Alexandra “Allie” Menegakis
Experienced trial attorney, criminal justice reform advocate, and legal commentator. Together with her zealous advocacy, extensive trial experience, and client-centered approach, Allie is a formidable force for her clients both within and outside of the courtroom.
In 2008, Allie graduated magna cum laude from the University of Florida with a major in Criminology and minors in both Classics and Modern Greek Studies. Upon graduation, she was hired by Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions where she worked as a Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) instructor. In 2013, Allie earned a Juris Doctorate and Certificate in Criminal Justice from the University of Florida, Levin College of Law, and was awarded the Book Award in Criminal Litigation. Outside of the classroom, she served as president of both the Criminal Law Association and the state-wide Florida Bar Law Student Division. In recognition of her leadership and achievements, Allie was inducted into the prestigious, Florida Blue Key Honor Fraternity in 2013.
ALEXANDRA "ALLIE" MENEGAKIS
ATTORNEY
An experienced trial attorney, Allie has defended clients in over 70 trials on charges ranging from DUI to first-degree murder. She began her legal career as a public defender in Palm Beach County – the third largest county in Florida – where she represented both juvenile and adult defendants. In 2018, she re-located to Charleston, South Carolina where she expanded her criminal defense practice to include civil rights litigation and personal injury. She was quickly recognized by clients and community leaders for her zealous advocacy and was awarded both the Charleston Business Journal’s “Charleston’s 40 under 40” Award in 2021 and Spotlight Award in 2022. Allie also serves on the Board of Directors for South Carolina Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers – Educational Foundation, a nonprofit organization that funds continuing legal education for qualifying criminal defense attorneys.
In January of 2020, Allie extended her advocacy from the courtroom to broader policy reform via the creation of the non-profit organization, South Carolina for Criminal Justice Reform (SC4CJR), “a non-profit organization dedicated to eliminating mass incarceration and achieving fair, equal, and humane treatment of the criminally accused.” As SC4CJR’s founder and executive director, Allie continues to educate the public and legislators on smart criminal justice reform. She is regularly interviewed by local, state, and national media outlets regarding criminal justice issues. (See Legal Commentary section below)
Allie attributes her passionate advocacy and empathy towards her clients to growing up in a large Greek family. In her spare time, she enjoys playing tennis, travelling to Greece with her family, playing chess, and learning new languages. Also an accomplished musician, she enjoys playing the trumpet, piano, and guitar.
- J.D. University of Florida Levin College of Law
- B.A. University of Florida
- Criminal Defense
- Personal Injury
- Civil Rights
- South Carolina
- Florida
- South Carolina for Criminal Justice Reform (SC4CJR) – Founder and Executive Director – 2020 – present
- South Carolina Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers Educational Foundation – Board of Directors – 2022 – present
- Charleston Regional Business Journal “Charleston’s 40 under 40” – Recipient 2021
- Spotlight Award Recipient – 2022
- Charleston County Bar Association – 2019 – present
- South Carolina Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers – 2019 – present
- Florida Blue Key Honor Fraternity – 2013
- Book Award – Criminal Litigation, The University of Florida Levin College of Law – 2013
- “Having a Criminal Record Expunged: Do’s and Don’ts!” Fox 24 News Now, November 14, 2024
- “Understand the Bail & Bond Process,” Fox 24 News Now, October 28, 2024
- “Affirmative Defense & Other Types of Legal Defense,” Fox 24 News Now, October 15, 2024
- “A Deep Dive into the Viral Tyreek Hill Bodycam Video,” Fox 24 News Now, September 22, 2024
- “Your Right to a Speedy Trial,” Fox 24 News Now, September 27, 2024
- “Your Miranda Rights & How to Use Them Effectively,” Fox 24 News Now, September 12, 2024
- “The Importance of Legal Council/Know Your Rights!,” Fox 24 New Now, August 27, 2024
- “South Carolina pushes ‘shield laws’ to protect lethal drug supplies” by Randy Thompson of Sanquentin News, April 29, 2023
