeting through our online calendar by clicking the 'Book a Call' button.
