If you’re the parent of a University of South Carolina student who has recently been arrested, you may be feeling overwhelmed, especially if you’re trying to manage the situation from out of state. At the Law Office of James R. Snell, Jr., LLC, we understand how stressful this experience can be—not just for your child, but for your entire family.
Our firm represents USC students who have been charged with crimes by the University of South Carolina Police Department, the City of Columbia, and other area law enforcement agencies. Common charges include:
DUI (Driving Under the Influence)
Public Disorderly Conduct
Drug Possession (including marijuana and other controlled substances)
Assault
Theft
We also represent students charged with more serious or less common offenses. No matter the allegation, we are committed to protecting our clients’ futures and legal rights.
Why Parents Choose Us to Represent Their Children
Hiring a criminal defense lawyer in a city or state you’re unfamiliar with can feel daunting. With over 20 years of criminal defense experience in the Columbia area, our firm offers both the local knowledge and professional resources necessary to handle your child’s case the right way.
We understand that a criminal charge—even one that seems minor—can have long-term consequences, including disciplinary actions from the university, a permanent criminal record, or lost job opportunities. That's why we work to challenge the circumstances of an arrest and explore all possible paths to a dismissal or favorable resolution.
Many of the cases we handle for college students involve factors like alcohol or drug use, poor decision-making, or even underlying mental health concerns. These cases deserve attention, compassion, and a strategy aimed at protecting a young person’s future.
We Know the Courts and the Options
We regularly handle student cases in:
City of Columbia Municipal Court
Richland County Magistrate Court
Richland County General Sessions Court
Other courts across South Carolina
We are knowledgeable about available diversion programs, including:
Alcohol Education Program (AEP): Available for charges like underage possession of alcohol or possession of a fake ID
Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI): Offers a chance to have both misdemeanor and felony charges dismissed and expunged from the record
These programs can help your child avoid a criminal conviction and move forward with a clean slate.
Helping Parents Stay Informed
If you’re contacting us from out of state, let us know. We offer free telephone consultations and can coordinate your child’s defense with you. With your child’s consent, we’ll keep you informed with access to police reports, court documents, and direct communication with the attorney handling the case.
We believe in making this process as transparent and supportive as possible—so you don’t feel left in the dark while trying to help your child through a legal crisis.
Contact Us Today
We have offices conveniently located in Columbia and Lexington, South Carolina. If your child has been arrested while attending the University of South Carolina, contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
Call (803) 359-3301 to speak with our team and get the guidance your family needs.