Russell D. Hilton

Criminal defense Attorney at Summerville, SC

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Very talented criminal defense attorney!

DUI

About Russell

Learn Russell’s areas of practice.

Practice areas

As a private practitioner, criminal defense attorney, and former prosecutor, I am known throughout the legal community as a respected and effective attorney who has built up a wealth of knowledge and resources to handle your legal issues.

I was born in the lowcountry of South Carolina and attended grade school in Moncks Corner, South Carolina. After high school I received a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Charleston Southern University where I then began a career at the Dorchester County Solicitor’s Office with then Solicitor Walter Bailey. In 2005, I graduated law school at Mississippi College School of Law and continued at the Solicitor’s Office under Solicitor Robby Robbins.

While in law school, I was on law review, and moot court before graduating magna cum laude as one of the “top 5” of my graduating class. After law school, I clerked for the law firm of Barnwell, Whaley, Patterson, and Helms on Daniel Island, South Carolina. In 2005, I then continued my time at the Solicitor's Office as a prosecutor where I later became the Senior General Sessions Court prosecutor, prosecuting serious felony crimes.

After 8 years as a prosecutor and over 14 years experience with the court system, I entered into private practice establishing the law firm of Russell D. Hilton, Attorney at Law, LLC. As a prosecutor, and now as private practitioner, I have handled thousands of cases and am prepared to handle yours.

I look forward to helping you with your situation,

Russell Hilton

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Licensed for 17 years

State SC

Status Good Standing

Acquired 2005

Updated 03/21/2023

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

Contact Russell

Russell D. Hilton, Attorney At Law, LLC

104 South Pine Street

Summerville, SC, 29483

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Russell D. Hilton, Attorney At Law, LLC

P.O. Box 233

Ridgeville, SC, 29472

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Reviews

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5.0 / 5.0

21 customer reviews

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Posted by Eric | August 11, 2020

Very talented criminal defense attorney!

Russell is an amazing attorney and helped me with some very serious criminal matters he was reliable knowledgeable friendly and professional.

Posted by Dessa | November 28, 2018

DUI

If you’re looking for an attorney that will get you positive results, then you will get that with Mr. Hilton. I’ve dealt with him on 2 occasions and he did an excellent job! I recommend him to everyone I know all the time. His paralegal is amazing! They’re a great team to work with.

Posted by Katie | September 18, 2018

Best Lawyer Ever!

Mr. Hilton is a great lawyer! I had a DUI/Open Container charge that he dropped to a DUAC with no jail time. He answered all my questions promptly and was really nice and nonjudgmental. He's a very smart man who obviously cares about his clients. Even after the case was closed he continued to answer my questions. His staff is awesome and everyone is very sweet. Highly recommended!!

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Posted by Rob | March 31, 2018

Council review

Mr. Hilton was up front with me about what my outcome may be and was pretty thorough when the time came to talk about my case, and formulate a plan. I guess most people are nervous about court but he was very professional standing beside me and the outcome was better than I could have hoped for. I would call Mr. Hilton and his staff again but I hope I never have to.

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Posted by anonymous | March 23, 2018

an amazing team!

To say that I was surprised and shocked to find out that there was a warrant out for my arrest from 8 years ago is to put it mildly. I was traumatized, confused and truly did not understand what was going on or how to fix it. The case progressed exactly as Russell and his team said it would from our very first meeting, and is now dismissed and expunged from my record completely. This is an amazing team that produces results!

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Posted by Wade | September 23, 2017

One of the best in the area

Mr. Hilton is a professional. He knows what he is doing, from both sides of the aisle. He makes sure that he gets all the facts and then he makes a plan that works. His representation of me was spot on and he knows SC law. His office staff is very professional, and they are easily contacted. Actually, they check in from time to time if they haven't heard from you just to make sure everything is ok. I HIGHLY recommend Mr. Hilton for any and all legal matters. If he does it, it is going to be solid. I give my word as a Southern Gentleman on that (and we don't do that lightly). Thank you, Russ, for all that you did for me. Very Sincerely Yours, Wade

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Posted by anonymous | September 15, 2017

Amazing and Very Professional

Handled the situation quickly and with all the outcomes we had hoped for

Posted by Diane | May 19, 2017

DUI

I was blessed to have such an amazing, personable lawyer in my life during a time like that. Not only did Russell treat me like a friend but he went out of his way to make sure I was protected and knew everything I needed to know about my case. He made me feel safe during such a hard time. Not only did I get a wonderful outcome but I gained a life long lawyer, if ever needed again. I recommend him to the highest existent.

