If you have been accused and charged with a crime you are in need of a seasoned criminal defense lawyer in Columbia, SC. Having a skilled and dedicated criminal defense lawyer on your side is key in order to protect your freedoms and to ensure that a proper legal defense is built to shield you. Dealing with legal charges in Columbia can be a highly distressing ordeal with even minor violations causing considerable impact on an individual's personal and work life. The repercussions of having a criminal record can be severe, leading to loss of employment, severed relationships and alienation from loved ones.
At Theos Law Firm we offer trustworthy legal representation to those who need it most. Our criminal defense team has over 50 years of combined experience and is committed to ensuring our clients maintain their freedom and move forward with their lives. From handling drug-related charges to more nuanced federal cases, sexual misconduct offenses and murder cases, we take a personalized approach to every case. By utilizing cutting-edge legal strategies and decades of combined experience, we provide the best opportunity to achieve the best possible outcomes for our clients.
We help clients overcome criminal charges in a wide range of cases, including the following:
If you are facing one or more of the charges above, it's imperative that you establish contact with a legal advocate ASAP. At Theos Law, you can rest easy knowing our phone line is always open. When your future is up for grabs, let our team of criminal defense lawyers fight for your rights. It all starts with a free consultation at our law firm in Columbia where we will educate you on the particulars of the charges you're facing and explain the next steps in our representation.
At this point, you probably have many questions in mind. Keep reading for more information on criminal law in South Carolina and some of our criminal defense specialties at Theos Law.
In South Carolina, criminal cases are classified into different categories based on the severity of the crime. Generally speaking, offenses that carry a maximum penalty of less than one year are considered misdemeanors. On the other hand, crimes that carry a punishment of more than one year in prison are generally classified as felonies.
Crimes in The Palmetto State are usually split into three categories: (1) Magistrate or Municipal Level Offenses; (2) General Sessions or Circuit Court State Charges; and, (3) Federal Crimes. Classifications are based on which prosecuting body has jurisdiction to prosecute a particular charge or offense. Regardless of which court your criminal charge is in, the Theos Law Firm has decades of experience protecting individuals from prosecution and assuring that the best possible outcome is achieved.
Understanding the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony crime can be challenging for someone facing their first charge. Misdemeanors are generally considered minor offenses, and can result in punishment by incarceration up to one year.
Conversely, felonies are more severe crimes which are punishable by incarceration of more than one year. Those charged with a felony may face significant fines and a prison sentences of over a year in a federal or state institution. Convicted felons may face difficulties after their release such as losing the right to vote and the right to carry a firearm. These penalties make it crucial to have a reliable criminal defense attorney in Columbia, SC.
It is not uncommon for legal cases to be resolved without a trial through a plea deal. In order to assure that the best possible plea deal become available it is crucial for your legal defense to properly build your defense and prepare your case for trial. Deciding to represent yourself or not hiring the best legal team will likely result in exposure to unnecessary penalties, fines and jail time.
At Theos Law Firm, we often receive questions from potential clients about when they should hire a criminal defense attorney for the charges that they're facing. Although each situation and client are unique, there are some common criminal situations to keep in mind. In general, it's always best to reach out to an experienced attorney as soon as you're charged or have been arrested.
Below are some guidelines to help you decide when it's necessary to retain a criminal defense attorney for your case in South Carolina.
Thinking about hiring a criminal defense lawyer when you're charged with a crime is a no-brainer for most, and for good reason. Our team of experience criminal defense attorneys can offer assistance with various offenses, ranging from minor crimes to more serious ones such as sexual assault and manslaughter. Regardless of the charges, navigating the legal system can be complex, and without the guidance of an experienced criminal defense lawyer, the situation can escalate rapidly. It is critical that you engage an experienced attorney as soon as possible!
As you may have observed in movies or television shows, the police might request you to provide a statement, giving the impression that you are not under arrest. Remember, it is within your rights to have a criminal defense attorney in Columbia, SC, present during questioning, and you should absolutely use that to your advantage. If possible, consult with an attorney before answering any questions or participating in any discussions with law enforcement.
In the event that law enforcement officers arrive at your residence with a warrant, it indicates that a judge has determined there is reasonable suspicion that evidence related to a criminal offense is present in your home. Regardless of whether they discover and confiscate anything, it is advisable to seek the guidance of a seasoned defense attorney to discuss the situation and receive assistance in determining any potential charges or locations they may investigate in the future.
