Sydney Elizabeth Ford, Criminal Defense Attorney in Charleston, South Carolina

Sydney concentrates on criminal defense and general. Each area below outlines the kind of case Sydney handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

• Criminal Defense

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• General

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Sydney's primary office is at 111 Church St, Charleston, SC, 29401-2905. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Working with a new criminal defense attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Sydney usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Sydney discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in criminal defense practice — ask which fits.

• How much does it cost to hire Sydney for a criminal defense case?

  Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Sydney walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

• Does Sydney offer a free consultation?

  Sydney charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Sydney's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Sydney's current terms during booking.

• How long do criminal defense cases in South Carolina typically take?

  Simple criminal defense matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Sydney gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

• Can Sydney take my case if I'm outside Charleston?

  Sydney is licensed in South Carolina. Matters governed by South Carolina law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Sydney will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

• What should I bring to my first meeting with Sydney?

  Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Sydney will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

• Is Sydney accepting new criminal defense clients right now?

  Sydney's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.