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Victim Representation

Your Advocate for Crime Victim Representation in Upstate SC

When you are the victim of a crime, the path forward can seem overwhelming and uncertain. The criminal justice system is complex, and navigating it alone while dealing with trauma is a challenge no one should have to face. A crime victim representation lawyer can be your guide and advocate, ensuring your voice is heard and your rights are protected every step of the way. At Wilkins Davis Attorneys at Law, we are committed to providing compassionate and effective legal support for victims throughout Upstate SC. As you read below, we will explain the types of cases we handle, the importance of securing legal representation, and why you can place your trust in our experienced team. Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge and support needed to seek justice and begin the healing process.

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Types of Cases We Represent

The impact of a crime extends far beyond the initial incident, affecting every aspect of a victim’s life. Our dedicated victim rights lawyers have experience across a wide range of cases, providing specialized legal counsel to those who have suffered due to the wrongful acts of others. We understand that each case is unique, and we tailor our approach to meet the specific needs of our clients. At Wilkins Davis Attorneys at Law, we represent victims in several key areas:

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Victims of Violent Crime or Felony DUI:

If you or a loved one has been harmed by a violent crime or a felony DUI incident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and emotional distress. We help you navigate the civil justice system to hold the responsible parties accountable for their actions.

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Sexual Abuse & Sex Trafficking Survivors:

Survivors of sexual abuse and sex trafficking endure profound trauma. Our attorneys provide sensitive and steadfast representation, helping survivors pursue civil claims against their abusers and any institutions that may have enabled the abuse. We are committed to seeking justice and providing a path toward recovery.

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Child Injury & Alcohol-Related Injury:

When a child is injured due to negligence or an intentional act, the consequences can be devastating. Similarly, injuries resulting from alcohol-related incidents, such as those caused by over-serving establishments, require skilled legal action. We fight to protect the rights of the most vulnerable and secure the resources needed for their care and future.

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Why Should You Find Legal Representation?

Many victims are unaware that they have rights within the criminal justice process and the ability to pursue a separate civil case for damages. A victims rights attorney serves as your personal advocate, ensuring you are not overlooked or ignored. While the prosecutor represents the state’s interests in a criminal case, your lawyer is focused solely on protecting yours. Here are some key reasons why securing legal representation is crucial:

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Protecting Your Rights:

An experienced victim lawyer ensures that your rights under state and federal law are upheld. This includes the right to be present at court proceedings, the right to be heard during sentencing, and the right to receive restitution.

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Navigating the Legal System:

The legal process is intricate and can be confusing. Your attorney will explain each step, manage all legal paperwork, and represent you in communications with law enforcement, prosecutors, and insurance companies.

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Pursuing Civil Compensation:

A criminal conviction does not always result in financial compensation for the victim. A civil lawsuit allows you to seek damages for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other related costs. Your lawyer will build a strong case to maximize your recovery.

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Providing Emotional Support and Guidance:

Beyond legal strategy, a compassionate attorney provides a source of stability during a difficult time. Knowing you have a dedicated professional on your side can alleviate stress and allow you to focus on your well-being.

Why You Should Trust Wilkins Davis

Choosing the right legal team is a critical decision. At Wilkins Davis Attorneys at Law, we combine extensive legal knowledge with a deep commitment to our clients in the Upstate SC community. We believe that effective crime victim representation goes beyond the courtroom. It involves building a relationship based on trust, respect, and understanding. Here’s why you can have confidence in our firm:

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Proven Experience:

Our attorneys have a strong track record of successfully representing victims and securing favorable outcomes. We have the skills and resources to handle even the most complex cases.

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Client-Centered Approach:

We place our clients at the heart of everything we do. We listen to your story, understand your goals, and develop a legal strategy tailored to your specific situation. You will always be kept informed and involved in your case.

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Compassionate Advocacy:

We recognize the emotional toll that being a victim of a crime can take. Our team provides a supportive and empathetic environment where you can feel safe and heard. We are not just your lawyers; we are your allies.

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Local Knowledge:

As a firm based in Upstate SC, we have a deep understanding of the local legal landscape, including the courts, judges, and procedures. This local insight gives our clients a distinct advantage.

Take the First Step Toward Justice

If you or someone you know has been the victim of a crime, you do not have to go through this alone. The team at Wilkins Davis Attorneys at Law is here to provide the expert crime victim representation you need and deserve. We are ready to stand by your side, fight for your rights, and help you seek the justice and compensation necessary to move forward. Contact us today for a consultation to learn more about how we can support you. Let us be your voice and your strength during this challenging time.

