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Jeffrey Scott Stephens
also known as Jeff Stephens
About Jeffrey
Biography
Jeff holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Georgia Tech, and a Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Tennessee. He served as an enlisted U.S. Marine Corps reservist in college and law school and was later commissioned as an officer. He spent 10 years as an active duty Marine Corps judge advocate, serving as a civil law attorney, representing the Department of the Navy in labor disputes and providing ethics opinions for the Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, SC, and serving as a defense and appellate defense counsel. After leaving active duty in 2007, he served for 5 years as an assistant solicitor for South Carolina’s 14th Judicial Circuit, prosecuting crimes committed in Beaufort and Jasper counties. After serving as a reserve operational law officer and appellate defense counsel, he retired from military service in 2016. He has been a military and civilian criminal defense attorney in Beaufort, SC since 2012.
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
40%
24 years
Military Law
40%
26 years
Divorce and Separation
10%
14 years
Appeals
5%
21 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in South Carolina for 20 years
State: South Carolina
Acquired: 2005
No misconduct found
Licensed in Florida for 27 years
State: Florida
Acquired: 1998
No misconduct found
Location
Quindlen Law Firm, P.A.
P.O. Box 2450, Beaufort, SC, 29901-2450
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Jeffrey Scott Stephens's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
5 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
Posted by Ty | September 13, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Dedicated and Compassionate
Jeff Stephens is an incredible lawyer, he will go above and beyond for you and make sure you are up to date on everything you need to know about your case. My family and I are so grateful for him for his help. He is very dedicated to his job and may God bless him. I recommend him 1000%.
Posted by Denis Leinhart jr | July 28, 2021 | Hired Attorney
Business owner
Jeff, has always handled everything professionally and is very comforting and positive to his clients he represents.
Posted by Sue | July 15, 2021 | Military Law
Excellent experience with Mr. Stephens
My granddaughter and I consulted Mr. Stephens on a matter related to her enlistment in the National Guard. He was extremely responsive and explained the options in a way that was informative, understandable, and demonstrated compassion. I appreciated his willingness to conduct additional research a...
Posted by anonymous | September 03, 2020 | Military Law
Patient and understanding lawyer
I contacted Jeff about a military service issue I was having with my command. Jeff was patient and knowledgeable about my issue. He calmed me down and didn’t charge me for his advice even after we spoke for hours. He really seemed to just care about helping me out.
Posted by anonymous | May 06, 2015 | Criminal Defense
Gave me faith
I was wrongfully charged with a CDV. I hired Jeff & felt he genuinely cares & is CLEARLY confident in my case but more importantly, his ability to get it thrown out. He tolerates my emotional ups & downs which is greatly appreciated (who doesn't get emotional over a criminal charge?). I have the up m...
Jeffrey Scott Stephens's Lawyer Endorsements
James Brown
Criminal defense lawyer
Christopher Geier
Unknown lawyer
Experience
Honors
2007
Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medal, U.S. Marine Corps
2006
Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medal, U.S. Marine Corps
1997
W.K. McClure Fellowship for International Studies, University of Tennessee
1995
Distinguished Graduate (Redstone Arsenal, Al), U.S. Army
1989
National Merit Scholarship, National Merit Foundation
Work Experience
2017 - Present
Assistant Public Defender/ Part-time Contract Public Defender, South Carolina's 14th Judicial Circuit Public Defender's Office
2007 - 2012
Prosecuting Attorney, 14th Circuit Solicitor's Office
1999 - 2007
Judge Advocate (attorney), U.S. Marine Corps
Associations
2015 - Present
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit BarMember
2014 - Present
Veterans Claims Bar AssociationMember
2013 - Present
Federal Bar Association (South Carolina chapter)Member
2010 - Present
Beaufort County Bar AssociationMember
2010 - Present
South Carolina Bar, Military Law SectionMember
2004 - Present
South Carolina BarMember
2004 - Present
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces BarMember
2000 - Present
Navy-Marine Corps Court of Criminal AppealsMember
1998 - Present
Florida BarMember
Sample of Legal Cases
State v. Devon Dunham
Jury Verdict of "Not Guilty" to Murder; second charge dismissed
United States v. Riggins, 75 M.J. 78 (C.A.A.F 2016)
Convictions set aside by appellate court and sentence reduced
United States v. Harcrow. 66 M.J. 154
Conviction reversed
United States v. McCracken, NMCCA 200600484
Conviction reversed
Education
2005
Georgia Institute of Technology
BS - Bachelor of Science
1998
University of Tennessee College of Law
Speaking Engagements
2020
Sex Crimes CLE
Using DNA forensic testing results for the defense
2014
Military Divorce CLE
Criminal Domestic Violence
2007
Life in the Balance
Military Death Penalty Cases
Publications
2009
American Bar Association newsletter
The New DFAS Regulations on Military Retired Pay
Languages
French
Japanese
Hungarian
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
How can a bail bondsman put a hold on my boyfriend if he never missed a court date or a flight risk ?
29 Jul 2021
Q&A
Can someone be charged as a fugitive for a social media threat that was made four years ago to someone in another state
26 Jul 2021
Q&A
Unlawful Carry
25 Jul 2021