James W. Bannister, Criminal Defense Attorney in Greenville, South Carolina
focused on Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI, and White Collar
Greenville, SC
Trusted criminal defense attorney serving Greenville.
- 4
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Quick answer
James W. Bannister is an attorney based in Greenville, SOUTH CAROLINA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI, and White Collar.
- Based in
- Greenville, SOUTH CAROLINA
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- Criminal Defense · DUI/DWI · White Collar
- Handles Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI, and White Collar matters from Greenville, SOUTH CAROLINA.
- Recognized with Lawyer of the Year — Criminal Defense: White-Collar (Greenville) (2026).
About James W. Bannister: James W. Bannister is an attorney based in Greenville, SOUTH CAROLINA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI, and White Collar.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by James W. Bannister
James concentrates on criminal defense, dui/dwi, and white collar. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense
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DUI/DWI
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White Collar
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Criminal Defense cases in Greenville, South Carolina
James takes criminal defense matters in Greenville, 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 James agrees to represent you.
DUI/DWI cases in Greenville, South Carolina
James takes dui/dwi matters in Greenville, 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 James agrees to represent you.
White Collar cases in Greenville, South Carolina
James takes white collar matters in Greenville, 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 James agrees to represent you.
Biography
About James W. Bannister — Attorney of South Carolina criminal defense experience
James W. Bannister is an attorney based in Greenville, SOUTH CAROLINA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI, and White Collar.
James “Jim” W. Bannister is a managing partner of Bannister, Wyatt & Stalvey. He graduated from the University of South Carolina Honors College in 1992 as a Phi Beta Kappa and earned his J.D. from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 1995. After which, Jim served for two years as a law clerk to U.S. Federal Judge Henry M. Herlong and has been with Bannister, Wyatt & Stalvey since that time.
Jim is a criminal defense trial lawyer known for handling complex felony matters in both state and federal courts. His experience includes cases involving drugs and narcotics, RICO, internet crimes, white-collar offenses, securities fraud, tax evasion, homicide, criminal sexual conduct, criminal domestic violence, and DUI.
He is a member of the South Carolina Bar, the Federal Bar Association, the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the South Carolina Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, and the National Board of Trial Advocacy. In 2007, Jim earned Criminal Trial Advocacy Certification from the National Board of Trial Advocacy.
Jim has been recognized among Greenville’s Legal Elite for criminal defense each year the honor has been awarded. He has been listed in Best Lawyers in America since 2008 and recognized in South Carolina Super Lawyers since 2011, including being named Best Lawyers “Lawyer of the Year” for Criminal Defense: White-Collar, General Practice, or DUI/DWI Defense in 9 of the last 15 years. He has also been recognized by The National Trial Lawyers as a Top 100 Trial Lawyers: Criminal Defense honoree and is a Fellow in the American Board of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the American College of Trial Lawyers. In addition to his trial practice, Jim serves as Chairman on the Greenville Water Commission.
Working with James on a criminal defense matter
James “Jim” W. Bannister is a managing partner of Bannister, Wyatt & Stalvey. He graduated from the University of South Carolina Honors College in 1992 as a Phi Beta Kappa and earned his J.D. from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 1995. After which, Jim served for two years as a law clerk to U.S. Federal Judge Henry M. Herlong and has been with Bannister, Wyatt & Stalvey since…
Clients James works with
James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, dui/dwi, and white collar matters in Greenville and the surrounding South Carolina area.
Credentials
James W. Bannister's legal education and bar admissions
The University of South Carolina
— · 1995
The University of South Carolina
— · 1992
Jurisdictions
James's state bar admissions
United States, US Su
ACTIVE
United States, US Co
ACTIVE
United States, US Di
ACTIVE
South Carolina, Sout
ACTIVE
James studied at — in The University of South Carolina and — in The University of South Carolina.
Law school and academic background
James completed — in The University of South Carolina and — in The University of South Carolina. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice James runs in South Carolina is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of James W. Bannister
James has received 24 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Lawyer of the Year — Criminal Defense: White-Collar (Greenville)
2026
Lawyer of the Year — Criminal Defense: General Practice (Greenville)
2025
Lawyer of the Year — DUI / DWI Defense (Greenville)
2025
Lawyer of the Year — Criminal Defense: General Practice (Greenville)
2022
Lawyer of the Year — DUI / DWI Defense (Greenville)
2020
Lawyer of the Year — Criminal Defense: White-Collar (Greenville)
2019
Lawyer of the Year — DUI / DWI Defense (Greenville)
2017
Lawyer of the Year — Criminal Defense: General Practice (Greenville)
2014
Lawyer of the Year — Criminal Defense: White-Collar (Greenville)
2012
Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: General Practice
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: White-Collar
2026
Best Lawyers in America — DUI / DWI Defense
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Federal
2026
Best Lawyers in America — State
2026
Best Lawyers in America — State and Federal
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — American College of Trial Lawyers Fellow (2023)
2026
Best Lawyers in America — American Board of Criminal Lawyers Fellow (2016)
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Superlawyers -Criminal Defense (2010 -Present)
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Top 100 Trial Lawyers - Criminal Defense (2011-Present)
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Greenville Elite Attorneys - Criminal Defense (2012 - Present)
2026
Best Lawyers in America — National Board of Trial Advocacy - Criminal Trial Certification (2007 - Present)
2026
Best Lawyers in America — American Board of Trial Advocates - Young Lawyer of the Year - South Carolina (2004)
2026
Legal awards and honors
Lawyer of the Year — Criminal Defense: White-Collar (Greenville) (2026). Lawyer of the Year — Criminal Defense: General Practice (Greenville) (2025). Lawyer of the Year — DUI / DWI Defense (Greenville) (2025). Lawyer of the Year — Criminal Defense: General Practice (Greenville) (2022). Lawyer of the Year — DUI / DWI Defense (Greenville) (2020). Lawyer of the Year — Criminal Defense: White-Collar (Greenville) (2019).
Locations
James W. Bannister's office in Greenville
James's primary office is at 24 Cleveland Street, Suite 100, Greenville, South Carolina, 29601. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of James W. Bannister
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire James W. Bannister — 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 James usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
James charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain James'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; James will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Greenville, 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 James
James 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. James confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
James'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 James W. Bannister
How much does it cost to hire James for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. James walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does James offer a free consultation?
James charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain James's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check James'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. James gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can James take my case if I'm outside Greenville?
James 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 — James 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 James?
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. James will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is James accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
James'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 Greenville, Columbia and Charleston in South Carolina
James 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.
- Greenville2,449 attorneys
- Columbia4,189 attorneys
- Charleston2,702 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
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