REDEFINING & CHANGING THE NAME OF THE LEGAL GAME.
DEDICATED TO EXCEEDING TRADITIONAL STANDARDS OF EXCELLENCE.
AND THAT’S NOT ALL.
WHO WE ARE
The law firm of Kendrick & Leonard, P.C., was founded over a decade ago. The firm concentrates on criminal defense and civil litigation in State and Federal courts throughout the state of South Carolina. The partners in the firm pride themselves on providing the very best representation while seeking creative resolutions to all legal situations, simple or complex.
Kendrick & Leonard has handled nearly every type of case imaginable. From suing one of the largest corporations in the world to defending a member of the most famous outlaw motorcycle club in the world, the law firm of Kendrick & Leonard has the experience you need to resolve any case, large or small.
Having built strong relationships and earned the respect of prosecutors and law enforcement across the State, Kendrick & Leonard has the ability to work within the court system to reach a favorable result with a minimum of stress. Of course, not all cases can be resolved without a trial. Having tried hundreds of cases in magistrate courts, state circuit courts, and the federal courts, the law firm of Kendrick & Leonard is willing and able to try your case. The firm is highly experienced in trial work. It uses cutting-edge technology to present your case in a way that a jury will not only understand, but accept. In addition to the latest technology, Kendrick & Leonard uses the age-old fundamentals of exceptional cross-examination, creative witness presentation, and outstanding oral advocacy to present a second-to-none case on your behalf.
With offices in the state capital of Columbia, South Carolina and the upstate town of Greenville, South Carolina, the law firm of Kendrick & Leonard stands ready to represent clients across the State.
Explore our website to learn more about the firm’s partners and practice areas. And always feel free to call us or e-mail us with any questions you may have.
PRACTICE AREAS
STATE CRIMINAL
Most criminal charges end up in state court. Whether you are charged with Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in a municipal or magistrate court or more serious charges in general sessions court, you need a lawyer to address a case that can quickly get out of hand.
At Kendrick and Leonard, we have handled every type of state criminal case. From DUIs to domestic violence to drug trafficking to murder, Kendrick and Leonard’s lawyers have handled them all. Whether you need a deal cut with the prosecutor or a verdict from a jury, we have done it and we know how to do it.
STATE DRUG CHARGES
Whether it’s a charge for pos-
session of marijuana or a major drug trafficking case, Kendrick & Leonard can provide the best representation. The firm is not afraid of audio, video, confiden-tial informants, or whatever tool law enforcement has used to arrest you. We can stand with you from the moment of your arrest to the final resolution of your case.
STATE VIOLENT CRIMES
From armed robbery to criminal sexual conduct to murder, an ar-rest for a violent crime can be one of the most serious legal prob-lems you will face. These charges can lead to staggering sentences and severe legal consequences. The most experienced investiga-tors and prosecutors will be work-ing their hardest to put you in jail for the rest of your life.
PROPERTY CRIMES
Property crimes cover a wide vari-ety of arrests for things like finan-cial transaction card fraud, breach of trust, embezzlement, identity theft, and shoplifting. Being arrested for property crimes has become more and more serious as the state continues to increase the penalties and enhancements you can face as a result of an ar-rest for a property crime.
DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE
DUI cases are unique. When you get arrested for drinking and driving, the social stigma can be as difficult as the legal consequenc-es. The intense public pressure related to recent high-profile DUI crashes makes these cases some of the most difficult and complex matters you will face in the legal system. Our DUI record speaks for itself.
FEDERAL CRIMINAL
If a federal agency (DEA, FBI, ATF, IRS, etc.) has contacted you or arrested you, the time to call a lawyer is now. Every minute that goes by puts you more at risk for serious consequences. Federal cases are not the same as other criminal cases, and you need a lawyer that understands this. These cases move fast. By the time you understand how serious a federal charge is and what kind of lawyer you really need to defend you in these cases, you could be on the eve of a trial.
Our firm understands the federal system. We are able to move as quickly as the federal prosecutors, ensuring that you are never at a disadvantage in a federal case. We understand the intricacies of the complex federal criminal procedure and the unique sentencing system faced by federal defendants.
Perhaps what is most unique about our law firm is our experience in federal trials. Having tried federal cases involving drugs, guns, robbery, white collar fraud, racketeering (RICO), and murder-for-hire, we understand how to try your case. When we negotiate on your behalf, we are not bluffing. We are always willing to go to trial. With access to top private investigators and expert witnesses, as well as in-depth knowledge of evidence rules and trial procedure, we can even the playing field in a federal case.