- “South Carolina still seeking a way to hold executions” by Jeffrey Collins of The Associated Press via News & World Report, January 19, 2023
- “With 30 inmates on death row, S.C. bill seeks to restart executions” by Mary Green of WRDW Channel 12 News Columbia, January 20, 2023
- “The Brittanee Drexel case: How to nearly destroy a Black family in 21st century America” by Issac Baily of The Charlotte Observer, January 5, 2023
- “Seizing Property: Civil Asset Forfeiture in South Carolina – A Report of the South Carolina Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights,” December 2022
- “Why did an SC man get $1 million bond for allegedly stealing cigarettes?” The State Newspaper, December 27, 2022
- “Should parents with kids go to prison? A look at Todd Chrisley and SC’s ‘Baby Boy Horry’” by Carolina Williamson of The Sun News, December 14, 2022
- “Delay in justice: Thousands of SC trials waiting for court dates” by Reagin von Lehe of Carolina News & Reporter, December 6, 2022
- “South Carolinians sue to end unauthorized police surveillance program” The Policing Project at NYU School of Law, November 17, 2022
- “How a Greenville native’s Soteria ministry helps men released from prison find their way” by Adam Parker of The Post and Courier, July 18, 2022
- “Life sentences are becoming rarer in South Carolina. Is it time to get rid of the penalty?” by Braley Dodson of WBTW News 13, June 16, 2022
- “A jailhouse informant’s lie changed Timothy Taylor’s Life, is it time for reform?” The Community Times, May 27, 2022.
- “Bowen Turner, who got probation after being accused of rape by three teens, was arrested again” by Clarissa-Jan Lim of BuzzFeed News, May 13, 2022
- “After arrest, low-income defendants may spend weeks or months in jail before they can request a lower bond” by Mollie Bryant of org, April 28, 2022
- “SC bond system slower to react to violations than other states” by Lisa Weismann and Nick Reagan of WCSC Live 5 News, April 11, 2022
- “Adam Smith week celebrates the father of modern economics” by Alicia Lutz of The College of Charleston Today, March 17, 2022
- “Local Criminal Justice Coordinating Council unanimously approves bylaw revisions Community Representative Keith Smalls joins leadership team” by Holy City Sinner, February 9, 2022
- “Why is South Carolina so bad at discussing criminal justice?”” Mic’d Up w/ Mika Podcast, October 7, 2021
- “Business Journal honors 40 community leaders and business professionals” Charleston Business Journal, October 1, 20221
- “At least 253 people have died in SC jails since 2009. ‘Why was nobody looking?’” by Lucas Smolcic Larson of The Island Packet, September 19, 2021
- “Local legal experts weigh in on criminal justice reform in Charleston County” by Tara Jabour of ABC 4 News, September 13, 2021
- “Americans for Prosperity hosts roundtable discussion on policing reform” by AFP, July 9, 2021
- “Local, state leaders hold roundtable discussion on police reform” by Katie Augustine of Count on 2 News, July 12, 2021
- “Special Commission on Equity, Inclusion, and Racial Conciliation City of Charleston – Report and Recommendations” Charleston City Council, July 2021
- “Equal Rights Amendment” The South Carolina “Direct Examination” Lawyer Podcast, June 8, 2021
- “The Jamal Sutherland Case” The South Carolina “Direct Examination” Lawyer Podcast, June 4, 2021
- “Jamal Sutherland, Mental Health, and the Criminal Justice System” SC4CJR Virtual Series, May 27, 2021
- “Jamal Sutherland Legal and Procedural Discussion” SC4CJR Virtual Series, May 23, 2021
- “Mental Health in the Criminal Justice System” The South Carolina “Direct Examination” Lawyer Podcast, May 19, 2021
- “Death Penalty in SC Updates and Mental Health” SC4CJR Virtual Series, May 6, 2021
- “Breaking Down the Chauvin Verdict” The South Carolina “Direct Examination” Lawyer Podcast, April 22, 2021
- “Pro Bono Palmetto Leader Pamela Robinson” The South Carolina “Direct Examination” Lawyer Podcast, March 22, 2021
- “Mental Illness and Substance Abuse in the Criminal Justice System” The South Carolina “Direct Examination” Lawyer Podcast, February 22, 2021
- “Coronavirus drove Charleston County to keep people out of jail. Here’s how” by Sara Coello of The Post and Courier, February 14, 2021
- “Some attorneys worry about continued suspension of in-person jury trials in SC” by Kaitlin Stansell of Live 5 News, February 8, 2021
- “COVID, Crime and the Courts with Allie Menegakis of SC4CJR” The South Carolina “Direct Examination” Lawyer Podcast, January 25, 2021