Could you imagine being accused of something you didn't do? When you are accused or charged with committing a crime that you didn't commit defending yourself may seem straightforward but it can be an arduous task to see to it that the charges are timely resolved. It can also feel hopeless and like it's impossible for you to get someone to listen to your side. The truth is that anything you say or do can and will be used against you. To increase your chances of being cleared of charges, it's advisable to have a defense lawyer who can support your innocence and fight for your rights. Criminal defense attorneys at Theos Law don't just listen - we act swiftly and always with your best interests at heart.
The legal system for juveniles in South Carolina is different than it is for adults. It comes with its own complications and hurdles to overcome. If you your child has been accused of a crime it's imperative to get legal counsel swiftly. Failure to do so could be destructive to your child's life, your family or result in a exposure to jail time. Keep reading to learn more about just a few of the most common criminal defense cases we accept at Theos Law Firm.
In terms of common criminal offenses in South Carolina, DUIs top the list, especially regarding mindful drivers with clean driving records and no criminal history. Unfortunately for these drivers, a DUI conviction in South Carolina stays on your record and cannot be expunged. Even first-time offenses with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent can be costly. Your insurance premiums go up for years, you may end up paying almost $1,000 in fines and fees, and there's a good chance you'll have to perform community service or serve jail time.
If your breathalyzer test result is more than .15%, you refuse the breathalyzer, or it is recorded as a refusal, your license will be automatically suspended, which complicates matters further. Throw in the possibility of interlock device rental, and your life may never be the same. For those reasons alone, it is crucial to approach such charges with the help of a DUI defense lawyer. At Theos Law Firm, our attorneys have years of experience in successfully fighting these types of charges.
Fortunately, if you or a loved one has been charged with DUI, there is hope. That's especially true if the accused has undergone a breath or blood test for DUI. In fact, cases that involve such tests are successfully beaten every day. At Theos Law Firm, we will thoroughly investigate your DUI case in Columbia and explore every possible angle to have it dismissed.
To begin that process, your criminal defense lawyer in Columbia, SC, may seek answers to many questions, including:
If you are dealing with drug-related crimes in Columbia or another city in South Carolina, it is crucial for you to understand the potential penalties involved. Possession of a controlled substance may fall under the category of a misdemeanor, but many drug offenses are considered felonies. Even a minor drug offense conviction can result in long-lasting negative consequences. As such, it's always advisable to explore your options and seek the assistance of a Columbia drug crime attorney. A skilled criminal defense lawyer can help safeguard your rights and may help achieve a favorable outcome.
One of the most frequent questions we hear at Theos Law is, "What does possession mean?"
Drug charges based on possession in South Carolina are divided into three categories:
However, the state also has other drug charges that are not based on the weight of the drugs. These include:
Possession-based drug charges in South Carolina are deemed "graduated offenses" with penalties that grow more severe based on the weight of the drugs. It's important to note that the charges can be based on either actual or constructive possession. Contact a criminal defense lawyer in Columbia, SC, today to learn more about the complexities involved with drug cases in Columbia and other cities in South Carolina.
Some of the most common drug charges we see at Theos Law include the following:
The simple answer to this question is a resounding "Yes." Drug paraphernalia can refer to various items such as pipes, bongs, syringes, scales, grinders, and rolling papers which are linked to drug usage, preparation, storage, or hiding. Even though some of these items may have legitimate uses, like tobacco pipes or medical syringes, they can still be scrutinized by law enforcement if there is proof of illegal drug use or intent.
If you are facing assault and battery charges, it is possible that you haven't actually physically harmed someone. Many people associate assault and battery with brutal beatings, but that is just one example. There are other situations that are less severe than what people typically imagine.
It's a common misunderstanding that physical injury is required for assault and battery charges. The fines, penalties, and jail time you may face depend on the severity of your charges and the number of offenses. Regardless of the degree of your charges, Assault and Battery is a serious offense that should not be taken lightly. The consequences of a conviction can be life-changing, and as such, your criminal defense lawyer in Columbia, SC, should work relentlessly to fight the charges being levied against you.
Though this list isn't comprehensive, here are some of the biggest factors that dictate the severity of your assault and battery charges:
Causing harm to someone or threatening to do so with the ability to carry out the threat can result in a charge of third-degree assault and battery. This misdemeanor offense is typically heard in municipal or magistrate courts and may carry a maximum sentence of 30 days in jail.
