Andrew J. Savage, III
Top rated Criminal Defense attorney in Charleston, South Carolina
Savage Law FirmPractice Areas: Criminal Defense
Licensed in South Carolina since: 1975
Education: University of South Carolina School of Law
Details
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 B.A. at Fordham University and law degree at the University of South Carolina (1975), Mr. Savage served as a state prosecutor, acting 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 as Lieutenant Colonel in the Judge Advocate General Corps.
In addition to the state courts of South Carolina, Mr. Savage is licensed to practice in the Supreme Court of South Carolina, the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina, the U.S. District Court District for the Central District of Illinois, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit and U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces.
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 positive outcomes in often difficult circumstances. He takes into account any underlying factors that may be involved in 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 AV Preeminent* through Martindale-Hubbell. 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, 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®, AV Preeminent®, Martindale-Hubbell Distinguished and Martindale-Hubbell Notable are certification marks used under license 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 anonymous opinions of members of the bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Rating™ falls into two categories – legal ability and general ethical standards.
Practice areas
Criminal Defense- 100% Criminal Defense
First Admitted: 1975, South Carolina
Professional Webpage: https://savlaw.com/our-team/andrew-savage/
- Supreme Court of South Carolina, 1975
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, 1976
- Member, South Carolina Bar Association
- Member, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
- Charter Member, South Carolina Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
- Central District of Illinois, 2009
- Member, Charleston County Bar Association
- Member, Charleston County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
- Member, American Board of Trial Advocates
- U.S. District Court, District of South Carolina, 1976
- U.S. Court of Appeals for Armed Forces, 1976
- Member, American Bar Association
- Member, Association of Professional Responsibility Lawyers
- Board Certified as a Criminal Trial Advocate by the National Board of Trial Advocacy
- Former Member, Supreme Court's Commission on the Profession
- Former Member, Charleston County Council, 1986 - 1994
- Former Member, South Carolina Association of Counties Board of Directors
- Founding Member, James L. Petrigu Chapter of American Inn of Court
- Chairman, Charleston County Aviation Authority
- Permanent Member, Fourth Circuit Judicial Conference
- Former Commissioner, South Carolina Commission on Indigent Defense
- Founding Member, Dee North Lowcountry Children's Center
- Member, Advisory Board for the National Child Abuse Defense and Resource Center
- Retired Lt. Colonel Judge Advocate General, United States Air Force Reserves
- Former Member, Medical University of South Carolina Board of Visitors
- Chief Trial Counsel, South Carolina Attorney General's Office, Criminal Division
- Named yearly in "Best Lawyers in America" in the practice area of Criminal Defense, 1991
- Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers Fellow, American Board of Criminal Lawyers
- "AV" rating in Martindale-Hubbell, 1990
- Fordham University, B.A., 1972
- Frequent Lecturer, South Carolina Law Schools and Professional Education Programs
Selections
- Super Lawyers: 2008 - 2025
Top Lists
Top 10: Charleston South Carolina Super Lawyers: 2018 - 2020, 2022- Top 25: 2022 South Carolina Super Lawyers
- Top 25: 2021 South Carolina Super Lawyers
- Top 25: 2020 South Carolina Super Lawyers
- Top 25: 2019 South Carolina Super Lawyers
- Top 25: 2018 South Carolina Super Lawyers
- Top 25: 2013 South Carolina Super Lawyers
- Top 25: 2012 South Carolina Super Lawyers
- Top 25: 2011 South Carolina Super Lawyers
- Top 25: 2010 South Carolina Super Lawyers
- Top 25: 2009 South Carolina Super Lawyers