Victim Representation FAQ

Crime victim representation in Upstate and Columbia, SC, can involve both the criminal court system and separate legal claims for financial recovery. Many victims are left trying to understand their rights while also dealing with physical injuries, emotional trauma, financial pressure, or the loss of a loved one. At Wilkins Davis Attorneys at Law, our victim representation attorney team works with individuals and families seeking guidance, support, and legal advocacy after serious criminal acts.

 

Do Crime Victims Receive Compensation?

In some cases, crime victims may qualify for financial assistance through restitution, civil claims, or state-administered compensation programs. The type of compensation available often depends on the circumstances of the offense and the losses suffered by the victim. Potential recovery may include:

• Medical expenses
• Counseling costs
• Lost income
• Funeral expenses
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering damages in civil litigation

Not every criminal case automatically results in financial recovery for the victim. Even if criminal charges are filed, a separate civil claim may still be necessary to pursue compensation from the responsible parties or third parties whose negligence contributed to the harm.

A victim representation lawyer can help evaluate what forms of recovery may be available based on the facts of the case.

 

What Does the Criminal Court Process Look Like?

The criminal court process typically begins after law enforcement files charges or prosecutors formally pursue a case against the accused individual. While the government prosecutes the criminal charges, victims often remain involved throughout various stages of the proceedings. The process may include:

• Arrest and bond hearings
• Preliminary hearings
• Grand jury proceedings in some cases
• Plea negotiations
• Trial proceedings
• Sentencing hearings

Victims may receive notice of important court appearances and may have the opportunity to attend hearings or provide input before sentencing. However, many victims find the process confusing or emotionally difficult to navigate alone.

A victim representative or victim representation attorney can help explain court procedures, communicate with prosecutors when necessary, and keep victims informed about developments in the case.

What Is a Victim Impact Statement (VIS)?
A victim impact statement is a written or oral statement presented to the court that explains how a crime has affected the victim and their family. In many criminal cases, the statement is considered during sentencing after a conviction or guilty plea. A victim impact statement may describe:

• Physical injuries
• Emotional trauma
• Financial losses
• Psychological effects
• Changes to daily life and relationships

The purpose of a victim impact statement is to give victims an opportunity to be heard directly by the court before sentencing decisions are made. Some individuals choose to read their statements aloud during hearings, while others prefer to submit written statements.

Preparing a victim impact statement can be emotionally challenging, especially in cases involving violent crime, abuse, or the death of a loved one. A victim representation lawyer may help clients understand what information is typically included and how the process works within the court system.

 

What Is Crime Victim Compensation?

Crime victims compensation programs are state-administered programs designed to help eligible victims with certain financial losses related to criminal acts. In South Carolina, compensation may be available for victims who suffer physical injury, emotional harm, or financial hardship connected to qualifying crimes. Crime victims compensation may potentially help cover:

• Emergency medical treatment
• Counseling and therapy
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Lost wages
• Relocation costs in some circumstances

Eligibility rules and filing deadlines often apply. In many situations, victims must report the crime to law enforcement and cooperate with the investigation in order to qualify for benefits.

Because these programs can involve documentation requirements and administrative review, some individuals seek assistance from a victim representation attorney when preparing or submitting claims.

 

What Are My Rights as a Victim?

Victims have certain legal rights during criminal proceedings under both South Carolina law and federal law. While those rights vary depending on the circumstances of the case, they are intended to ensure victims are treated with fairness, dignity, and respect throughout the legal process. Victims may have rights involving:

• Notification of court proceedings
• Participation in sentencing hearings
• Protection from intimidation or harassment
• Requests for restitution
• Communication with prosecutors
• Attendance at public court proceedings

Many victims are unfamiliar with how these protections work in practice or what options may exist outside the criminal case itself. In some situations, separate civil litigation may provide additional opportunities to pursue accountability and financial recovery.

At Wilkins Davis Attorneys at Law, our victim representation lawyer team assists individuals and families throughout Upstate and Columbia, SC, who are navigating difficult situations involving violent crime, abuse, injury, and loss. We work to help clients understand their rights, remain informed throughout the legal process, and pursue the legal remedies available to them.