- “SC Supreme Court cancels grand jury selections amid rising COVID-19 cases” by Paola Tristan Arruda of WTOC News, December 9, 2020
- “COVID in the Courts” by Brooke Shwieters of ABC News 4, November 10, 2020
- “Commentary: Protecting Charleston includes protecting citizens’ constitutional rights” by Allie Menegakis – The Post and Courier, October 20, 2020
- “Breonna Taylor case highlights grand jury problem in SC, reform seekers say” by Brooke Schwieters of ABC Channel 4 News, September 28, 2020
- “Why is reactive criminal justice not working?” SC4CJR Virtual Series, September 27, 2020
- “What you need to know: Police Militarization” SC4CJR Virtual Series, September 27, 2020
- “The Role of the Prosecutor” SC4CJR Virtual Series, September 27, 2020
- “Criminal Justice Reform with Allie Menegakis of SC4CJR.org” – The South Carolina “Direct Examination” Lawyer Podcast, June 15, 2020
- “Qualified Immunity and Use of Force” SC4CJR Virtual Series, June 12, 2020
- “Protestors get help from donations to mass bail funds” by Adam Benson and Fleming Smith of The Post and Courier, June 11, 2020
- “Police v. Protestors” SC4CJR Virtual Series, June 10, 2020
- “Use of tear gas and pepper ball during Marion Square protests called excessive by advocates” by Sam Spence of Charleston City Paper, June 5, 2020
- “Lawyers provide free representation at bond hearings” by Nick Reagan of WMBF News, June 5, 2020
- “Know Your Rights,” Online event guides demonstrators on First Amendment By Brooke Shwieters of ABC Channel 4 News, June 4, 2020
- “19 Years in Prison” SC4CJR Virtual Series, May 30, 2021
- CNN Presidential Town Hall , CNN, February 23, 2020
- “The Standing Committee on Professionalism and The Florida Bar YLD Law Student Division team up to educate Florida law students on the importance of professionalism” by Allie Menegakis, The Professional, Spring 2013
Attorney Alexandra “Allie” Menegakis from the Clekis Law Firm (Charleston, SC) offers an educational walkthrough of how the bail and bond system works in criminal cases, highlighting key stages criminals and their families should understand.
1. Difference Between Bail and Bond
Bail: The full amount set by a judge to pre trial release the accused from custody.
Bond: A surety usually posted by a bail bondsman for a premium (~10% of bail).
Allie explains that bail allows defendants to await trial outside jail, while bond offers a payment alternative—typically through an insurance-type intermediary. Understanding both helps manage financial planning and….
This is part of the Legal Perspective series by Clekis Law Firm, shot in North Charleston, South Carolina. It features Alexandra Menegakis, a legal expert, walking viewers through a specific legal topic central to clients’ rights and responsibilities under the law.
Key Legal Issue
Alexandra focuses on a concrete legal right or process—while the title hints “Your Right to a …”, she delves into:
What legal right is involved: probably related to civil, employment, or contractual law.
Who it applies to: common situations involving local residents of South Carolina or individuals dealing with the highlighted matter.
Legal framework: statutes, case law….
The video titled “Legal Perspectives with Alexandra Menegakis: Your Miranda Rights & How to Use Them Effectively” provides a clear, practical explanation of the Miranda rights and their critical role in protecting individuals during police encounters. Alexandra Menegakis begins by outlining the origin and purpose of the Miranda warning, emphasizing that it is designed to inform suspects of their constitutional rights to remain silent and to have an attorney present during questioning. She highlights that these rights are triggered primarily when a person is in custody and subjected to interrogation, ensuring that any self-incriminating statements are made voluntarily and with full awareness of legal…
The video titled “Legal Perspective with Alexandra Menegakis: Having a Criminal Record Expunged—Do’s and Don’ts” provides a comprehensive overview of the expungement process, offering practical advice for individuals seeking to clear their criminal records. Alexandra Menegakis begins by explaining the legal concept of expungement, emphasizing that it allows certain criminal convictions to be legally erased or sealed, thereby improving an individual’s prospects in employment, housing, and other areas affected by a criminal history.
