M. Rhett DeHart

M. Rhett DeHart is a partner at Adams & Reese in Charleston whose practice sits at the intersection of business and government. He represents companies and individuals in white-collar criminal defense and civil matters involving healthcare fraud, the False Claims Act, bank fraud, customs and import fraud, environmental crimes, and internal investigations. His work further includes crisis management, government contracting issues, and environmental litigation for property owners and developers.

DeHart earned a J.D. from the University of South Carolina School of Law, where he was a member of the Order of the Coif. He earned a B.A. in International Studies from the University of South Carolina Honors College. His academic background provided a strong base for federal litigation, government investigations, statutory analysis, and appellate work. That training supports a practice involving complex enforcement matters and interactions with federal and state agencies.

DeHart spent twenty years as a federal prosecutor before entering private practice. He served as Acting United States Attorney, First Assistant United States Attorney, and Assistant United States Attorney in South Carolina. He has prosecuted and defended hundreds of federal cases, tried about thirty cases to verdict, written more than forty appellate briefs, and argued ten cases before the Fourth Circuit. He previously served as counsel to the US Senate Judiciary Committee.

M. Rhett DeHart is recognized by Chambers USA for white-collar crime and government investigations in South Carolina. He got Best Lawyers recognition in commercial litigation and criminal defense or white-collar matters. He brings extensive government experience to investigations, criminal and civil enforcement actions, internal reviews, and environmental disputes. His practice helps organizations and individuals respond to high-stakes legal problems involving regulators, prosecutors, courts, and complex factual records.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Adams and Reese LLP
• Member, South Carolina Bar
• Member, Federal Bar Association
• Member, Charleston County Bar Association

Licensed State

• South Carolina

Education

• University of South Carolina School of Law
  J.D.
• University of South Carolina Honors College
  Bachelor of Arts (BA) in International Studies

Awards & Badges