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Posted by Ed | August 26, 2016

DUI defense

Excellent. This lawyer talked with me on the phone before meeting in person for 30 minutes. He answered all my questions. He was located in my town, and he was 1500.00 less than all the other attorneys I contacted. He knows the SC statutes and was able to recite them to the judge. He was well prepared and he was willing to work with me on his retainer fee. I would recommend this attorney to everyone I meet.

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Posted by Greg | April 25, 2016

Excellent communication and gets the job done

I came to Mr Hilton thinking I had no chance of getting out of a DUI. He made no guarantees except that he would do everything in his power to get me out of it. I have a class a CDL which complicated things very much. He went above and beyond every step of the way (and this path is littered with steps) working out every problem we encountered. He can get things done that without an attorney would be impossible. He is an excellent communicator and very reasonable on his prices. I feel blessed and extremely grateful that I found him. My life begins again today! Thank you Mr and Mrs Hilton for a job well done

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Posted by Gerald | April 23, 2016

New Relationship with a local Attorney

We contacted the office of Russell Hilton to review a will, trust and related documents prepared in another state. His first comment was that these documents are generally accepted state to state. But he would review them. I asked how much for the review? His response: it is free unless I find something worth changing. I sent him the documents electronically. His office response was that certain documents (i.e. Living Will and other documents) were legal and proper. But they were not in format generally used in SC. So we asked him to review them, update them and file them. We don't need to have to explain them in an emergency situation. We visited his office and met with his friendly staff. In the course of an hour, 4 documents times 2 people were updated and made consistent with SC norms. As these are critical to us, we were glad he and his staff could make the new documents quickly and properly. His staff is professional, proficient and knowledgeable. They match their attorney's expertise and professionalism. Russell D. Hilton is now our new attorney.

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Posted by Jason | May 7, 2015

Great Lawyer. Great Experience. Great Reccomendation.

I would personally like to say THANK YOU to Russell Hilton and Beth Hilton for all the hard work they have put into my case. I have no complaints whatsoever. Knowledgeable, dependable, sincere, understanding, and sympathetic are just a few words I would use to describe this law firm. Not every body that needs a lawyer is a bad person. Not every body that needs a lawyer is guilty. Sometimes unfortunate events happen to good people and Russell never once assumed I was guilty just because I was accused of doing something. I was never led to believe the best outcome of my case would be achieved just so he could get my business. Russell was upfront and honest with me about his opinions and kept me well informed every step of the way. Beth was a great person to talk to when I needed an updated and I never felt like I was just another file number on their long list of clients. I personally would recommend Russell to anybody that needs a lawyer. I hope to never need an attorney in the future, but I know who I will call if the need ever arises. Thank you again Russell and Beth. You have been great. My family and I are very grateful for the hard work you have completed on my behalf. Good luck in the future and keep doing great things.

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Posted by Devin | December 18, 2014

Excellent Attorney! This man knows what he's doing!

It was a pleasure working with Russ, he and Beth were both excellent in keeping me in the loop with what was going on with my case. He is very knowledgeable and know a lot of people...got my case all cleared up in 2 months! nothing on my record after January!!

Posted by Donald | December 16, 2014

Recommendation for Russel Hilton

I recently had some legsl issues which required a lot of contact with law enforcement. Russel was able to show them the inconsistances in the information used to form the case against me. My wife lied and he showed the detectives from their audios and videos where she contradicted herself. Russel's contact with those law enforcement personnel resulted in the charges being dropped.

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Posted by Thomas | December 9, 2014

Russell D. Hilton is a Great Attorney !!

Recently moved to South Carolina (love it) from Texas and had an issue in Goose Creek. Russell D. Hilton is the "go to guy". Great result due to his hard work and representation.

Posted by Don | December 8, 2014

Outstanding!

Down to earth southern gentleman, who is insightful . Not your typical lawyer stereotype.Someone who you want on your side. I will definitely use Mr. Hilton again if the need arises.