Menegakis outlines the eligibility criteria for expungement, noting that not …
The video titled “Legal Perspective with Nick Clekis: Understanding the Bail & Bond Process” features attorney Nick Clekis providing an in-depth explanation of the bail and bond system in the legal context. Clekis begins by defining key terms: bail refers to the amount of money a defendant must pay to be released from custody before trial, while a bond is a financial guarantee provided by a bail bondsman to secure the defendant’s release. He emphasizes that the primary purpose of bail is to ensure the defendant’s appearance in court while balancing the presumption of innocence.
The discussion then delves into the factors that influence bail decisions…
The video titled “Legal Perspective with Alexandra Menegakis: Affirmative Defense & Other Types of Legal Defense” features attorney Alexandra Menegakis discussing various legal defenses utilized in criminal and civil cases. The conversation begins by defining an affirmative defense, explaining that it acknowledges the defendant’s involvement in the act but introduces new information or arguments that may mitigate liability or lead to a favorable judgment. Menegakis provides examples such as self-defense and duress, illustrating how these defenses operate within the legal system.
A significant portion of the discussion delves into other common …
The video titled “Legal Perspectives with Allie Menegakis at The Clekis Law Firm” features attorney Alexandra “Allie” Menegakis discussing various aspects of legal practice, particularly focusing on personal injury law. Throughout the conversation, Menegakis emphasizes the importance of understanding one’s legal rights and the complexities involved in navigating the legal system. She provides insights into how the Clekis Law Firm approaches cases, highlighting their commitment to client advocacy and the pursuit of justice.
A significant portion of the discussion centers on the challenges faced by individuals seeking legal representation, especially in personal injury cases. Menegakis addresses common misconceptions about the legal process …
The video titled “Due Process with Alexandra ‘Allie’ Menegakis of The Clekis Law Firm” offers an insightful discussion on the constitutional principle of due process, particularly in the context of recent immigration cases. Alexandra “Allie” Menegakis, an experienced trial attorney and criminal justice reform advocate, breaks down the complexities of due process protections. She emphasizes that due process is not just a legal formality but a fundamental right that ensures fairness and justice in legal proceedings. Menegakis highlights how due process applies to various legal scenarios, including the rights of individuals facing criminal charges and those involved in immigration proceedings.
A significant portion of the discussion focuses on how due process is…
The video titled “Digital Privacy, DNA & Your Rights Under The Law – Legal Perspective with Alexandra Menegakis” features a discussion led by Alexandra Menegakis, focusing on the intersection of digital privacy, genetic data, and legal rights. The conversation delves into the complexities of how personal information, particularly genetic data, is collected, stored, and utilized by various entities, including private companies and government agencies. Menegakis emphasizes the importance of understanding one’s rights in the digital age, especially concerning the sharing and potential misuse of genetic information.
A significant portion of the discussion centers on the implications of genetic testing services, such as…
The video titled “Legal Insights with Clekis Law Firm – Civics Discussion on the 3 Branches of Government” offers an informative exploration of the United States’ governmental structure. Presented by the Clekis Law Firm, the discussion delves into the foundational principles of American democracy, emphasizing the importance of understanding the roles and functions of each branch. The session aims to educate viewers on the intricacies of the U.S. government, fostering a deeper appreciation for its design and operation.
