Defense isn’t won at trial. It’s won in investigation.
Independent fact-development for SC defense attorneys and the accused. Witness location, alibi verification, scene investigation, and digital forensics — built to challenge the State’s case on the evidence.
The State has detectives. The defense needs the same firepower.
By the time charges are filed, the prosecution has had detectives, evidence techs, and expert witnesses building their case for months.
Stillinger Investigations provides independent fact-development for SC criminal defense attorneys: locating and interviewing witnesses, verifying alibis, re-examining scenes, analyzing seized digital devices, and identifying weaknesses in the State’s evidence chain.
Six categories of criminal defense investigation.
Witness Location & Interviews
Locate hard-to-find witnesses, conduct recorded interviews, obtain sworn statements supporting the defense theory.
Alibi Verification
Document and corroborate the defendant’s location at the time of the alleged offense — phone records, surveillance footage, witness statements.
Scene Investigation
Independent examination of the alleged crime scene. Photographs, measurements, sight-line analysis overlooked or underdeveloped by police.
Digital Evidence Analysis
In-house forensic examination of seized devices, exculpatory data recovery, and challenge to the State’s digital evidence chain.
Re-Investigation
Post-conviction investigation, claim of innocence support, and new-evidence development for appeal or PCR petitions.
Court Testimony
Our investigators are SLED-licensed and qualified to testify as professional witnesses in SC General Sessions and federal court.
Frequently Asked Questions.
Do you only work with attorneys, or directly with defendants?
Both — though we strongly recommend working through your attorney to preserve work-product protections. If you don’t have counsel yet, we can recommend SC defense attorneys experienced in your charge type.
Are your investigators court-qualified to testify?
Yes. All our investigators are SLED-licensed under License #1586 and have testified in SC General Sessions, Common Pleas, Family Court, and US District Court for the District of South Carolina.
Can you investigate post-conviction or innocence cases?
Yes. We handle post-conviction investigation including alibi reconstruction, new witness development, and digital-forensic re-examination for PCR petitions and appeals.
How quickly can you start a criminal defense case?
Most cases begin within 24–48 hours of the attorney engaging us. Time-sensitive matters — fresh witnesses, perishable evidence, scene documentation — get priority dispatch.
What does a typical criminal defense investigation cost?
Private criminal defense retainers range from $1,000–$2,000 depending on case complexity, with $95/hr billing thereafter. Court-appointed cases are billed at the judge’s approved rate with no advance retainer required.
Other ways we help.
Talk to a senior investigator. Free & confidential.
Tell us what’s happening. We’ll respond promptly with a confidential consultation.
- Direct line to a senior investigator — not an answering service or sales rep
- 1-hour callback promise — including nights, weekends, and holidays
- Honest assessment — we’ll tell you upfront if we can help, and what it takes
- Complete confidentiality — your inquiry is privileged from the moment you submit
- No pressure, no sales — we’ve never made a single cold-call in 25 years
Or call directly · (803) 400-1974
Send us a message
We typically reply within an hour. Your inquiry is completely confidential.
Stop wondering. Start knowing.
One call. One licensed investigator. One free, fully confidential conversation about exactly what’s possible in your case.
(803) 400-1974