Causing harm or making threats to harm someone that results in moderate bodily injury can lead to charges of second-degree assault and battery. Additionally, touching someone's private parts without their consent can also result in charges of assault and battery in the second degree. This misdemeanor offense is heard in General Session court and can carry a maximum sentence of three years in prison.
Assault and Battery in the first degree can involve a number of actions such as inflicting an unlawful injury when kidnapping, touching a person's privates "with lewd and lascivious intent," and much more. Contact Theos Law Firm for more info on the degrees of Assault and Battery in South Carolina.
At Theos Law firm, we work tirelessly to ensure that our client's rights are not overlooked. Because unfortunately, the rights of everyday citizens are often trampled by law enforcement oversights and legal system failures.
That's why every criminal defense lawyer at our firm works hard to provide guidance and support throughout the legal process by keeping you informed of updates and as comfortable as possible during this trying time. Benefits of hiring Theos Law Firm include:
Unlike some criminal defense law firms in South Carolina, our team believes that everyone deserves a great lawyer when their freedoms are on the line. If you or a loved one has been accused of a crime in South Carolina, trust Theos Law to have your back without judgment.
A statue of Dawn Staley will officially be unveiled Wednesday afternoon, the University of South Carolina announced Monday — but it won’t be located at its originally announced location.The statue of Staley will be at the intersection of Senate and Lincoln streets right next to the university’s Pastides Alumni Center. That’s in the city’s Vista district, across ...
A statue of Dawn Staley will officially be unveiled Wednesday afternoon, the University of South Carolina announced Monday — but it won’t be located at its originally announced location.
The statue of Staley will be at the intersection of Senate and Lincoln streets right next to the university’s Pastides Alumni Center. That’s in the city’s Vista district, across from the Columbia Convention Center and a few blocks away from where the statue was first thought to be destined.
Columbia Mayor Daniel Rickenmann told The State in February 2023 that the planned location for Staley’s statue was on the corner of Main and Gervais streets across from the S.C. State House.
“We still count that as downtown,” Payton Lang, spokesperson for the mayor, told The State on Monday of the new location.
As it turns out, the statue of Staley will be located closer to Colonial Life Arena. The unveiling ceremony will take place at 4 p.m. Wednesday.
Staley, according to Lang, requested that her statue not be by the arena because she just wanted her players to get that honor. A statue of Gamecock great A’ja Wilson went up in January 2021 outside of Colonial Life Arena.
“Coach Staley had one request, that when you’re looking at the statue you can see the State House behind it,” Lang said.
The city credits public works employees who came up with the location and pitched it to the mayor as accomplishing Staley’s goal of the State House being in view in the background.
The project was first announced in February 2023 and the 11-foot, 1,000-pound statue arrived in Columbia in August 2024, Lang told The State in February.
The statue, which was projected to cost $140,000, will be erected via a partnership with the City of Columbia, Statues for Equality and local business people.
“This tribute celebrates not only her championship legacy as a coach and player, but also her unwavering commitment to leadership, community empowerment, and uplifting future generations,” the city said Monday in a press release. “Dawn Staley’s influence continues to inspire both on and off the court, and this statue stands as a lasting symbol of excellence, resilience, and pride for Columbia and the entire state of South Carolina.”
This story was originally published April 28, 2025 at 12:00 PM.
COLUMBIA — A family-owned burger joint has closed its second location in Columbia after less than a year in operation.Chubby's Burgers has closed its 106 Percival Rd. location, according to an April 24 post on the restaurant’s Facebook.“After much deliberation, we have decided to close our Forest Acres location permanen...
COLUMBIA — A family-owned burger joint has closed its second location in Columbia after less than a year in operation.
Chubby's Burgers has closed its 106 Percival Rd. location, according to an April 24 post on the restaurant’s Facebook.
“After much deliberation, we have decided to close our Forest Acres location permanently,” the post read. “Thank you for all the patrons since our opening. Our location in Blythewood will continue to operate.”
April 24 was the location’s last day, according to a comment made by the restaurant under the post.
The Percival Road store opened in August 2024, branded as a Forest Acres location but was addressed in Columbia.
“It was a combination of business and personal reasons but the Blythewood location is doing very well,” the Chubby’s account posted in a response to a comment under the post announcing the closure.
