Top Rated Criminal Defense Attorney in Charleston, SC

Andrew J. Savage, III represents clients in Charleston, South Carolina, and the surrounding areas in complex, high-profile criminal defense cases before both state and federal courts. His practice, Savage Law Firm, also represents professionals before licensing boards and commissions.

After completing his law degree at the University of South Carolina in 1975, Mr. Savage served as a state prosecutor where he acted as Chief Trial Counsel of the Criminal Division of the South Carolina Attorney General's Office. He also served in the U.S. Air Force Reserve, retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Judge Advocate General Corps.

Since entering private practice in 1981, Mr. Savage has focused on providing strong defense in complex state and federal criminal cases. He seeks to obtain the best possible outcomes in often difficult circumstances. He takes into account any underlying factors that may be involved a client's particular case, such as substance abuse, mental health concerns, anger management and other issues. He maintains a track record of successful outcomes in challenging situations.

Among many accolades, Mr. Savage has been rated as an AV Preeminent* attorney by Martindale since 1990. The Best Lawyers In America** has named him as a top criminal defense lawyer since 1991. He is also the first criminal defense attorney in South Carolina to be distinguished as a Board-Certified Criminal Trial Advocate by the National Board of Trial Advocacy.

Mr. Savage belongs to a number of professional organizations, including the Charleston County Bar Association, the South Carolina Bar Association, the American Bar Association and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. He is also a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and the American Board of Criminal Lawyers. Additionally, his experience includes work as a former legal analyst for the Charleston CBS affiliate and the former host of his own Emmy-award winning legal show on cable television.

*AV-Preeminent and BV-Distinguished are certification marks of Reed Elsevier Properties Inc., used in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies. Martindale-Hubbell is the facilitator of a peer review rating process. Ratings reflect the confidential opinions of members of the Bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell ratings fall into two categories – legal ability and general ethical standards.

**The Best Lawyers in America® 2010. Copyright 2009 by Woodward/White, Inc., Aiken, SC