Attorney Gary C. Lemel
When facing criminal charges, having an experienced defense attorney from day one can make all the difference. Gary C. Lemel brings an extraordinary advantage to McKinney, Tucker & Lemel: a rare, multi-faceted perspective gained from serving as a public defender, city solicitor, and private defense attorney.
With a career spanning 30 years, Gary has navigated the full spectrum of criminal defense, from routine traffic matters to complex felonies, major drug offenses, and high-stakes criminal sexual conduct cases. He understands the courtroom from every angle, particularly how prosecutors construct their cases, where their strategies falter, and how to build an unshakeable defense. Such breadth has resulted in numerous not-guilty verdicts, reduced charges, and full charge dismissals.
Gary is recognized across the Palmetto State as a leading authority in DUI defense. He stays at the forefront of evolving technical and legal strategies and is has lectured on DUI law at state conferences. “In criminal defense, particularly for DUI matters, precision is paramount,” Gary explains. “It involves scrutinizing every detail of police procedure and forensic evidence.”
His depth and scope in all things criminal law have earned the praise of many satisfied clients. Here’s what some of them say about Gary on Google Reviews:
“It was very evident from the beginning that Gary valued and respected me not only as a client but as a person and cared about the outcome of my personal situation. … I cannot express the gratitude I have for Gary and his team.”
“Highly recommend Gary and his team. Gary was very professional and personable. After discussing my situation, he was very helpful, direct, and came up with an action plan. He stayed in contact with me throughout the process and was helpful any time I had questions.”
“Gary Lemel is very professional. He took a bad situation and made it great. He exercised his knowledge and integrity and turned out the justice that we needed. Thank you, Gary, for [being] the attorney and man that you are.”
In addition to his work representing clients, Gary has received statewide recognition for legal education and volunteer work, including the following:
- South Carolina Bar – Member of the Judicial Qualifications Committee and Public Defender Standards Committee
- South Carolina Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers – Former president and board member, circuit representative for York and Union counties; Board member for the SCACDL Educational Foundation
- SCACDL Trial College- Coordinator and Instructor
- Public Defender Association (now known as Purpose. Dignity. Action.) – Vice President, two years served
- South Carolina Commission on Disabilities and Special Needs – Former Commissioner
- York County Board of Disabilities and Special Needs (now known as MaxAbilities of York County) – Chairman, eight years served; Current Chair of the York Disabilities Foundation
Gary’s honors include being named Lawyer of the Year by the South Carolina Bar’s Law-Related Education Division for his volunteer work coaching students in the mock trial programs at Fort Mill Middle School and Nation Ford High School. Under his guidance, the schools have gone on to win regional and state titles.
For anyone confronting the criminal justice system, Gary’s comprehensive insight makes him a uniquely powerful advocate and a decisive ally.
