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Steve Wayne Sumner

also known as Steve Sumner
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Avvo Rating10
  • Greenville, SC
  • Licensed for 28 years
  • Free consultation
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About Steve

Steve completed both his undergraduate and graduate education in his home state of South Carolina, graduating from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 1992. While at the USC School of Law, Steve was inducted into the academic honor society of the "Order of the Wig and Robe" for superior academic achievement.

After graduating from law school, Steve became a state prosecutor. His primary case load consisted of prosecuting DUI, felony DUI, reckless homicide, and vehicular offenses, as well as other drug and alcohol related charges. This experience not only gave Steve the opportunity to develop and enhance his court room skills in the trial of driving related offenses, it also gave him a valuable "insider's knowledge" of how the prosecution approaches these cases. 

In 1995, Steve opened his own practice as a criminal defense attorney, with a special focus on defending clients accused of DUI and other driving offenses. 

Since then, Steve has developed a reputation as a knowledgeable, skilled, and aggressive DUI lawyer. He is very familiar with the nuances of the South Carolina DUI/Implied Consent laws, which can be quite complex. 

Steve has been a guest lecturer for magistrates, judges, law enforcement officers, prosecutors, law school students, and business associations in the area of DUI law. Steve has also appeared numerous times on television, radio, and newspapers regarding DUI topics from the defense perspective. 

Steve currently represents clients in over 25 courts in Upstate South Carolina. These courts include Greenville, Anderson, Spartanburg, Pickens and Laurens counties; as well as the city/municipal courts of Greenville, Anderson, Spartanburg, Simpsonville, Greer, Fountain Inn, Easley, Clemson, Central, and Laurens.

 

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Practice areas

Criminal defenseDUI and DWI
  1. DUI and DWI: 95%

    Results achieved for one client does not indicate similar results for other clients.

    29 years, 5,000 cases

  2. Criminal defense: 5%

    Results achieved for one client does not indicate similar results for other clients.

    29 years, 2,000 cases

Languages spoken

English

Photos and videos

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Contact

112 Manly Street
Greenville, SC, 29601

Resume

License
StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
SCGood Standing199209/06/2021
We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
Avvo Contributions
Legal answers27
Legal guides22
Awards
Award nameGrantorDate granted
Best Lawyers in America for DUI DefenseBest Lawyers In America2017
DUI DefenseSouth Carolina Super Lawyers2016
Best Attorneys in AmericaRue's Ratings2016
Best Lawyers in America for DUI DefenseBest Lawyers in America2016
Top 100 Trial LawyersThe National Trial Lawyers2016
AV Rating - Judicial EditionMartindale-Hubbell2016
AV Preeminent Peer ReviewMartindale-Hubbell2015
Top Attorneys in SCColumbia Living Magazine2014
Applause AwardBetter Business Bureau2014
Top 100 Trial LawyersThe National Trial Lawyers2014
Top 100 Trial LawyersThe National Trial Lawyers2013
Top Attorneys in SCColumbia Living Magazine2013
Bar Register of Preeminent LawyersMartindale-Hubbell2012
AV Preeminent Peer Review RatedMartindale-Hubbell2011
Best DUI Attorney in Upstate South CarolinaThe Greenville News2011
Level 5 ContributorAvvo2011
Certificate of CompletionAttacking Field Sobriety Tests2010
Certificate of CompletionMastering Scientific Evidence in DUI Cases2010
Level 4 ContributorAvvo2010
Certificate of CompletionPositive Drug Test Report/Defending the Drug Case2010
Certificate of CompletionAdvanced Training in the Drug Recognition Expert(DRE) program2010
Best Lawyer in the UpstateCreative Loafing2007
Winner of the Mock Trial CompetitionUniversity of South Carolina1992
Order of Wig and RobeUniversity of South Carolina School of Law1992
Work Experience
TitleCompany nameDuration
Attorney to Assistant Investigator Disciplinary CounselSouth Carolina Supreme Court2003 - Present
Defense AttorneyUpstate DUI1995 - Present
State DUI ProsecutorState of South Carolina1992 - 1995
Associations
Association namePosition nameDuration
American Bar AssociationMember2011 - Present
South Carolina Association for JusticeMember2011 - Present
National College for DUI DefenseMember2011 - Present
South Carolina Trial Lawyers AssociationMember2011 - Present
South Carolina Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember2011 - Present
Greenville Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember2006 - Present
Furman UniversityMock Trial Judge2002 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL)Member1996 - Present
South Carolina Bar AssociationMember1992 - Present
Best Lawyers in AmericaMemberN/A
Best Attorneys of AmericaLifetime Charter MemberN/A
South Carolina Super LawyersMemberN/A
The National Trial Lawyers - Top 100 Trial LawyersMemberN/A
South Carolina Trial Lawyers AssociationMemberN/A
DUI Defense Lawyers AssociationMemberN/A
Publications
Publication nameTitleDate
South Carolina Lawyers WeeklyA Line is Drawn on the DUI Exception2013
Voice for the Defense (Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association)The Current State of Confrontation2012
South Carolina Lawyers WeeklyThe Value of Confrontational Behavior2012
The Greenville NewsState's New DUI Reform Law Aims for Balance2012
Talk MagazineThe A List2011
The Calgary HeraldExamining the Italian legal system through the case of Amanda Knox2011
Guide to GreenvilleFeatured Attorney2011
The Greenville JournalAdult Consequences for Teenage Decisions2011
Yahoo! NewsSteve Sumner, Attorney At Law, Releases Statement on the Recent Amanda Knox Case2011
South Carolina Lawyers WeeklyRoll the tape (or not): A review of recent decisions regarding DUI videotaping2011
The Greenville NewsThe Rise of Moped Deaths2010
The Greenville NewsDUI Arrests Increase While Highway Deaths Drop2010
South Carolina Lawyers WeeklyOld Laws, New Consequences for Having Open Containers2010
The Greenville NewsPenalty to Stiffen for Refusing DUI Test2008
Education
School nameDegreeGraduated
University of South Carolina School of LawJD - Juris Doctor1992
University of South CarolinaBS - Bachelor of Science1986
Speaking Engagements
Conference nameTitleDate
DUI Defense CLEDUI Defense from Jury Selection to Closing Statement2013
22nd Annual Criminal Practice in South CarolinaFor the DUI Practitioner: A Review of Significant South Carolina, US Supreme Court and National Decisions2013
22nd Annual Criminal Practice in South CarolinaSignificant Appellate Decisions from 20112013
State Conference of the South Carolina Bail Agents AssociationDevelopments in South Carolina DUI Law2012
Skip Church Radio Show 103.3 WOLTDUI FAQ for South Carolina Drivers2012
Skip Church Radio ShowDUI in South Carolina2012
Magistrates Advisory Counsel Intensive Training SeminarDUI Video Recording Requirements2012
DUI Defense From Jury Selection to Closing StatementDUI Defense2012
Charleston School of LawPreparing a Criminal Case for Trial2012
WHNS Fox CarolinaDMV Amnesty2011
Live CLE • Social Media Discovery and EvidenceDiscovery and Evidence in the era of Social Media2011
Handling First DUI CaseThe DUI Trial: Fear Not2011
Furman University Speakers SeriesAn Individual’s Rights when Under Police Investigation2011
WHNS Fox CarolinaThe DUI App2010
Upstate Bail Agents Association MeetingChanges in South Carolina DUI Law2010
South Carolina Judges ConventionDUI Defense and Guarding the Rights of Defendants2010
Professional Network ConnectionsHolidays and Drinking Drivers2010
WYFF News Channel 4DUI Law Brings Much Stiffer Penalties2009
Professional Network ConnectionsWhat to do if Stopped by Police2008
Legal cases
Case nameOutcome
South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles, Appellant, v. Josef Scott Holtzclaw, RespondentDismissal Affirmed

Reviews

(20)
5 Star
100%
4 Star
0%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Review Steve Sumner

Fantastic experience!

Posted by

Everyone in the office was extremely knowledgable, friendly, and professional. Mr. Sumner and Jessica helped us to feel at ease right away. Every step along the way was thoroughly explained. Any questions we had throughout the process were answered promptly and accurately. I am confident we hired the right attorney!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Saved my life

Posted by

They were very helpful, and worth every penny. The level of professionalism exceeded my expectations.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Steve and Erica are the best!

Posted by

Steve and Erica are extremely knowledgeable about law. Jessica and Hillary are very professional and courteous.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

You won't regret it ! Amazing staff !

Posted by

I couldn't recommend any lawyer higher than Steve Sumner. I was actually referred to him from a friend and she had spoken so highly of him. He and his staff have always treated me with kindness. Amazing results!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Fights hard for your case

Posted by

Attorney Steve Sumner is a hard fighter. He will 100 percent fight for you from the date he's hired through the end of the case. Great results!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Very Thorough

Posted by

Steve and his staff have done a wonderful job working for me on a traffic ticket. They are very thorough, well prepared and provide great customer service. I recommend them highly to anyone who needs an attorney in a situation involving an automobile.
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Consulted attorney

An excellent result to a difficult experience....

