The Law Office of James R. Snell, Jr., LLC is pleased to announce its selection as the 2026 Gold winner in the Criminal Defense Law category of The State’s Best, the community voting program produced by The State, publisher of TheState.com. We thank everyone who participated in the program and supported our firm. The office previously was the Gold winner for 2025, and 2024, was the Silver winner in 2023 and the Bronze winner in 2022.
The State’s Best invites the community to recognize businesses, organizations, and professionals serving the Columbia area. This recognition comes from a public voting contest. It is not a certification of legal ability, an endorsement by the South Carolina Bar or any court, or a guarantee of a particular result. Information about nominations, voting, and selection is available in the program’s Official Contest Rules. The firm’s recognition appears in the 2026 Criminal Defense Law award listing.
Our attorneys regularly appear in criminal courts in Columbia, Lexington, and throughout South Carolina. The Law Office of James R. Snell, Jr., LLC represents clients in criminal defense and personal injury matters. Our criminal defense practice includes representing people charged with DUI, domestic violence, drug offenses, criminal sexual conduct, and sexual exploitation of a minor offenses as well as other misdemeanor and felony charges in local, state and federal court.
We understand that contacting a lawyer often comes during an uncertain and stressful time. Someone facing a criminal accusation may have questions about court appearances, employment, family responsibilities, and what happens next. Someone injured in an automobile accident may be dealing with medical treatment, missed work, and insurance questions. Families who have lost a loved one may need help understanding their legal options while coping with grief.
Choosing legal representation is a personal decision that deserves careful consideration. An award can provide information about a firm’s recognition in the community, but a conversation about the individual’s circumstances is essential to understanding whether the firm is the right fit. The 2026 Gold recognition discussed here applies specifically to the Criminal Defense Law category.
When preparing to meet with a lawyer, it can help to gather available paperwork, write down important dates, and prepare questions about the representation. Discussing the lawyer’s role, communication, fees, and the next steps can help make that first meeting more useful. A meaningful discussion should focus on the person’s situation and the facts of the case.
Our appreciation for this recognition goes hand in hand with our commitment to treating each client’s concerns seriously. Every person who contacts our office brings a different set of circumstances. We remain focused on listening, explaining the legal process, and addressing the issues presented by each matter.
If you or a family member needs assistance with a criminal defense or personal injury matter, call the Law Office of James R. Snell, Jr., LLC at (803) 359-3301 to schedule an appointment. Same-day appointments are typically available. Our Lexington office is located at 123 Harmon Street, Lexington, South Carolina.
All cases are unique. Prior results obtained by an attorney in one matter do not indicate that similar results can be obtained for other clients in other matters. The 2026 recognition from The State’s Best does not predict or guarantee the outcome of any case.