Posted by Heath | August 27, 2014

Intelligence, Insightful, and Diligent

After months of discouraging and bleak insight from my previous attorney, contacting Russell was absolutely the best decision I could have made regarding my case. Not only was he patient and thorough in explaining my options, he was able to get the best possible outcome for my case. An incident arising from an improper traffic stop, led me to being indited on serious drug charges with penalties that could have been tragic. I would recommend that everyone contact Russell and allow him the chance to review your case. It was the best decision I could have made, and if in the future, it will be the only call I will make. Thank you Russell for your support and knowledge regarding my case.

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Posted by Lisa | August 27, 2014

Great attorney; would definitely retain again and recommend!

I met with Attorney Russ Hilton about a very sensitive matter that came up a few months ago. He was very compassionate to the situation and extremely helpful. It was a difficult time and I was flustered but Mr. Hilton was very patient and the whole time he was always a step ahead and very knowledgeable as to what needed to be done and how to handle things. If anything comes up in the future where I need an attorney, he will be the first person I call and I would definitely recommend him to anyone seeking an attorney in the area.

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Posted by anonymous | July 23, 2014

Life Saver

"Short and Sweet" Met With Mr.Hilton one time to discuss the case and next thing I know , charge dismissed. Thank you again

Posted by Blane | July 17, 2014

Excellent Representation and Always Informed

I retained Mr. Hilton to represent me in a real- estate feud and after wards he put everything on auto-pilot. He was proactive, kept me informed, and represented my best interest. Last but not least, he translated all the legal jargon into simple terms I could understand. The best part is the case against me was dismissed before it ever went to trial. To say I'm pleased would be an understatement!

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Cost

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

Owner
Russell D. Hilton, Attorney at Law, LLC
2013 - Present

Assistant District Attorney
Dorchester County Solicitor's Office
2005 - 2013

Clerk
Barnwell Whaley Patterson & Helms, LLC
2003 - 2003

Assistant to Prof. Jeffrey Jackson (Insurance)
Mississippi College School Of Law
2003 - 2004

Assistant
Dorchester County Solicitor's Office
1999 - 2005

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Education

Mississippi College School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
2005

Charleston Southern University
BS - Bachelor of Science
1999

Charleston Southern University
BS - Bachelor of Science
1999

Legal Cases

State v. McCombs
Reversed - Successful

State v. Stephawn Brown
Sucessful

State v. Randall Benton
Sucessful

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Associations

Federal Bar for South Carolina
Attorney Member
2014 - Present

Summerville Greater Chamber of Commerce
Member
2013 - Present

Berkeley County Bar Association
Attorney Member
2013 - Present

South Carolina Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Attorney Member
2013 - Present

Dorchester County Bar Association
Attorney
2005 - Present

South Carolina Bar
Attorney
2005 - Present

Dorchester County Bar Association
President
2015 - 2016

Dorchester County Bar Association
Vice President
2014 - 2015

Cypress UMC Council
Chairperson
2006 - 2014

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Languages Spoken

English

Honors and Awards

Service Appreciation Award
First Circuit Solicitor
2013

10 year service award
Dorchester County - SC
2010

Magna cum laude
Mississippi College School of Law
2005

Rankin County Bar Award
Rankin County Bar
2004

Hearin Fellow Scholarship
Mississippi College School of Law
2004

Hearin Fellow Scholarship
Mississippi College School of Law
2003

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Publications

Lawyerist
Stop Losing Clients Over Your Fear of Payment Plans
2014

www.rhiltonlaw.com
Burglary. It's Descriptions, Classifications and Penalties in South Carolina
2014

www.rhiltonlaw.com
South Carolina Three Strikes Law - are you out?
2014

www.rhiltonlaw.com
Point system for traffic offenses in South Carolina
2014

www.rhiltonlaw.com
How Much Jail Time Can I Get for a Charge in South Carolina
2014

www.rhiltonlaw.com
What goes into a Prosecutor's Recommendation?
2013

www.rhiltonlaw.com
Summary of South Carolina DUI Law
2013

www.rhiltonlaw.com
Carrying Handguns in Vehicles in South Carolina
2013

www.rhiltonlaw.com
Should I Use the Public Defender
2013

www.rhiltonlaw.com
Can my spouse dismiss a Criminal Domestic Violence / CDV charge against me?
2013

www.rhiltonlaw.com
10 Truths and Myths about Criminal Domestic Violence in South Carolina
2013

www.rhiltonlaw.com
What is a Preliminary Hearing?
2013

www.rhiltonlaw.com
How Much Jail Time Can I Get for a Drug Charge in South Carolina
2013

www.rhiltonlaw.com
South Carolina Will Forms and Templates
2013

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Speaking Engagements

2014 MAGISTRATES ADVISORY COUNCIL INTENSIVE TRAINING SEMINAR
Datamaster DMT
2014

Givhans Community Crime Watch
Crime Prevention
2013

Dorchester County Sheriff's Office
Legals - Dorchester Sheriff's Office Cadet Training
2013

