A criminal charge is not a conviction. But it is one of the most serious events in a person’s life — one that can affect your freedom, your family, your employment, and your future for years to come.
When you are charged with a crime in South Carolina, the state has the full weight of its investigative and prosecutorial resources working against you. You need a defense attorney who has been in these courts before, who understands how prosecutors think, and who will fight hard to protect your rights at every stage.
David Collins has been defending clients in South Carolina’s courts for over 25 years. He focuses his criminal defense practice on felony cases in General Sessions Court across the Upstate of South Carolina, including Greenville, Spartanburg, and Anderson Counties.
Call today for a confidential consultation: (864) 990-3061 — Greenville or (864) 707-2600 — Spartanburg
Felony Defense in General Sessions Court
South Carolina’s General Sessions Court handles the most serious criminal charges in the state court system, carrying the most severe potential penalties. These are the cases that require experienced, committed defense counsel from the moment of arrest.
Felony cases David Collins handles:
- Drug charges — possession, possession with intent to distribute, trafficking (marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl, prescription drugs)
- Violent crimes — assault and battery, armed robbery, kidnapping
- Property crimes — burglary, breaking and entering, grand larceny, receiving stolen goods
- Gun charges — unlawful carrying of a firearm, possession by a prohibited person, armed criminal activity
- Sex crimes — criminal sexual conduct, lewd act on a minor, sexual exploitation
- White collar crimes — fraud, forgery, breach of trust, financial crimes
- Domestic violence — criminal domestic violence of a high and aggravated nature
What a Strong Defense Looks Like
Every criminal case is different. The most important thing David Collins does in the earliest stage of a case is investigate — reviewing police reports, body camera footage, search warrant applications, and any evidence the prosecution intends to use.
Many criminal cases turn on constitutional issues: whether a search was lawful, whether a statement was obtained in violation of Miranda rights, whether an identification procedure was reliable. Evidence that was obtained illegally can be excluded, and excluded evidence can change the outcome of a case.
Even when the evidence is difficult, there are often options: negotiating for reduced charges, arguing for alternative sentencing, or making sure the prosecution can prove every element beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
What to expect when you hire David Collins and the Collins Law Firm:
- Direct communication with David Collins — not just communications with a paralegal or assistant but with your lawyer at every critical stage of your case
- Thorough review of the evidence against you
- A clear explanation of your options at every stage
- Aggressive advocacy, whether in plea negotiations or at trial
South Carolina Death Penalty Certification
David Collins is a South Carolina Death Penalty Certified Attorney — a designation that requires the lawyer to meet specific qualification for experience and knowledge to represent defendants in capital cases. This certification reflects a level of preparation and commitment to criminal defense that goes beyond standard practice.
Digital Forensics Experience
David Collins has training and formerly held professional certifications in advanced smartphone forensics (GIAC GASF) and digital forensic examination (GIAC GCFE). In an era where prosecutors increasingly rely on electronic evidence — cell phone records, GPS data, digital communications — this background allows him to critically evaluate that evidence and identify vulnerabilities the prosecution may not expect.
Call Before You Say Anything
If you have been arrested, or if you have reason to believe you are under investigation, the most important thing you can do right now is call an attorney before speaking with law enforcement. Anything you say can and will be used against you. What you do not say cannot be.
Contact David Collins today: