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Steve Wayne Sumner

DUI and DWI Attorney at Greenville, SC

5.0   20 reviews

also known as Steve Sumner

  • Licensed for 30 years
    State SC
    Acquired 1992
    Status
    Good Standing No misconduct found

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

About Steve

Learn Steve’s areas of practice.

2
Practice areas
  1. DUI and DWI
    95%
    Results achieved for one client does not indicate similar results for other clients.

    31 years, 5,000 cases

  2. Criminal defense
    5%
    Results achieved for one client does not indicate similar results for other clients.

    31 years, 2,000 cases

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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Contact Steve

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Steve Wayne Sumner
112 Manly Street
Greenville, SC, 29601

Reviews

5.0 / 5.0
  20 customer reviews
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Posted by Mary | June 25, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Fantastic experience!
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!
Posted by Chris | March 8, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Saved my life
They were very helpful, and worth every penny. The level of professionalism exceeded my expectations.
Posted by James | July 13, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Steve and Erica are the best!
Steve and Erica are extremely knowledgeable about law. Jessica and Hillary are very professional and courteous.
Posted by Charity | April 11, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
You won't regret it ! Amazing staff !
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!
Posted by Miranda | January 19, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Fights hard for your case
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!
Posted by Tammy | October 11, 2016
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Very Thorough
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.
Posted by anonymous | October 3, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
An excellent result to a difficult experience....
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.
Posted by Bryan | September 2, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great Team! Saved Me!
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!
Posted by Zach | February 8, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Solid Lawyer & Firm, Great People!
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.
Posted by anonymous | January 30, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Matchless
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!
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Posted by anonymous | January 29, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Terrific referral!
This law firm did a superb job representing our case. From the support staff to Mr. Sumner himself, Sumner Law Firm was the right choice. He was honest, straight forward and guided us correctly. I hope to not have legal trouble again but I would not hesitate to call them again.
Posted by anonymous | July 28, 2015
Made a terrible experience much easier
I can not say enough about Steve Sumner and his team. Obviously (since I retained his services) I was not going through a positive experience, but Steve was just excellent in his demeanor, expertise, and interaction. Him and his team worked extremely hard and did a great job for me which lead to me being found not guilty. While every situation is different, you can at least be assured that you are hiring an extremely talented law team, and that they will work very hard to do everything they can for you.
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Posted by anonymous | July 10, 2015
Best Results out of a Bad Situation
Steve Sumner and his team immediately made us all feel at ease, and didn't make me feel like a low life criminal. He gave us hope, talked to us straight, gave us a plan and executed it to perfection. I was kept informed throughout the whole process and any questions I had were answered promptly. This was the scariest thing I have ever been through in my life and Steve, Jessica. Mark and the rest of his power house team really held my hand through the whole thing and as a result of their knowledge, expertise and hard work, my future is bright. If you are looking for the BEST, you've found it in Steve Sumner & Assoc
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Posted by anonymous | June 19, 2014
Great Hire
I honestly do not even know where to begin in expressing my gratitude to Steve, Mark, Jessica and Scotty. Each one of them have been nothing short of professional, respectful, encouraging, and helpful in their defense of my case. I owe them so much more than the fee paid to have them represent me. Whenever you need to talk, they will make time for you. Whether that be on a Sunday afternoon or a Wednesday morning, they are there for YOU. Steve and his firm were able to get my case dismissed and record expunged from my record. They truly saved my life and I will forever be greatful for each of them. I HIGHLY recommend this firm to anyone accused of DUI.
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Posted by Nate | September 1, 2011
Excellent
Steve Sumner and his Staff were top notch and persistent as my lawyer. They were able to get my DUI dropped and the arrest expunged. His friendly, knowledgable staff answered all of my calls and emails promptly and went out of their way to keep me up to date on the status of my case. Everything went exactly as they predicted and they provided reassurance during a very stressful time. Steve Sumner took the time to meet and discuss all of my options and his opinion at every phase of the case. You are doing yourself a disservice if you do not set up an appointment and at least get his proffesional opinion on your case. Steve Sumner provided the best legal advice and representation I could have asked for.
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Response from Steve Sumner February 3, 2012
Results achieved for one client does not indicate similar results for other clients.
Posted by Chris | June 3, 2011
Search No More!
After much research for a DUI attorney, I retained Steve Sumner to represent me on a recent DUI charge. Primarily defending DUI cases, Steve has many years of successful DUI litigation experience. He extensively investigated my case. He personally went to the location of the traffic stop, spoke with the arresting officer, reviewed the report and video. After his research, he explained my case to me in terms I could understand. Ultimately, Steve had my drivers license reinstated and I received a NOT GUILTY verdict. Thank you to Steve, Scotty and Jamie for their outstanding job.
Read less
Response from Steve Sumner February 3, 2012
Results achieved for one client does not indicate similar results for other clients.
Posted by Jamie S | June 2, 2011
AWESOME RESULTS
The Steve Sumner Law firm got me awesome results on my DUI case. I could not have asked for a better law firm to represent me when I needed them the most. My career was on the line and with the dismissal of my DUI things worked out great. Thank you Steve, Scotty, Jamie and Jessica for the hard work that each and every one of you put into my case and easing my mind when times were tough.
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Response from Steve Sumner February 3, 2012
Results achieved for one client does not indicate similar results for other clients.
Posted by anonymous | May 4, 2011
Homemaker
In a time when I needed someone who could help me a friend gave me Steve Sumner's name. He made a very bad situation easier to deal with and understand. I have recommended Steve to several friends. I also appreciate the respect and kindness he and his office staff showed me.
Response from Steve Sumner February 3, 2012
Results achieved for one client does not indicate similar results for other clients.
Posted by anonymous | April 20, 2011
Nice man who does a great job
I got a DUI last year and Steve got it dismissed. Do I need to say more? What more could you want? He is nice and kind and professional, so that's a bonus. Frankly, I wouldn't even care about that considering the great result, but it was nice to deal with someone who was enjoyable to be around.
Response from Steve Sumner February 3, 2012
Results achieved for one client does not indicate similar results for other clients.
Posted by anonymous | November 22, 2010
I Owe Steve Everything
A while back I made some bad choices and Steve helped me see that those choices did not have to mean the end to life as I knew it. He fought harder for me than I was willing to fight for myself. That was what was so amazing about working with him. He showed me I was worth the effort. My case was more than satisfactorily resolved and I have been able to move on with my life. I would even say that this experience has helped me to become a better person. I owe this all to Steve and his team. They are first class.
Read less
Response from Steve Sumner February 3, 2012
Results achieved for one client does not indicate similar results for other clients.
View less reviews

Cost

Rates
  • Free Consultation 30 minutes
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Attorney to Assistant Investigator Disciplinary Counsel
  • South Carolina Supreme Court
  • 2003 - Present
  • Defense Attorney
  • Upstate DUI
  • 1995 - Present
  • State DUI Prosecutor
  • State of South Carolina
  • 1992 - 1995

Education

  • University of South Carolina School of Law
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 1992
  • University of South Carolina
  • BS - Bachelor of Science
  • 1986

Legal Cases

  • South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles, Appellant, v. Josef Scott Holtzclaw, Respondent
  • Dismissal Affirmed

Associations

  • American Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2011 - Present
  • South Carolina Association for Justice
  • Member
  • 2011 - Present
  • National College for DUI Defense
  • Member
  • 2011 - Present
  • South Carolina Trial Lawyers Association
  • Member
  • 2011 - Present
  • South Carolina Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • Member
  • 2011 - Present
  • Greenville Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • Member
  • 2006 - Present
  • Furman University
  • Mock Trial Judge
  • 2002 - Present
  • National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL)
  • Member
  • 1996 - Present
  • South Carolina Bar Association
  • Member
  • 1992 - Present
  • Best Lawyers in America
  • Member
  • N/A
  • Best Attorneys of America
  • Lifetime Charter Member
  • N/A
  • South Carolina Super Lawyers
  • Member
  • N/A
  • The National Trial Lawyers - Top 100 Trial Lawyers
  • Member
  • N/A
  • South Carolina Trial Lawyers Association
  • Member
  • N/A
  • DUI Defense Lawyers Association
  • Member
  • N/A
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • Best Lawyers in America for DUI Defense
  • Best Lawyers In America
  • 2017
  • DUI Defense
  • South Carolina Super Lawyers
  • 2016
  • Best Attorneys in America
  • Rue's Ratings
  • 2016
  • AV Rating - Judicial Edition
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2016
  • Top 100 Trial Lawyers
  • The National Trial Lawyers
  • 2016
  • Best Lawyers in America for DUI Defense
  • Best Lawyers in America
  • 2016
  • AV Preeminent Peer Review
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2015
  • Applause Award
  • Better Business Bureau
  • 2014
  • Top 100 Trial Lawyers
  • The National Trial Lawyers
  • 2014
  • Top Attorneys in SC
  • Columbia Living Magazine
  • 2014
  • Top Attorneys in SC
  • Columbia Living Magazine
  • 2013
  • Top 100 Trial Lawyers
  • The National Trial Lawyers
  • 2013
  • Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2012
  • Best DUI Attorney in Upstate South Carolina
  • The Greenville News
  • 2011
  • Level 5 Contributor
  • Avvo
  • 2011
  • AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2011
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Attacking Field Sobriety Tests
  • 2010
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Mastering Scientific Evidence in DUI Cases
  • 2010
  • Level 4 Contributor
  • Avvo
  • 2010
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Positive Drug Test Report/Defending the Drug Case
  • 2010
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Advanced Training in the Drug Recognition Expert(DRE) program
  • 2010
  • Best Lawyer in the Upstate
  • Creative Loafing
  • 2007
  • Winner of the Mock Trial Competition
  • University of South Carolina
  • 1992
  • Order of Wig and Robe
  • University of South Carolina School of Law
  • 1992
View all awards

Publications

  • South Carolina Lawyers Weekly
  • A Line is Drawn on the DUI Exception
  • 2013
  • The Greenville News
  • State's New DUI Reform Law Aims for Balance
  • 2012
  • Guide to Greenville
  • Featured Attorney
  • 2011
  • The Greenville Journal
  • Adult Consequences for Teenage Decisions
  • 2011
  • The Greenville News
  • The Rise of Moped Deaths
  • 2010
View all publications

Speaking Engagements

  • DUI Defense From Jury Selection to Closing Statement
  • DUI Defense
  • 2012
  • Skip Church Radio Show
  • DUI in South Carolina
  • 2012
  • Charleston School of Law
  • Preparing a Criminal Case for Trial
  • 2012
  • Skip Church Radio Show 103.3 WOLT
  • DUI FAQ for South Carolina Drivers
  • 2012
  • Furman University Speakers Series
  • An Individual’s Rights when Under Police Investigation
  • 2011
  • WHNS Fox Carolina
  • DMV Amnesty
  • 2011
  • WHNS Fox Carolina
  • The DUI App
  • 2010
  • Professional Network Connections
  • Holidays and Drinking Drivers
  • 2010
  • WYFF News Channel 4
  • DUI Law Brings Much Stiffer Penalties
  • 2009
  • Professional Network Connections
  • What to do if Stopped by Police
  • 2008
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (11)
Given (41)
Endorse Steve
DUI and DWI Attorney | Jul 27
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Criminal defense Attorney | Sep 06
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."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Nov 11
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."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Oct 27
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."
Criminal defense Attorney | Feb 07
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."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Jun 24
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."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Mar 14
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."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Oct 17
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."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Oct 16
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."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Oct 15
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.""
Criminal defense Attorney | Oct 13
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse Steve. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
View more endorsements
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