behind the counter | 2012 51 Attorney Steve Sumner A fter earning a degree in criminal justice Steve grew up in Taylors, playing football at from USC, Steve Summer became a Eastside High School and Appalachian State before treasury agent assigned to the Secret finishing at USC. With two grown children who Service during the 1988 presidential live in Columbia, Steve has been married for eight election. He guarded the door at parties and events, years to Janet, the former marketing director at the and realized he would rather be a part of the party Peace Center, whom he met on a blind date. than working one. Realizing most of the “insiders” Now Steve and Janet enjoy dinner downtown, had law degrees, he decided to shift gears. traveling, reading and going to the movies – a Twenty years later, Steve is a criminal defense much calmer life than the Secret Service days, lawyer, concentrating on DUI defense. He doesn’t 1088 N. Church Street when he drove down runways to ensure there Greenville attend the numerous parties he envisioned as a were no bombs planted before the President 864.235.3834 young agent, but does find fulfillment in making landed. “That was pretty memorable,” he says with sure his clients get the best defense possible. To www.upstatedui.com a laugh. “But I really like where I am right now.” date, he has represented more than 2,500 clients Criminal Defense Attorney since opening his practice in 1995. Photograph by: Darrell Snow