We don’t just advocate—we elevate the standard of federal criminal defense and business immigration.
As a boutique law practice, we concentrate exclusively on federal criminal defense, direct appeals, federal post-conviction relief, and habeas corpus proceedings, and business immigration. As a boutique firm, we focus on the cases we care the most about. We maintain a select caseload at the firm which allows us to devote the time and resources needed for each case to ensure our clients their best chances of success.
Elizabeth Franklin-Best is the founder and principal of Elizabeth Franklin-Best, P.C., a boutique law firm dedicated exclusively to federal criminal defense, state and federal direct appeals, federal post-conviction relief, and habeas corpus proceedings. She started her firm in 2019 because she wanted to create a new kind of firm—one that embodies the highest level of professionalism and aggressive advocacy for her clients.
With over 22 years of legal experience, Ms. Franklin-Best has built a reputation for meticulous legal analysis and unwavering advocacy. Her commitment to justice extends beyond her practice; she has held leadership roles in several legal organizations, including serving as Vice-Chair of the Amicus Committee for the Fourth Circuit for the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and as Chairperson of the Board of Directors for Justice 360, a nonprofit dedicated to reforming capital punishment policies in South Carolina.
Elizabeth Franklin-Best leads a firm that focuses on white collar criminal appeals and post-conviction remedies, and business immigration. We keep our office's caseload small so we can give every case the attention it deserves, and we select clients we believe we can best help. Her clients benefit from her deep legal experience and her steadfast commitment to achieving justice, even in the most challenging circumstances.
A distinguished federal criminal appellate attorney with over 20 years of legal experience
ELIZABETH FRANKLIN-BEST, P.C.
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DC District Court
DC Circuit Court of Appeals
Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals
United States Supreme Court
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Co-Leader and Charter Member of the Women’s White Collar Defense Association, South Carolina Chapter
ABA committee member for White Collar Committee and International White Collar Committee
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers | Co-Vice Chair of the Amicus Committee for the Fourth Circuit, NACDCL
International Bar Association
South Carolina Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
“Our firm understands that being targeted by the government carries profound legal and personal consequences. That’s why we approach every case with unwavering professionalism, discretion, and a commitment to excellence. At Elizabeth Franklin-Best, P.C., we don’t just advocate—we elevate the standard of federal criminal defense and business immigration.”
START YOUR APPEAL
Federal appeals are governed by strict deadlines, making timely action absolutely critical.
In most cases, a notice of appeal must be filed within 14 days of sentencing, and missing this deadline can permanently forfeit your right to appeal. These time limits are rigid and rarely extended, regardless of the strength of your case. That’s why it is essential to consult with an experienced federal appellate attorney as soon as possible after a conviction. Early involvement allows your legal team to preserve key issues, begin reviewing the trial record, and develop a comprehensive appellate strategy without delay.
As an experienced appellate attorney, Elizabeth Franklin-Best knows how to connect with federal appellate judges during oral arguments. She’s able to answer their questions on the spot, break down complex legal issues in a clear way, and highlight the most important points of her client’s case.
With years of appellate work under her belt, Elizabeth has a sharp sense of what the court cares about. She can read the judges’ concerns in real time and adjust her approach to make sure her arguments hit exactly where they need to.
Representing clients in appellate cases for over 20 years
KIND WORDS
FROM OUR CLIENTS
A WRONGFULLY CONVICTED CASE
“The Supreme Court let me go…”
In 2008, I was convicted of homicide by child abuse and sentenced to 35 years in prison. My case ended up in the appellate defense office. I felt so hopeless at that time. It was only 2008, and my release date wasn’t until 2039.
Mrs. Best kept in constant contact with me through letters and was very encouraging when I spoke with her on the phone while in prison at Camille Griffin Graham in South Carolina…
I have been free since 2013. If it wasn’t for her and her hard work there’s no way I would be out of prison right now. The Court finally reversed my conviction in 2013…
I repeat the supreme Court let me go!!!! I thank God for her if you’re looking for someone that’s truly going to fight for you, I would highly recommend Mrs. Best you will not be disappointed if you don’t believe this, please look my name up I’m in the wrongfully convicted database.
God used her to help me, and I am forever grateful! Mrs. Best, thank you!!!!! You will be forever in my heart I’ll never forget you!
Paris Avery
READY TO SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION?
Time is of the essence in filing an appeal, so it is important to act quickly. We invite you to schedule a consultation to see if we’re the right fit for your case. To ensure every client receives the attention they deserve, we carefully choose the cases we take on as this gives us the ability to give each case the time, focus, and dedication it deserves.