Throughout the video, the speakers provide a comprehensive overview of the three branches: the Legislative, the Executive, and the Judicial. They discuss the distinct powers and responsibilities vested in each branch, highlighting the system of checks and balances …
This video explores the legal and psychological implications of law enforcement officers concealing their identities by wearing masks during operations, focusing on recent ICE raids as a case study. Attorney Allie Menegakis and licensed professional counselor Donna White discuss the constitutional concerns surrounding masked law enforcement, emphasizing how transparency and accountability are cornerstones of democracy. Menegakis highlights how masked officers challenge due process rights by making it difficult for civilians to identify and hold officers accountable for misconduct. White explains the psychological impact of masked law enforcement on communities, noting that humans are wired to read faces as signals of safety, and obscuring …
The video features attorney Alli Menakis discussing the legal principle of habeas corpus, a foundational concept in the justice system that protects individuals against unlawful detention. Habeas corpus, Latin for “you shall have the body,” allows anyone detained—whether a U.S. citizen or not—to petition a neutral judge to explain the reasons for their detention, ensuring transparency and due process. It is enshrined in Article I, Section 9 of the U.S. Constitution and is often called “the great writ” due to its critical role in safeguarding liberty.
Menakis explains the practical uses of habeas corpus, such as requiring timely bond hearings for detainees and serving as a crucial protection in…
This video features Allie Menegakis discussing the fundamentals of First Amendment rights, focusing on the protection of free speech and how those rights apply in everyday situations. It explains that while the Constitution protects individuals from government restrictions on speech, those protections are not absolute and can vary depending on the context. The video emphasizes the importance of understanding when and where speech is legally protected.
A key point covered is that the First Amendment primarily limits government action—not private entities. The video also touches on categories of speech that may not be protected, such as threats, incitement, or certain forms of disruptive behavior, helping clarify common misconceptions.
Overall, the video serves as an educational overview designed to help viewers better understand their rights and limitations under the First Amendment.
Alex Murdaugh, a once-prominent South Carolina attorney who was disbarred and convicted in 2023 of murdering his wife Maggie and son Paul, has remained one of the most closely watched legal stories in the state’s history. As the case continues to develop, many viewers have questions about what a retrial actually involves, how the legal process works, and what to expect next. Allie Menegakis brings her professional legal background to the discussion, helping break down these questions in a way that is accessible and easy to understand for everyday viewers, not just those with a legal background.
For a case as high profile as this one, a retrial also raises practical questions for the community, from how long the process might take to what it means for the people involved. Segments like this aim to walk viewers through those questions in plain language rather than legal jargon.
The first part of the discussion focuses on insurance. Menegakis says the mistake she sees constantly, and tries to warn everyone about, is drivers skipping or underestimating uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage when they set up a policy.
The second part of the segment shifts to what happens right after a collision. Asked what mistakes she sees clients make in the immediate aftermath, Menegakis points to a few common ones.
the segment reinforces the basic steps anyone should take after a car accident: check yourself and others for injuries, contact the police so an official report is created, document the scene with photos before anything is moved, exchange information with the other driver, and notify your own insurance company promptly and accurately.
Miranda rights stem from the U.S. Supreme Court’s 1966 decision in Miranda v. Arizona, which requires law enforcement to inform a person of certain constitutional protections before a custodial interrogation. Those protections include the right to remain silent, the warning that anything said can be used against you in court, the right to consult an attorney, and the right to have an attorney appointed if you cannot afford one.
If you believe you were questioned in custody without being properly advised of your rights, don’t try to sort it out on your own. An experienced criminal defense attorney can review the circumstances of your arrest and interrogation and determine whether a motion to suppress or another defense strategy may apply to your case.
Face coverings come up in a surprising number of everyday situations: cold weather gear, motorcycle and work helmets, costumes and holiday events, medical masks, religious head coverings, and more. In this episode, Allie walks through how the law generally approaches these situations, why intent and context matter so much, and how a face covering that’s perfectly legal in one setting could raise questions in another. Allie also talks about how city and county ordinances can differ across South Carolina, so what applies in one town isn’t automatically the rule everywhere else, and why it’s worth checking the specifics if you’re ever unsure.
ttorney Allie Menegakis breaks down a question a lot of people ask: is it actually illegal to cover your face in public? In this Legal Perspective segment on Palmetto Life, Allie explains what the law really says, why the answer often depends on the situation, and what it means for you and your family here in the South Carolina Lowcountry.
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