Chubby’s originated as a food truck in Summer 2020, after owner Chris Sarant lost his job during the COVID-19 pandemic, The Post and Courier previously reported.
The original Blythewood brick-and-mortar restaurant opened in February 2022. The restaurant caught fire and was forced to close down for a few weeks shortly after opening.
Our Daily Bread SC taught a hands-on bread-making class as a part of this year’s Columbia Food and Wine Festival.The Wednesday event let attendees spend time with homemade pizza dough experts Tracey and Danny Katsikis of Our Daily Bread SC. Participants got to make the dough, craft and decorate their pizzas, watch them bake and enjoy the product. Guests could sip on wine while enjoying the atmosphere.Our Daily Bread SC is a Columbia-based husband-and-wife team passionate about providing clean, honest food.“We...
Our Daily Bread SC taught a hands-on bread-making class as a part of this year’s Columbia Food and Wine Festival.
The Wednesday event let attendees spend time with homemade pizza dough experts Tracey and Danny Katsikis of Our Daily Bread SC. Participants got to make the dough, craft and decorate their pizzas, watch them bake and enjoy the product. Guests could sip on wine while enjoying the atmosphere.
Our Daily Bread SC is a Columbia-based husband-and-wife team passionate about providing clean, honest food.
“We try and stay as organic and natural as possible,” Tracey Katsikis said. “We stay away from additives and preservatives, food colorings, artificial flavors and such. It is a passion for us. We want to give people healthy, clean food.”
The breadmaking class was the first time Our Daily Bread SC has taught a hands-on experience.
“It is definitely a learning experience for myself, because I never really had to teach anyone to make anything like that,” Tracey said. “It is great just seeing everybody super happy with everything, enjoying having a great time.”
Columbia local Erika Wyar came to the event to learn as a beginner baker.
“The experience has been incredible,” Wyar said. “The people hosting have been very helpful. It has been a very unique and fun experience to do in our backyard.”
Knead to Know: Breadmaking 101 was just one event offered through the Columbia Food and Wine Festival. The festival is a five-day long experience, spanning April 22-27, dedicated to highlighting the culinary excellence of Columbia.
“It just brings such a great level of diversity and is so supportive of all the small businesses in the area,” Tracey said.
Other festival offerings:
The Vino & Vinyl experience, sponsored by Main Street District, is on tap Thursday. The event blends food, wine and music at Lula Drake Wine Parlor. Guests will enjoy Mission Grape wine and a four-course meal. Local DJ Preach Jacobs will provide music to set the intimate mood.
The week continues with Soul of the South, A Gullah Experience on Friday at The Farm 1780. The dinner will celebrate the influence of Gullah on Southern cooking with the help of S.C. Chef Ambassador Chris Williams, Foodways Expert Amethyst Ganaway and Chef Instructor Kevin Mitchell from the Culinary Institute of Charleston. The experience will connect attendees to the rich Gullah culture and the history of the South.
Ping Pong & Pasta at St. Andrews Park is next up, on April 26. Guests can participate in a ping pong tournament or cheer their friends on while enjoying pasta from Villa Tronco. The top three players will be awarded prizes.
The whole week leads up to The Grand Tasting on Sunday at the Robert Mills Estate and Hampton Preston Mansion. More than 100 of Columbia’s restaurants, breweries and more come together to present a wide variety of food and drinks. The event also will feature live music throughout the day.
Tables at The Proof were adorned with finished pizzas and wine glasses by the end of the night.
Danny Katsikis of Our Daily Bread SC assisted guests in baking their pizzas.
Abundant Graze provided a charcuterie spread for the event guests.
Participants chose from a variety of pizza toppings to decorate their personal pizzas.
COLUMBIA — A nuclear energy developer has opened an engineering and construction office in downtown Columbia, planning to create more than 100 jobs, according to South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster's office.The April 24 announcement of the Lady Street office comes as the developer, The Nuclear Company, assesses sites for its first 6-gigawatt group of nuclear reacto...
COLUMBIA — A nuclear energy developer has opened an engineering and construction office in downtown Columbia, planning to create more than 100 jobs, according to South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster's office.
The April 24 announcement of the Lady Street office comes as the developer, The Nuclear Company, assesses sites for its first 6-gigawatt group of nuclear reactors. The firm touts a "design-once, build-many" method it says will cut costs and lessen delays, avoiding "previous industry pitfalls," according to McMaster's office. Its approach includes using artificial intelligence to choose sites, the office said.