If you are facing federal prosecution, call us as soon as possible. The faster we are able to level that playing field, the better chance you have of a fair result.
FEDERAL DRUG CHARGES
When the feds arrest you for drug charges, things are very different from the run of the mill drug case. The prosecution moves quicker, the sentences are higher, and the process is more unforgiving. You cannot afford to waste a single day. You need experienced federal lawyers to immediately begin your defense. Don’t wait until it is too late – call us now.
RICO
The Racketeering Influenced Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) was passed decades ago. Congress intended it to address criminal organizations like the mafia. It has now grown into one of the most powerful tools in a federal prosecutor’s arsenal and is used against everyone from neighborhood gangs to legiti-mate businessmen.
WHITE COLLAR CRIMES
“White collar crimes” involve a wide variety of conduct, ranging from fraud to embezzlement to regulatory offenses. Not only will there be a dispute over your ac-tions, there will be a dispute over whether you have even violated the law. You need to contact a lawyer if you suspect you are under investigation by the federal government for any white-collar crime.
VIOLENT CRIMES
The federal government pursues crimes like bank robbery, Hobbs Act violations (robbery and extortion), and firearms offenses vigorously. The federal sentenc-ing structure results in a wide va-riety of sentences. Understand-ing the importance of each fact is critical throughout a defense to a federal violent crime.
APPEALS
Courts make mistakes. There is usually only one way to fix those mistakes – an appeal. Appeals represent a unique part of the law. The intersection of legal research, written advocacy, and oral advocacy is an area a limited group of attorneys have mastered.
We have handled numerous appeals in state and federal courts. Our lawyers have appeared in oral arguments in front of the South Carolina Court of Appeals, the South Carolina Supreme Court, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.
APPELLATE REPRESENTATION - CRIMINAL
If your case is criminal, we have in-depth knowledge of both state and federal criminal law. We are able to identify all of the issues present in your case and clearly present those issues to the appropriate court. We under-stand where these cases come from and why these issues arise. We understand the reasoning used by judges. Most impor-tantly, we understand what will happen if we win an appeal.
APPELLATE REPRESENTATION - CIVIL
Whether you have a verdict you are trying to hang on to or you have a ruling you want reversed, we are your best option on appeal. Working quickly and efficiently, we are able to handle your matter in a timely manner and for an efficient fee. We are more than appellate lawyers – we are also trial lawyers. Because of the cases we have handled, we are able to understand the full context of your appeal.
POST-CONVICTION REPRESENTATION
Lawyers make mistakes. How you handle those mistakes can affect your conviction for many years. Often, procedural missteps, missed deadlines, and failure to present your case properly can prevent you from raising valid arguments in the future. Our representation in these matters is unique. We are not simply looking to take your money. If we take your post-conviction case, we feel there is some issue which may gain you relief.
CIVIL LITIGATION
When two or more parties are involved in a legal dispute seeking money or another specific performance rather than criminal sanctions, civil litigation is the result. Civil litigation encompasses a broad range of disputes that include but not limited to: personal injury, bad faith insurance, medical malpractice, and other intricate cases. During the course of litigation, we will become your closest advocate and guide you through the complex legal matters while working tirelessly to ensure a successful outcome.
PERSONAL INJURY
From car wrecks to injuries at a business, people get hurt every day. There is one constant – if you get hurt the insurance com-pany is going to try to avoid pay-ing you. They will use everything up to and including outright trickery to get you to release them from having to pay.
BAD FAITH INSURANCE
We understand the tricks the in-surance companies use and how to make them pay your claim. We have successfully litigated these cases and know how to get your claim paid, as well as when to ask for punitive damages and attorneys’ fees so that the com-pany can bear the cost of refus-ing to pay you.
COMPLEX CASES
We do not shy away from com-plicated civil matters. A case that does not easily fit into a common category, we can handle it. If there is a big firm on the other side, we are happy to even the playing field for you. No matter what type of case you are facing, we can handle it for you efficient-ly and professionally.
OUR COUNSEL
IT’S THE GOVERNMENT’S FAULT THAT YOU NEED A TRIAL LAWYER
IF THE GOVERNMENT CAN’T STEAL YOUR MONEY WHO CAN?
