Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Your first consultation is completely free and confidential. We’ll review your situation, explain your options, and tell you whether we believe we can help — at no cost and no obligation.

We respond within 24 hours, and usually the same day. If you call during business hours and we’re in court, we will return your call as soon as we’re available. For urgent criminal matters, please indicate that in your message.

Yes. This is a solo practice by design. Russell handles your case personally from the first phone call through resolution. You won’t be passed off to a junior associate or paralegal for your substantive legal work.

Yes — even misdemeanor convictions can result in jail time, fines, a permanent record, and collateral consequences for employment, housing, and licensing. An experienced criminal defense attorney can often negotiate reduced charges, alternative sentencing, or dismissal.

For most personal injury cases we work on a contingency fee — meaning you pay no fee unless we recover compensation for you. There are no upfront costs to start your case. We’ll explain the specific arrangement during your free consultation.

It depends on the case. Criminal defense is typically a flat fee or hourly. Business law and estate planning are often flat-fee or project-based. We discuss fees openly during your consultation — before you hire us.

We primarily serve Columbia, SC and the surrounding Richland and Lexington County areas. We also handle matters throughout South Carolina state courts, the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit.

Stay calm. Stay quiet. Call an attorney. You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney — use both. Do not discuss your case with police, cellmates, or on recorded calls. Call us at (803) 771-4003 as soon as possible.

Time matters: many employment discrimination claims have strict filing deadlines (often 180 or 300 days from the incident). Document what happened, save communications, and contact an attorney as soon as possible. We can help you decide whether to file with the EEOC, the SC Human Affairs Commission, or proceed in court.

Yes. A will isn’t about wealth — it’s about control. Without a will, South Carolina law decides what happens to your property and, if you have minor children, who raises them. A simple will is one of the most important documents you can have.