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“At Wilkins  Davis, we bring the same dedication and tenacity I honed as Solicitor to every client we serve. Our firm is built on a foundation of trust, integrity, and a relentless pursuit of justice, ensuring that each individual receives personalized attention and robust representation tailored to their needs. We’re here to guide you through life’s toughest moments with compassion and expertise, delivering results that matter.”
 
— Walt Wilkins
 

Meet William W. “Billy” Wilkins

Practice Areas:
Shareholder Litigation, Business & Commercial Disputes, Litigation, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Appellate, Government Investigations & White Collar Defense

William W. “Billy” Wilkins is a former Chief Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, former United States District Judge, and the first Chair of the United States Sentencing Commission. His legal and public service career spans more than five decades and includes landmark contributions to federal sentencing policy, military service, and leadership in both the judiciary and the private sector.

Career Timeline

Early Legal & Public Service

  • Native of Greenville, SC

  • Clerked for a federal appeals court judge and served as a legislative assistant to a U.S. Senator

  • Elected Solicitor (District Attorney), 13th Judicial Circuit (1974); re-elected in 1978

  • Established South Carolina’s first:

    • Joint state-federal task force

    • Victim-Witness Assistance Program

    • Child Abuse Prosecution Unit

    • Pretrial Diversion Program

  • Honored annually through the “Billy Wilkins Award for Excellence in Law Enforcement”

Federal Judicial Service

  • Appointed by President Reagan as U.S. District Judge, District of South Carolina (1981)

  • Named first Chair of the U.S. Sentencing Commission (1985–1994)

  • Appointed U.S. Circuit Judge, Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals (1986)

  • Elevated to Chief Judge, Fourth Circuit (2003–2007); took senior status in 2007

  • Chair, Committee on Criminal Law (appointed by Chief Justice Rehnquist)

  • Member, Judicial Conference of the United States

Academic Roles

  • Taught Criminal Law & Procedure, Constitutional Law, and Family Law for 24 years at Greenville Technical College

Education

  • J.D., University of South Carolina School of Law

    • Editor-in-Chief, South Carolina Law Review

    • Captain, Moot Court Team

    • Order of Wig and Robe

    • Outstanding Graduate of the Year

Military Service

  • 27 years of combined service in U.S. Army (active/reserve) and South Carolina National Guard

  • Served in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps and as State Judge Advocate

  • Retired Brigadier General

  • Recipient, Legion of Merit for Meritorious Service

Community & Professional Involvement

  • Certified Arbitrator, American Arbitration Association (2009–present)

  • Permanent Member, Judicial Conference of the United States

  • Member, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

  • Member, American Bar Association

  • Member, South Carolina Bar

Honors & Awards

  • Best Lawyers in America® (2025): Appellate Practice, Bet-the-Company Litigation, Criminal Defense: White-Collar

  • Honorary Doctor of Laws: University of South Carolina, Charleston School of Law, Anderson University

  • Honorary Doctor of Public Service: Coastal Carolina University

  • Martindale Hubbell “AV Preeminent” Rating

  • ABA Lifetime Achievement Award

  • Order of the Palmetto, S.C.'s highest civilian honor

  • Exemplary Service Award, SC Chapter, American Board of Trial Advocacy

  • Best Lawyers in America: White-Collar, Bet-the-Company, and Appellate (since 2010)

  • Chambers USA: “America’s Leading Lawyers for Business” (since 2010)

  • “Lawyer of the Year,” Greenville, SC – Best Lawyers (2013, 2014, 2016, 2020–2025)

  • “Legal Elite of the Upstate,” Greenville Business Magazine (multiple categories, 2016, 2018–2020, 2022–2024)

  • “Top Lawyers,” TALK Greenville Magazine (2022–2024)

  • “Top 25 South Carolina Super Lawyers,” Thomson Reuters (2012–2020)

  • International Compliance & Ethics Award, Society of Corporate Compliance & Ethics (2018)

  • “Top 25 Attorneys in SC,” Columbia Living Magazine (2017)

  • Trial and Appellate Advocacy Award, South Carolina Bar (2013)

  • Compleat Lawyer Platinum Award, USC Law Alumni Council (2012)

  • Featured in The Greenville Journal cover story: “The Life and Trials of William Walter Wilkins” (2011)

  • Keynote Speaker, Southern High Court Conference: “How Court Decisions Impact Economic Development” (2011)

  • Instrumental in securing Boeing’s move to North Charleston, SC; publicly credited by Senate President Pro Tempore Glenn McConnell and featured in Columbia Regional Business Report (2010)

