MEET TYLER BRATTON
NEW LEADERSHIP DELIVERING RESULTS FOR OUR COMMUNITY
Tyler Bratton was born in Rock Hill, South Carolina, and his family arrived in York County around 1766. Tyler grew up and attended public schools in York and he resides in York. His first job was at Bratton Funeral Home and it was there he learned to meet, greet, and serve the public. Tyler attended Clemson University where he graduated Magna Cum Laude studying a curriculum consisting of pre-medicine and business management. He entered the Charleston School of Law the following fall.
The two years following his graduation from law school were spent working as law clerk to the Honorable Lee S. Alford, a resident circuit court judge in the Sixteenth Judicial Circuit, which is Union and York Counties. During those two years with the Judge, he learned how to think like a lawyer, putting the theories posed in law school to practical use. Judge Alford was more than “The Judge” to Tyler; he was a mentor and friend. Judge Alford taught Tyler how to analyze cases, victims, defendants, juries, lawyers, and the community’s perspective with the goal of remaining dedicated to the pursuit of justice. Those lessons have carried him throughout his career and helped develop his sense of love and respect for the law.
After clerking for Judge Alford, Tyler took a job prosecuting all crimes in Conway, South Carolina. There, he learned the problems that communities, victims, and police officers face every day. Finding solutions to those problems was his focus. Tyler learned that a good prosecutor separates defendants who had a bad day from those who are bad eggs. Sometimes you need to lock someone up and throw away the key. However, the community can benefit by helping those who desperately want help but are plagued by addiction or mental health issues. He learned that sometimes drug courts, mental health courts, veteran’s courts, and homeless courts can help people get out of the revolving door of the criminal justice system and help them become productive, law-abiding members of society.
Today, Tyler, serving as a public defender for Union and York Counties, now has a 360-degree view of the criminal justice system and how it operates in its entirety. Still today, he seeks to humanize police case reports while considering community, victim, defendant, and police viewpoints. Tyler knows his biggest asset is his well-balanced experience, which he uses to navigate the dynamics of differing personalities while building consensus to resolve a case.
The greatest lessons that have impacted Tyler were those taught to him by his family and the congregation of his church, Tirzah Presbyterian Church. Tyler’s father and mother taught him early on to work hard. They encouraged being studious and excelling in school. His family taught him that a man’s word is his bond. They taught him a man’s greatest currency is the reputation he possesses and it is worth more than a dollar. His church family taught him that man’s chief end is to glorify God and enjoy him forever. His church family taught him to serve and love everyone. His church family taught him to share in the joys and concerns of those in the community.
Coming from a family of generations-long residents of York County, Tyler is proud to call York County his home. Tyler also enjoys his travels to Union County, where he meets and greets the citizens when in court or having his Midway BBQ “fix”. Tyler considers both counties of equal importance when it comes to prosecuting crimes in order to ensure the safety of both counties for the people. In his spare time, Tyler enjoys spending time serving and working around the property of Bethelwoods Children’s Camp and Conference center, where he serves on the Board of Directors. He enjoys sharing a meal with family and friends every night. When he has time, Tyler enjoys hunting, fishing, riding ATV’s, reading books, and good conversations with friends and strangers.
“You cannot properly present a case to a jury of twelve citizens unless you can see a case from all angles.”
- Tyler Bratton