Posted by

I was always treated with respect from the moment I stepped into their office. Very professional, but kind and reassuring...making a very stressful, difficult experience a bit easier to tolerate. I cannot say enough about how pleased I am with their services and the outcome of my case.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Great Team! Saved Me!

Posted by

I was in a bad way when I first visited Steve Sumner. Steve told me not to worry! To go back to doing what I do and let them do what they do. That's what I did and they came through! So happy I hired Steve Sumner!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Solid Lawyer & Firm, Great People!

Posted by

I couldn't have received better help. My case was handled amazingly well. I appreciate everything Steve Sumner and his team did for me that resulted in my case having the best possible outcome. To them I give my deepest gratitude.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Matchless

Posted by

After several referrals(one from a cop friend) I called in on a Sunday not expecting a return call till Monday. I was called in less than ten minutes and was immediately starting to feel relaxed and more at ease. I set up to come in the following day and the experience just got better. Never having dealt with a law firm I was scared to death. No need. From the time I got off the elevator through a very relaxed intake process I knew I had made the right choice. Through the process I was informed when I needed to be but not overwhelmed. And when it came court time man were they prepared. My file was the size of a phone book with all kinds of legal paperwork that Steve and his staff had prepared for my case. Steve was at home in the courtroom and very relaxed and seemed very well liked by all the staff even the cop who arrested me which I hoped was a good thing. After he spent an hour or more doing legal arguments with the other side he brought me great news and I was not convicted. The whole process was over a year long a tense but it was a first class ride all the way and I cannot thank Steve and his team enough. Truly in a league of there own!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney
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Attorney endorsements

(11)
Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

Hal Roach, DUI and DWI Attorney on Jul 27, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Donald Pilzer, Criminal defense Attorney on Sep 6, 2016
Relationship: Other

I endorse this lawyer. Steve has a strong reputation for being well prepared in the field of criminal defense in upstate South Carolina.

John Mussetto, DUI and DWI Attorney on Nov 11, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Steve is a premier DUI lawyer in the Upstate. He fights hard for his clients and isn't afraid to take cases to trial.

Richard Davis, DUI and DWI Attorney on Oct 27, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse lawyer Steve Sumner. He is highly skilled and effective in his representation of individuals charged with DUI or related matters. Most importantly, Steve is a great person. He is approachable and appreciated by all who know him.

Patrick Knie, Criminal defense Attorney on Feb 7, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Steve has a tremendous reputation in the area of DUI defense. He has a keen legal mind, great courtroom skills,and is respected by the legal community. Steve is highly ethical and well thought of in the comminity.

William Head, DUI and DWI Attorney on Jun 24, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I have known Steve for over a decade. I have been to half dozen seminars with him, and he was a speaker at some of these programs. His strong suit is comprehensive knowledge of the courts in and around Greenville, and full command of the laws of the State of SC. Steve has a one-of-a-kind additional asset: Scotty Roberson, and ex-State Patrol officer as his investigator. You can hire this man with confidence.

Joseph Lyles, DUI and DWI Attorney on Mar 14, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer for defense of Driving Under the Influence cases. He has built up a strong reputation through hard work and talent. And what is just as important he is a pleasant person to work with who doesn't have an ego problem, like so many successful lawyers do.

Eric Philpot, DUI and DWI Attorney on Oct 17, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Steve is an excellent defense lawyer. The primary focus of his practice is DUI defense. This enables him to focus his time and resources on this specific area of the law. This benefits his clients immeasurably. I highly recommend his services.

W. Arnold, DUI and DWI Attorney on Oct 16, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Whenever I have a friend or client who has been charged with DUI and is seeking a referral, the first name I give them is Steve's. He is experienced and skilled, but perhaps more importantly, he is ethical. I can endorse Steve without reservation.

Zaki Ali, DUI and DWI Attorney on Oct 15, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I gladly endorse the work of Steve Sumner. He is a hard working and extremely intelligent DUI defense attorney who has a record of winning that would make any attorney proud. But beyond that he's just a great guy. Easy to talk to and eager to actually help people who come to him at a very dark time."

Michael Waddington, Criminal defense Attorney on Oct 13, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse Steve. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community.

Cost

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