Publications & Speaking

Judge Wilkins has testified before numerous Congressional committees and lectured across the U.S. and internationally. His authored works include:

  • Discovery of Existence and Amount of Defendant's Insurance Policy, 17 S.C.L. Rev. 750 (1965)

  • Lockouts: Return to the Common Law Ruling, 18 S.C.L. Rev. 299 (1966)

  • The Family Purpose Doctrine, 18 S.C.L. Rev. 638 (1966)

  • Plea Negotiations and Sentencing Guidelines, 23 Wake Forest L. Rev. 181 (1988)

  • Sentencing Reform and Appellate Review, 46 Wash. & Lee L. Rev. 429 (1989)

  • Relevant Conduct: The Cornerstone of the Guidelines, 41 S.C.L. Rev. 495 (1990)

  • The U.S. Sentencing Commission: Its Many Missions, 55 Federal Probation 26 (1991)

  • The Sentencing Reform Act of 1984, 2 Crim. L. Forum 355 (1991)

  • The Federal Sentencing Guidelines: Striking a Balance, 25 U.C. Davis L. Rev. 571 (1992)

  • Comments on Federal Sentencing Guidelines Symposium, 29 Am. Crim. L. Rev. 795 (1992)

  • The Role of Amendments in Reducing Disparity, 50 Wash. & Lee L. Rev. 63 (1993)

  • Competing Sentencing Policies in a Drug Era, 28 Wake Forest L. Rev. 305 (1993)

The Legal, Political, and Social Implications of the Death Penalty, 41 U. Richmond L. Rev. 793 (2007)

Meet Lane Davis

Lane Davis is a seasoned litigator with a practice spanning a broad range of complex civil litigation, including business torts, health care and managed care disputes, securities, ERISA, employment, trade secrets, non-compete litigation, RICO, public corruption, wrongful death, product liability, utility disputes, class actions, professional negligence, and FLSA collective actions.

Lane represents an equally diverse array of clients, including product manufacturers, hospital systems, health benefit coordinators, federal contractors, public utilities, municipalities, law enforcement agencies, public officials, lenders, chemical companies, nonprofits, and individuals.

Known for his strategic mindset, creativity, and courtroom acumen, Lane approaches each case with a problem-solving mentality that goes beyond conventional tactics. He has significant trial experience and has managed litigation in at least 13 jurisdictions across the country.

Lane has been recognized by Greenville Business Magazine as a “Legal Elite of the Upstate” in multiple categories, including Business Litigation, Corporate Investigations, and Government Relations. He is also listed in The Best Lawyers in America for Commercial Litigation and Personal Injury Litigation.

He earned his J.D. from Emory University School of Law, where he received the Certificate of Excellence in Criminal Litigation, and his undergraduate degree from Boston College.

Representative Cases

Class Action & Collective Action Litigation

  1. Defeated class certification in a federal ERISA case with over $15M at stake, resolving the matter favorably mid-trial.
  2. Achieved dismissals with prejudice in class actions involving product exposure and toxic torts in U.S. Virgin Islands and West Virginia.
  3. Prosecuted class action to secure declaratory and injunctive relief, shielding client from $50M in potential liability.
  4. Obtained summary judgment in pricing discrimination case for utility client.
  5. Limited scope of FLSA collective actions in multiple jurisdictions, leading to favorable settlements for national retailers and managed care providers.
  6. Obtained dismissal with prejudice in a federal class action alleging violations of RICO and ERISA.
  7. Obtained favorable settlement terms in nationwide data breach case pending in multi-district litigation.Obtained dismissal and favorable results in multiple actions brought under the Fair Labor and Standards Act.

Health Care & Managed Care Litigation

  • Secured dismissal of federal suit brought by insurer against health benefits manager.
  • Recovered nearly $3M in unpaid claims in multi-year, multi-state litigation.
  • Represented major hospital system in litigation challenging corporate restructuring.
  • Guided managed care client through high-stakes vendor termination involving data exposure and IT continuity.

Business & Tort Litigation

  • Blocked fraudulent takeover of renewable energy project supporting scholarships for underprivileged youth.
  • Secured $11M settlement against a global pharmaceutical company via federal court injunction.
  • Won defense verdicts in multi-million dollar contract interference and franchise disputes.
  • Obtained judgments and injunctive relief in cross-border fraud and commercial contract disputes.
  • Halted improper municipal zoning efforts threatening national restaurant and retail chains.