According to the company, which told The Post and Courier by email the office is among “several others throughout the country including in Washington, D.C.,” the Columbia location will be its largest.
In a statement, the company's CEO Jonathan Webb pointed to nuclear reactor construction in China as a threat to "America's longstanding leadership in nuclear power."
As of spring 2024, China had 55 reactors operating and 23 more under construction, according to a U.S. Department of Energy report. Meanwhile, the U.S. had the largest fleet with 94 reactors, but the report noted it took nearly 40 years to add the same capacity China added in the past decade.
Webb added that artificial intelligence and electrification depend on a steady and clean supply of nuclear power.
"We can’t stand to lose nuclear and its technology development like we lost manufacturing and all of its jobs," Webb said. "The Nuclear Company is coming to South Carolina to show how we can meet these challenges and continue to grow both employment and the American economy at large."
McMaster called nuclear power critical to meeting South Carolina's growing energy needs amid population growth and technological advances.
"When South Carolina attracts businesses like The Nuclear Company, it strengthens our economy, creates new opportunities for our people, and reinforces our position as a leader in energy innovation," McMaster said in a statement. "Reliable, affordable energy is essential for our future prosperity, and this investment marks another step toward securing a bright future for our state."
COLUMBIA — When Annette Flavel opened Lucky Rabbit Publishing, she committed to sourcing half her list locally. Since its official launch in March, the company is set to release its first six titles this year — hardback copies of which will be exclusively available at independent bookstores for their first three months of life.Three titles will l...
COLUMBIA — When Annette Flavel opened Lucky Rabbit Publishing, she committed to sourcing half her list locally. Since its official launch in March, the company is set to release its first six titles this year — hardback copies of which will be exclusively available at independent bookstores for their first three months of life.
Three titles will launch this spring, with the second batch to follow in the fall. While picture books are the primary focus of the brand, one title each season will be dedicated to promoting foundational literacy skills in young readers.
Although Flavel has hired freelancers to help with edits and marketing (playfully dubbed “Associate Rabbits”), creating the company has predominantly been a one-woman-show.
After over two decades of working in educational publishing, Flavel decided she wanted something more local. Following Lucky Rabbit’s launch, her primary goals include establishing partnerships with booksellers and schools.
“I know I’m just one person, but I want to put the focus back on independent bookstores,” Flavel said.
While Lucky Rabbit has its next two years of titles lined up, Flavel is preparing to be flexible.
Because children’s books are predominantly published in China, rising tariffs have raised concerns for the company. According to Flavel, the increased costs could mean the end of children’s publishing or higher costs to the consumer — as much as $40 a book.
“Is Lucky Rabbit going to be dead before it’s alive?” Flavel wondered. “Am I going to have to pivot away from children’s books into some other segment?”
Right now, however, the company is full steam ahead. Its commitment to sourcing locally has, in part, turned Columbia resident Ansley Whiteside into a first-time author. Working with Flavel not only helped shape her story, but also connected her to the publishing process from start to finish.
Her book, “Turner B. Goes to NYC,” will launch in May at All Good Books — just steps away from her own store, Turner & Moss.
“I think there’s so much untapped talent in our community,” Whiteside said. “I think it’s really just a cool thing to help promote the Carolinas.”
Lucky Rabbit’s first two picture books, “The Little Lion with the Little Roar” and “Turner B. Goes to NYC,” are both rhyming stories. As a former children’s librarian, Associate Rabbit Anna Brannin feels this style of writing is particularly captivating for young kids.
“I can’t wait for us to read them out loud at storytimes,” Brannin said.
While Lucky Rabbit is partnering with All Good Books for both readings and distribution, it will also be offering storytime lessons and bulk sales of paperbacks to schools directly. Ultimately, Flavel wants to make books available for purchase on the Lucky Rabbit website.
“I want to start locally. I want to be successful locally, to gain traction locally and to be listening to the needs of local readers and local markets,” Flavel said. “I believe you have to be successful with what’s right in front of you and then expand that out.”
Moving forward, Flavel knows what she’s looking for in any title she accepts. Always on the lookout for a great story, the company openly accepts submissions through the Lucky Rabbit website.
“This is going to sound very strange, but it has to make me tingle,” she said of submissions. “I can tell within the first couple of lines whether it’s a good story, and as I continue to read it — yeah, I get the tingles.”