Dorchester Children's Center
Introduction to Testimony
2013

Dorchester Children's Center
The Forensic Interview at Trial
2012

Dorchester Children's Center
Role as a forensic Interviewer – A prosecutor’s perspective
2012

St. George Rotary
The Criminal Process
2011

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Attorney endorsements

Received (15)

Given (17)

Endorse Russell

Carolyn Bone

Criminal defense Attorney | Mar 07
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Mr. Hilton for several years. He shows genuine concern for his clients and works hard to meet their needs."

Mandy Kimmons

Criminal defense Attorney | Mar 07
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Russell Hilton for several years. He provides thorough, quality representation. I endorse Mr. Hilton."

Chase Elliott

Criminal defense Attorney | Aug 13
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer, Russell is a top notch professional."

Randall Charpia

Criminal defense Attorney | Dec 18
Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Russell is a long time practitioner in the area of criminal law. He was a well thought of prosecutor in his former career. He brings that same passion for justice to the defense side of the table. Russell is an aggressive advocate and is always prepared to go that extra mile for his clients. As a fellow criminal defense attorney, I do not hesitate to work with Russell on all manner of criminal cases from felonies to misdemeanors. I whole heartedly endorse this lawyer."

Gregory Hyland

Criminal defense Attorney | Nov 12
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Russell is hard-working and professional but still down to earth. Having known Russell for years, I don't hesitate in referring cases to him."

Bradford Andrews

Criminal defense Attorney | Aug 23
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I have worked with Mr. Hilton in the past. He is an experienced, knowledgeable advocate for his clients."

J. Mastantuno

Criminal defense Attorney | Aug 20
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I have know Mr. Hilton for many years. He is an excellent attorney who is deeply dedicated to his clients and always works hard on their behalf."

Jeffrey Schreiber

Criminal defense Attorney | Aug 20
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have referred clients to Russell in cases in which criminal and family law issues intertwine. While past performance cannot be indicative of any future result for other people, of course, Russell has nonetheless obtained great results in each of those matters. More importantly, my clients came back to me with tremendously positive things to say about him. I endorse this lawyer wholeheartedly."

David Causey

Criminal defense Attorney | Jul 17
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Russell is a well-seasoned lawyer with extensive courtroom experience. He is dedicated to strongly advocating for his clients, and I would recommend him to anyone looking for a criminal defense lawyer."

John Sinclaire

Criminal defense Attorney | Mar 07
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Russell Hilton is an exceptional trial lawyer with the necessary skills and experience to help anyone in need of a criminal trial attorney."

Tiffany Provence

Criminal defense Attorney | Feb 24
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I had the pleasure of working with Russ during his years in the Solicitor's Office and always found him to be fair and extremely competent. I have no doubt he is an excellent advocate for his criminal defense clients and will serve them well."

Meghan Hall

Criminal defense Attorney | Dec 26
Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"Russell Hilton is a stellar trial attorney with extensive courtroom experience. He's a pleasure to work with, understands client needs, and is extremely well regarded within the local bar and judiciary."

Nicholas Thomas

Criminal defense Attorney | Oct 29
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Russell Hilton is a very competent and knowledgeable attorney. I highly recommend him."

Graves Wilson

Criminal defense Attorney | Oct 04
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Russell has been an active member of the Charleston, SC, Tricounty community for many years and has demonstrated himself to be extremely capable in the area of criminal law. He is knowledgeable and reliable and holds himself to the highest standards of expertise."

Russell DeMott

Criminal defense Attorney | Oct 03
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I have dealt with Mr. Hilton on criminal cases in his capacity as a prosecuting attorney for Dorchester County. He is a seasoned trial attorney with dozens of trials under his belt. He is also a good communicator and fair. Now, as a private practitioner, he handles a broader range of cases. I have referred cases to him and have faith that they will be handled competently and that the clients will be treated fairly. I would recommend him to anyone needing criminal defense or family law representation."

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