Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer – Charleston, SC

Experienced Federal Representation in Charleston, South Carolina

If you are facing federal criminal charges or are under investigation by the federal government in the Charleston area - including the Tri-County area of Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester Counties - the time to act is now. Federal cases move fast, and the consequences can be life-changing. Whether you’ve received a target letter, been indicted by a grand jury, or are the subject of a federal agency’s inquiry, you need a skilled federal defense attorney who understands how the system works — and how to fight back.

At the Law Offices of Nathan S. Williams, we provide aggressive, experienced defense for clients in Charleston and throughout the Lowcountry. As the former Criminal Chief at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for South Carolina, Nathan Williams has handled some of the state’s most high-profile federal prosecutions — and now uses that insider knowledge to defend individuals and businesses under investigation.

Call (843) 473-7000 today for a Free Confidential Consultation if you are facing federal charges in the Charleston area.

Federal Cases We Defend in Charleston

We represent clients in all stages of federal criminal cases, including:

  • Drug trafficking and conspiracy charges

  • White-collar crimes – wire fraud, mail fraud, bank fraud, healthcare fraud

  • Tax crimes and IRS investigations

  • Firearm offenses and felon-in-possession cases

  • Immigration-related criminal charges

  • Child exploitation and cybercrime charges

  • Public corruption and bribery

  • RICO and organized crime allegations

We also represent clients before indictment, including:

  • Responding to target letters

  • Representing witnesses in federal grand jury proceedings

  • Negotiating with federal prosecutors

Local Experience in the Charleston Federal Court

Charleston federal cases are handled at the J. Waties Waring Judicial Center, located in downtown Charleston. Nathan Williams has tried and supervised dozens of federal cases in this courthouse and has established credibility with judges, prosecutors, agents, and probation officers in the district.

Because of his role as former Criminal Chief, Nathan understands how federal cases are prosecuted in Charleston, what prosecutors are likely to pursue, and where opportunities exist to challenge their case.

This is an essential factor when selecting an attorney. Individuals and businesses often consider or hire law firms located outside of South Carolina, or outside of Charleston, because they are out of the area, based on a recommendation, or because they did not look for an attorney in the area where the case is being prosecuted. However, attorneys who do not practice in the federal court where a charge is pending are often unfamiliar with local practices, expectations, and processes. As a result, those attorneys spend valuable time trying to learn the local practice and never reach the level of competence that skilled local lawyers possess. Consequently, they miss opportunities for their clients. Or worse, they apply an approach that may work somewhere else but doesn’t work in Charleston, and their clients get disastrous results.

Why Clients in Charleston Choose Nathan Williams

  • A track record of success in federal white-collar, drug, and gun cases in South Carolina federal courts, and specifically in Charleston

  • Former Criminal Chief, U.S. Attorney’s Office – SC District

  • Former Charleston Branch Manager, U.S. Attorney’s Office - SC District

  • 24+ years of experience, including 14+ years in federal court

  • Lead prosecutor in high-profile federal cases (including the Dylann Roof trial)

  • Trusted by professionals, business owners, and families across Charleston

  • Personalized attention — every case is handled directly by Nathan

Learn more about Nathan Williams

Areas We Serve in and Around Charleston

We proudly represent clients across the Charleston metro area and the surrounding Lowcountry, including Mount Pleasant, North Charleston, West Ashley, James Island, Johns Island, Summerville, Goose Creek, Hanahan, Ladson, Moncks Corner, Daniel Island, Isle of Palms, Folly Beach, and anywhere in the Lowcountry.

If you're located anywhere in Charleston, Berkeley, or Dorchester County and facing federal charges, we're here to help.

Schedule a Free Consultation

If you’re being investigated or charged in federal court in Charleston, don’t wait to get legal advice. Early intervention is often key to protecting your rights, reputation, and future.

Call (843) 473-7000 or contact us online today to schedule your Free Confidential Consultation.

We represent clients across Charleston County, Berkeley County, Dorchester County, and the surrounding Lowcountry region.

Protecting and Preserving Reputations, Careers, and Liberty.