Armada Law launches Ironside Criminal Defense in Greenville

Armada Law Injury Attorneys has launched Ironside Criminal Defense, a Greenville-based criminal defense firm led by former state and federal prosecutors Sloan Ellis and Brandi Hinton. The new firm expands Armada’s legal brands across South Carolina with a focus on criminal charges, DUI cases and federal matters.

Why it matters: - Ironside Criminal Defense gives Armada Law a dedicated criminal defense arm for people facing charges in Greenville and across South Carolina. - The launch pairs trial experience from former prosecutors with Armada Law’s existing legal and operational platform. - The firm is designed for clients who are often new to the criminal justice system and need clear guidance fast.

What happened: - Armada Law Injury Attorneys announced the launch of Ironside Criminal Defense, a new criminal defense firm in the Armada Law family of legal brands. - The firm is based in Greenville, South Carolina. - Chris Carsten owns Armada Law and Ironside Criminal Defense is part of his broader legal brand portfolio. - Sloan Ellis and Brandi Hinton will lead the firm as co-founders and managing attorneys. - Ellis and Hinton are former state and federal prosecutors.

The details: - Armada Law Injury Attorneys was recognized on the 2026 Inc. 5000 list as the fastest-growing law firm in South Carolina. - The firm said its growth helped make Ironside Criminal Defense possible. - The Ironside name comes from “Old Ironsides,” the USS Constitution. - The brand is meant to signal resilience and a defense strategy focused on protecting the person, not just the charge. - Carsten said Armada wants a criminal defense firm that combines elite defense work with strong technology and operations. - Carsten also said Armada and Ironside will work together and that clients who trust one can trust both for legal representation. - Ellis and Hinton have worked together throughout their careers. - Both attorneys received the U.S. Attorney’s Award for Excellence in Prosecution while serving as federal prosecutors. - Both attorneys supervise every case at Ironside Criminal Defense. - Ellis said her team uses knowledge of how law enforcement builds cases to defend clients. - Ellis said the firm handles matters ranging from a DUI to a federal white-collar investigation with the same level of attention. - The firm offers free consultations handled by the attorneys themselves. - Ironside says pricing is transparent and upfront. - A full team supports each case so the attorneys can focus on courtroom and client work. - Brandi Hinton said the firm represents people, not warrants, and works to help prosecutors understand clients beyond the case file. - Ironside Criminal Defense handles traffic and DUI charges, drug charges, violent crimes, property crimes, weapons charges, and white-collar and federal cases. - The firm provides services in Greenville and across South Carolina. - More information is available at Ironside Criminal Defense or by calling 864-775-5775.

Between the lines: - The launch reflects Armada Law’s effort to extend its brand beyond personal injury into criminal defense. - Hiring former prosecutors can be a selling point for defendants who want insight into how the state builds its case. - The emphasis on free consultations, transparent pricing and attorney-led intake suggests a push to lower barriers for new clients. - The branding around “defend the person, not just the charge” positions the firm as client-centered rather than case-centered.

What's next: - Ironside Criminal Defense will begin building out cases across South Carolina under Ellis and Hinton’s leadership. - Armada Law will continue operating alongside the new firm as part of its family of legal brands. - The firm is likely to lean on its prosecutor background and Armada’s infrastructure as it grows its criminal defense practice.

The bottom line: - Armada Law is adding a prosecutor-led criminal defense firm to broaden its reach in South Carolina and compete for clients who want courtroom experience and hands-on service.