W. Edgar Salter III, Criminal Defense Attorney in Columbia, South Carolina
Over 44 years of legal practice · 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Columbia, SC
Practicing criminal defense in Columbia since 1982.
- 44+
- Years practicing
- 4.4 ★
- 1 client review
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
Are you W. Edgar Salter III?
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Quick answer
W. Edgar Salter III is an attorney based in Columbia, SC. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense. W. has over 44 years of legal experience. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Columbia, SC
- Experience
- over 44 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense
- Handles Criminal Defense matters from Columbia, SC.
- Over 44 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About W. Edgar Salter III: W. Edgar Salter III is an attorney based in Columbia, SC. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense. W. has over 44 years of legal experience. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
W.'s practice areas in Columbia
W. concentrates on criminal defense. Each area below outlines the kind of case W. handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense cases in Columbia, South Carolina
W. takes criminal defense matters in Columbia, South Carolina. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before W. agrees to represent you.
Biography
W. Edgar Salter III, criminal defense attorney serving Columbia
W. Edgar Salter III is an attorney based in Columbia, SC. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense. W. has over 44 years of legal experience. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review. W. works from Columbia, South Carolina and takes on criminal defense matters across the region.
Mr. W. Edgar Salter III is a lawyer practicing criminal law. W. received a B.A. degree from University of South Carolina in 1979, and has been licensed for 44 years. W. practices in Columbia, SC.
Working with W. on a criminal defense matter
Mr. W. Edgar Salter III is a lawyer practicing criminal law. W. received a B.A. degree from University of South Carolina in 1979, and has been licensed for 44 years. W. practices in Columbia, SC.
Clients W. works with
W. reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense matters in Columbia and the surrounding South Carolina area.
Credentials
Credentials — where W. studied and practices
University of South Carolina
J.D. · 1982
University of South Carolina
B.A. · 1979
Jurisdictions
W.'s state bar admissions
South Carolina
1982 · ACTIVE
W. studied at J.D. in University of South Carolina and B.A. in University of South Carolina.
Law school and academic background
W. completed J.D. in University of South Carolina and B.A. in University of South Carolina. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice W. runs in South Carolina is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
W.'s legal honors and published work
W. has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Locations
W. Edgar Salter III's office in Columbia
W.'s primary office is at 1801 Forest Trace Dr, Columbia, SC, 29204-4445. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of W. Edgar Salter III — 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of W.. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing criminal defense attorneys in Columbia.
4.4
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once W. Edgar Salter III claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire W. Edgar Salter III — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new criminal defense attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with W. usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
W. charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain W.'s office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; W. will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Columbia, South Carolina
A short list to run through before you commit: How many criminal defense matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for W.
W. 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.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every criminal defense matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. W. confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
W.'s office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many criminal defense practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about W. Edgar Salter III
How much does it cost to hire W. for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. W. walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does W. offer a free consultation?
W. charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain W.'s office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check W.'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. W. gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can W. take my case if I'm outside Columbia?
W. 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 — W. 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 W.?
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. W. will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is W. accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
W.'s intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Criminal Defense attorneys serving Columbia, Charleston and Greenville in South Carolina
W. handles criminal defense matters throughout South Carolina. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified criminal defense attorneys in that community.
- Columbia4,189 attorneys
- Charleston2,702 attorneys
- Greenville2,449 attorneys
- Mount Pleasant1,100 attorneys
- Spartanburg583 attorneys
- Myrtle Beach506 attorneys
- North Charleston476 attorneys
- Lexington379 attorneys
- Rock Hill372 attorneys
- Hilton Head Island347 attorneys
- Florence335 attorneys
- Summerville299 attorneys
More counsel
Other top-rated criminal defense attorneys in South Carolina
If W.'s intake is full or the fit isn't right, these criminal defense attorneys in Columbia handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.

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William Carey Crantford
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Michael Charles Sahn
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Thomas Whitfield Dunaway IV
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