Charleston Criminal Defense Lawyer
Aggressive Defense Against Criminal Charges in Charleston, Summerville & Throughout South Carolina
If you have been accused of a crime, get in touch with our criminal defense lawyers in Charleston, SC right away. At Thurmond Kirchner & Timbes, P.A., our dedicated criminal defense attorneys in Charleston, SC, including Lead Counsel Paul Thurmond, have years of courtroom experience on both sides of the aisle. Our criminal lawyers are thorough, aggressive, and discreet. Each of our attorneys brings extensive experience practicing criminal defense in South Carolina.
We work hard to ensure your rights are protected throughout every step of your case. Schedule a free consultation with a Charleston criminal defense attorney by calling (843) 790-0083 or by contacting us online.
We Are Here to Help
Areas of Practice
At Thurmond Kirchner & Timbes, P.A., our criminal defense attorneys in Charleston provide aggressive, effective representation. We represent clients charged with misdemeanors and felonies in both South Carolina state courts and federal court, from magistrate and municipal court through Charleston County General Sessions Court.
Criminal Cases We Handle
Our South Carolina law firm takes on a range of criminal matters, including:
- Traffic Offenses: Violating traffic laws or engaging in illegal conduct while operating a motor vehicle.
- Drug Crimes: Illegal conduct involving controlled substances, including drug possession, drug manufacturing, and drug trafficking.
- White Collar Crimes: Financially motivated offenses taking place in corporate or business settings.
- Violent Crimes, including Assault & Battery: Offenses involving the use of violence or the threat of bodily harm to another person.
- DUI: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Juvenile Crimes: Crimes committed by individuals under 18.
- Domestic Violence: Abusive or violent acts committed by one member of a household against another.
Our criminal defense lawyers have handled numerous complex cases. We know how to guide you through the charge you’re facing, and no matter the offense you’ve been accused of, our Charleston criminal attorneys will work hard to pursue a favorable result on your behalf.
We Give Our Clients Peace & Hope
Opinions from Those Who Matter Most. At Thurmond Kirchner & Timbes, P.A., your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.
-
"Qualified Attorney With High Character and Integrity"Chris Romeo (and his team) exceeded my expectations when handling an auto accident case for me.- J.W.
-
"Masterful Results"No one thinks of litigation as fun, however, in my own complicated case, I can tell you Jesse Kirchner not only made it "fun" but actually, interesting.- L.H.
-
"They Work Hard & Get The Job Done For You!"We are very pleased with Christopher Romeo and his Paralegal April Warford. They work hard to get the job done for you.- A.E.
-
"I Was Never Once Judged"Mr. Thurman and his staff were very professional and efficient. They worked hard to get my case dismissed.- C.P.
Criminal Penalties in South Carolina
The consequences of a criminal conviction in South Carolina depend on how the charge is classified and your prior record. Minor misdemeanors are heard in magistrate or municipal court and can result in fines, probation, community service, or short jail terms. More serious misdemeanors and all felonies are handled in General Sessions Court here in Charleston County and carry substantially heavier penalties, including multi-year prison sentences for serious offenses.
Probation is common for first-time and lower-level offenses, but it comes with strict court-set conditions: regular reporting, drug testing, and compliance requirements. A violation can mean incarceration even when the underlying offense wouldn’t have carried jail time on its own.
Beyond the sentence itself, a conviction follows you. Background checks, professional licensing boards, housing applications, and civil rights, including firearm ownership, can all be affected long after the case closes. These collateral consequences are often what matters most to our clients, and they’re part of every conversation we have about case strategy. A defense attorney may be able to pursue dismissal, deferment programs, charge reduction, or alternative sentencing. Each can carry meaningfully different long-term outcomes.
Why Charleston Clients Choose Thurmond Kirchner & Timbes
Paul Thurmond has held every seat in the South Carolina criminal justice system: prosecutor, defense attorney, municipal court judge, county council member, and state senator representing District 41. That breadth of experience across the Ninth Judicial Circuit gives our firm an inside view of how prosecutors build cases and how judges evaluate them.
Paul is a member of both the South Carolina Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. He has been named a South Carolina Super Lawyer eight times (2016 through 2022 and 2024) and was a Super Lawyers Rising Star from 2012 to 2015. In 2021, Charleston City Paper recognized him as the area’s Best DUI Attorney.
The firm as a whole holds a BBB A+ rating and has earned recognition from the National Top 100 Trial Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent, Million Dollar Advocates Forum, and Best Law Firms. With offices in both Charleston and Summerville, we serve clients throughout the greater Charleston area and surrounding communities.
Clients receive a case strategy built around their individual circumstances, not a generic playbook. We prioritize transparent communication so you understand your options and are involved in every decision. Free, confidential consultations are available.
Awards & Professional Affiliations
Respected By Our Clients & Peers
.2302281432490.png "Best Law Firms")
.2510080906536.png "American Institute of Legal Professionals")
Contact Our Charleston Criminal Defense Attorney Today
A criminal defense lawyer’s ultimate goal is to seek the best available result for you, whether it’s through dismissal of the charges, deferment programs, resolution through victim restitution, or entering a plea to a lesser charge.
At Thurmond Kirchner & Timbes, P.A., we work closely with you to explain the charges and any collateral consequences that might arise. Our team of dedicated Charleston criminal defense lawyers can give you straight answers and a clear understanding of your options so you can make informed decisions. We know how important it is to minimize public exposure and protect your reputation when resolving the charges against you.
Why Choose us?
Knowledge. Experience. Results.
-
12 Attorneys on Staff
-
We Educate Our Clients on the Legal Process With Its Inherent Risks & Rewards
-
Our Firm Develops a Unique Strategy for Each Case
-
We Are Boutique Firm With Large Firm Experience & Reputation
-
Each Client Receives Transparent Communication & Personalized Attention
-
Your Initial Consultation Is Free & Confidential