We Provide Aggressive, Strategic Defense for Criminal Charges in South Carolina

Top Charleston Criminal Defense Attorneys

A conviction can carry severe penalties, including fines, jail time, and a lasting criminal record that affects your future. We provide aggressive, strategic, and results-driven defense for individuals charged with crimes ranging from self-defense cases and drug offenses to domestic violence and DUI.


Defending Against Common Criminal Charges in South Carolina

South Carolina Criminal Defense and Personal Injury Attorney

Self-Defense and South Carolina’s “Stand Your Ground” Law

South Carolina law recognizes the right to defend yourself when faced with imminent harm. Under the state’s “Stand Your Ground” law, individuals who act in self-defense should not be prosecuted. However, asserting self-defense successfully requires compelling legal arguments and strong evidence.

At Mastantuno Law Firm, we build robust defense strategies by thoroughly investigating the circumstances of your case, gathering witness statements, and utilizing evidence to prove that you acted lawfully and justifiably. If you were forced to defend yourself, we will ensure the legal system acknowledges your right to do so.

South Carolina Stand Your Ground Law - Defense Attorney

Drug Charges: Possession, Trafficking, and More

Drug-related offenses in South Carolina carry serious legal consequences, including potential jail time, hefty fines, and long-term damage to your reputation. Our firm defends individuals facing charges for:

  • Simple possession
  • Possession with intent to distribute
  • Drug trafficking
  • Prescription drug fraud
  • Paraphernalia offenses
mount pleasant dui attorneys

Domestic Violence

A domestic violence accusation can have immediate and devastating consequences, including protective orders, loss of custody rights, and a damaged reputation. These cases are often complex, involving personal relationships, emotional conflicts, and, at times, false allegations.

If you’ve been accused of domestic violence, we will ensure your rights and future are aggressively defended.

DUI Defense: Protecting Your Rights and Future

Driving Under the Influence (DUI) is one of the most common criminal charges in South Carolina, but it is also one of the most mercilessly prosecuted. A conviction can result in:

  • License suspension
  • Steep fines
  • Mandatory alcohol education prog
  • Installation of an Ignition Interlock Device (IID)
  • Jail time
  • Increased insurance rates

Our firm challenges DUI charges from every angle, questioning the validity of field sobriety tests, breathalyzer accuracy, and the legality of the traffic stop.

DUI Defense Attorney - South Carolina Criminal Defense Attorneys

BUI Defense: Safeguarding Your Rights on the Water – Boating Under the Influence

Boating Under the Influence (BUI) is treated with the same seriousness as driving under the influence in South Carolina. Marine patrol officers and prosecutors aggressively pursue these cases, and a conviction can bring severe consequences, including:

  • Suspension of boating and driving privileges
  • Heavy fines and court costs
  • Mandatory alcohol and drug education programs
  • Possible jail time
  • A permanent criminal record that can affect employment and future opportunities
BUI Defense Attorney - Boating Under the Influence

At Mastantuno Law Firm, we defend BUI charges with the same tenacity as DUI cases. Our strategy includes challenging the validity of boat stops, the accuracy of breath or blood tests, and the officer’s adherence to proper procedures on the water. We work to protect your freedom, your record, and your ability to enjoy South Carolina’s waterways.


Comprehensive Defense Against a Wide Range of Criminal Offenses

Assault and Battery Defense

Assault and battery charges can range from simple fights to serious felony offenses. Whether you were acting in self-defense or were wrongfully accused, we will ensure that the facts of your case are fully examined and that your rights are protected.

A judge's gavel rests on top of two law books, set on a wooden table against a blurred background of bookshelves.

Burglary and Theft Crimes

Burglary and theft charges can carry significant penalties, especially if aggravating factors are involved. Our firm builds strong defenses by challenging the prosecution’s evidence, disputing intent, and identifying weaknesses in the state’s case.

Theft and Burglary Attorney

Cyber Crimes and Computer Fraud

With laws constantly evolving in the digital space, being accused of a cyber crime can have severe legal consequences. We defend individuals against charges such as identity theft, hacking, online fraud, and unauthorized access to computer systems.

Sexual Assault and Other Sex Crimes

Sex crime allegations can be among the most damaging to an individual’s reputation and future. We handle these extremely sensitive cases with discretion and diligence. Every aspect of the accusation will be thoroughly investigated and handled.

Insurance Fraud and White-Collar Crimes

Being accused of insurance fraud or other white-collar crimes can lead to severe financial penalties and even imprisonment. Our firm has experience defending clients against fraud charges.


Why Choose Mastantuno Law Firm for Your Criminal Defense?

A Former Prosecutor Fighting for You

Attorney Allen Mastantuno brings unique insight into criminal defense as a former prosecutor for the Ninth Judicial Circuit Solicitor’s Office. He understands how the prosecution builds cases—and more importantly, how to dismantle them. His experience on both sides of the courtroom gives our clients a significant advantage.

Customized Defense Strategies

No two cases are alike. We take the time to understand the specifics of your situation and develop a tailored defense strategy that maximizes your chances of a favorable outcome. Negotiating for a lesser charge, securing a case dismissal, aggressively defending you at trial, we pursue the best possible resolution for your case.

Local Knowledge, Strong Legal Relationships

Our firm has deep roots in Charleston and throughout South Carolina. We are well-versed in local laws, courtroom procedures, and the strategies employed by prosecutors and law enforcement. Our strong relationships within the legal community allow us to advocate effectively for our clients.

J Allen Mastantuno Charleston DUI Attorney

Take the First Step Toward Your Defense—Call Us Today

If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges, time is of the essence. The sooner you have an experienced defense attorney on your side, the better your chances of achieving a favorable outcome.

Call Mastantuno Law Firm today at (843) 720-3741 

Let us fight for your rights, your freedom, and your future.

CONTACT US

What Customers Are Saying

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Tyler Cotterill
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Great lawyer! Helped me when I really needed it.
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William Drew profile picture
William Drew
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This is your man! Thank you Mr.Mastantuno your professionalism and patience helped me in a time of confusion.
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Carol Bruton profile picture
Carol Bruton
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It was a great experience. Everyone was very professional and kind. Attorney Mastantuno 'just handled the business'. He did a fantastic job!
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Daunte Hall profile picture
Daunte Hall
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Great attorney that will go to bat every time for his client I would give more stars if I could thanks Allen from Mr.Leslie.
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Caroline M Pettigrew profile picture
Caroline M Pettigrew
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Allen was very professional, informative, and kind throughout my DUI case. He was attentive and regularly responsive to my emails and phone calls! Allen took a very bad, bad situation and got a very good, good result! I can’t thank him enough!
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Geisy Adriany De Almeida Barbosa
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Super indico
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Chalo Hernandez
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This place got me the information I needed quick and easy.
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DeeCeeCover s
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This is a very knowledgeable lawyer who is easy to work with and gets back to you in a timely manner.
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Sam F profile picture
Sam F
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Allen represented me in an accident case in which he did a fantastic job. First of all he gave me more money off of the total than he was required to. In the beginning of a criminal defense case, that he is also handling for me, he worked with me on the fees and was way more than patient. Can’t say enough good things about him as a professional and a person with integrity. Y’all, hire him! Highly recommended!