South Carolina Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Devoted to protecting the liberty of the citizens of
South Carolina.

The South Carolina Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

The South Carolina Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers was founded in 1992. Members of the organization practice criminal defense in both federal and state court and include private attorneys and public defenders. The organization advocates for the profession and sponsors Continuing Legal Education (CLE) seminars throughout the year.

Membership in SCACDL is open to South Carolina criminal defense attorneys who are actively engaged in representing individuals charged with criminal offenses in either state or federal court. Associate membership is open to individuals that support criminal defense attorneys such as paralegals, investigators and expert witnesses. Prosecutors and judges are not eligible to join or remain in SCACDL.

To join, the applicant must certify that he or she supports the purpose the purposes of the South Carolina Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, is committed to the fair administration of criminal justice and the defense of individuals accused of crime. Sustaining members and benefactor members receive special recognition.

The South Carolina Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers Celebrate 30 Years in 2022

The South Carolina Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers Anniversary badge is now available for download.

SCACDL Stands with the ABA

Our SCACDL Board unanimously voted to stand together with and in support of the American Bar Association to defend the rule of law and reject efforts to undermine the courts and the legal profession.

In particular, as outlined by the ABA:

We endorse the sentiments expressed by the chief justice of the U.S. Supreme Court in his 2024 Year End Report on the Federal Judiciary, “[w]ithin the past year we have also seen the need for state and federal bar associations to come to the defense of a federal district judge whose decisions in a high-profile case prompted an elected official to call for her impeachment. Attempts to intimidate judges for their rulings in cases are inappropriate and should be vigorously opposed.”

We support the right of people to advance their interests in courts of law when they have been wronged. We reject the notion that the U.S. government can punish lawyers and law firms who represent certain clients or punish judges who rule certain ways. We cannot accept government actions that seek to twist the scales of justice in this manner.

We reject efforts to undermine the courts and the profession. We will not stay silent in the face of efforts to remake the legal profession into something that rewards those who agree with the government and punishes those who do not. Words and actions matter. And the intimidating words and actions we have heard and seen must end. They are designed to cow our country’s judges, our country’s courts and our legal profession.

There are clear choices facing our profession. We can choose to remain silent and allow these acts to continue or we can stand for the rule of law and the values we hold dear. We call upon the entire profession, including lawyers in private practice from Main Street to Wall Street, as well as those in corporations and who serve in elected positions, to speak out against intimidation.

If lawyers do not speak, who will speak for our judges? Who will protect our bedrock of justice? If we do not speak now, when will we speak? Now is the time. That is why we stand together with the ABA in support of the rule of law.

Upcoming Events

SCACDL’s MISSION

The South Carolina Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers is devoted to protecting the liberty of the citizens of South Carolina by fighting to ensure justice and due process for all persons accused of any criminal act.

We promote excellence and integrity in the practice of criminal law by providing the highest quality criminal law seminars to those who defend the accused.

We speak with a united voice in challenging legislation directed to limiting or eliminating the rights of the individual and we labor for laws that preserve equal access to justice for all.

BECOME A MEMBER

Membership in SCACDL is open to South Carolina criminal defense attorneys who are actively engaged in representing individuals charged with criminal offenses in either state or federal court. Associate membership is open to individuals that support criminal defense attorneys such as paralegals, investigators and expert witnesses. Prosecutors and judges are not eligible to join or remain in SCACDL.

News Archives

Membership Benefits

  • Motions and Brief Bank – Our growing Motions and Brief Bank contains motions and briefs related to criminal defense. Members are encouraged to submit briefs.
  • Listserv Access – Members are invited to join our active email list. The list allows for active discussion among members.
  • Seminars & Events – Members receive a discount and CLE credits when attending SCACDL events and seminars.

SCACDL SPONSORS

Digital Forensic Examiners

Lars Daniel
Eric Grabski
Digital Forensic Examiners
Cell Site Analysis
Mobile Forensics
D: +1 803 369 7659
M: +1 803 351 8240
www.envistaforensics.com

Eagle Enterprises

Eagle Enterprises
Eagle Investigative Services, Inc.
Eagle-Setree Investigations LLC
Eagle Contracting LLC
Eagle Training and Consulting LLC
888-896-9444
www.eagleinvestigative.com
SC License # D3174

South Carolina Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers | Columbia, SC

South Carolina Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers | Columbia, SC

Mailing Address

PO Box 8353
Columbia, SC 29202

Physical Address

1122 Lady Street, Suite 1102
Columbia, SC 29201

 

 

Call Us

803-665-0555

 

Email Us

Kitty Sutton - Executive Director
ksutton@scacdl.org