Employment & Non-Compete Disputes

  • Defended public officials, national employers, and manufacturers in severance, discrimination, and restrictive covenant cases.
  • Defeated claims and obtained favorable resolutions in trade secret and injunctive relief matters.
  • Navigated complex contempt proceedings involving out-of-state non-compete enforcement.

Public Entity & Governmental Litigation

  • Secured defense verdicts and favorable settlements in public corruption, regulatory, and constitutional claims.
  • Obtained sanctions and court orders against state agencies for discovery violations.
  • Litigated public nuisance claims, civil rights defenses, and regulatory takings for utilities and municipalities.
  • Represented government attorneys and departments in high-profile Section 1983 and post-conviction proceedings.

Product Liability & Wrongful Death

  • Eliminated liability in multi-fatality fire case against a national retailer.
  • Secured summary judgment in aircraft defect litigation involving zinc-coated bolts.
  • Conducted successful pre-litigation defense investigations in catastrophic injury matters.

Probate & Fiduciary Litigation

  • Achieved favorable settlements in will contests and fiduciary malfeasance claims involving multimillion-dollar estates.
  • Recovered assets misappropriated from incapacitated individuals.

Other Notable Litigation

  • Defended and prevailed in Hague Convention child abduction case.
  • Obtained favorable outcomes in privacy torts, defective construction, and child abuse litigation.
  • Recovered over $1M in settlement for construction defects; prosecuted abuse claims on behalf of children harmed in a franchised daycare.

Recognition

  • Legal Elite of the Upstate, Greenville Business Magazine (2024)

The Best Lawyers in America – Commercial Litigation and Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants

Meet Walt Wilkins

Walt Wilkins was born and raised in Greenville, South Carolina. He graduated from Wofford College in 1996 and earned his law degree from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 1999.

Walt began his legal career as an in-house attorney for Lockheed Martin Aircraft in Córdoba, Argentina. In 2000, he returned to Greenville to join the law firm of Leatherwood, Walker, Todd & Mann, where he focused on civil litigation, criminal defense, and immigration law. During this time, he also served as an adjunct professor at Greenville Technical College and was recognized as the 2003 “Young Lawyer of the Year” by the American Board of Trial Advocates.

In 2005, Walt was appointed Assistant United States Attorney in the Greenville office, where he prosecuted a wide range of complex federal crimes. His work included one of the largest mortgage fraud cases in the district, a large-scale illegal gambling operation resulting in a major forfeiture, and a high-profile human trafficking case. He received multiple awards for his prosecutorial excellence, including the U.S. Secret Service Award for Outstanding Prosecution, the U.S. Attorney’s Award for Outstanding Prosecutor, and recognition for Outstanding Contribution to the Asset Forfeiture Program. Walt is also a permanent member of the 4th Circuit Judicial Conference.

On May 7, 2008, President George W. Bush appointed Walt as the United States Attorney for the District of South Carolina. He was confirmed by the U.S. Senate and became the state’s 49th U.S. Attorney. In this role, he served as South Carolina’s chief federal prosecutor and chaired the District’s Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee. His top priorities included violent crime, gang activity, and white-collar crime. Under his leadership, several of the most violent and organized gangs in the state were dismantled in collaboration with state and local law enforcement agencies.

In 2010, Walt was elected Solicitor for South Carolina’s 13th Judicial Circuit, serving Greenville and Pickens counties. Sworn in January 2011, he served three terms and remained in office until 2023, making him one of the longest-serving solicitors in state history. As Solicitor, he launched a number of key initiatives, including the Worthless Check Program, a Sex Crimes Prosecution Unit focused on crimes against children, and the expansion of the Juvenile Arbitration Program into Greenville County. He was appointed to the South Carolina Commission on Prosecution Coordination by Governor Nikki Haley.

In 2019, Walt helped launch the Greenville County Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) alongside Sheriff Johnny Mack Brown and local police chiefs. This initiative brought together multiple agencies to target drug crimes with the shared goal of creating a safer community for Greenville County residents.

Walt is widely respected for his leadership, legal acumen, and commitment to public service. He brings to Wilkins Davis a deep understanding of both the federal and state justice systems and decades of trial experience in some of the most complex and high-profile cases in South Carolina and beyond.

Walt is married to the former Donyelle Burton, and together they have three children.