If you have been accused and charged with a crime you are in need of a seasoned criminal defense lawyer in Conway, 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 Conway 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 Conway 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 Conway, 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 Conway, 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 Conway and explore every possible angle to have it dismissed.
To begin that process, your criminal defense lawyer in Conway, SC, may seek answers to many questions, including:
If you are dealing with drug-related crimes in Conway 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 Conway 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 Conway, SC, today to learn more about the complexities involved with drug cases in Conway 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 Conway, 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.
Georgia State and the Chanticleers have shown up to the game, but their offenses sure haven't. Sitting on a score of 37-30, Georgia State has looked like the better team, but there's still one more half to play.Georgia State came into the contest with some extra motivation after the defeat they were dealt the last time these two teams faced off. We'll see if they're able to flip the script or if it'll just be more of the same.Coastal Carolina Chanticleers @ Georgia State PanthersCurrent Records: Coastal Carolina 8-17, Ge...
Georgia State and the Chanticleers have shown up to the game, but their offenses sure haven't. Sitting on a score of 37-30, Georgia State has looked like the better team, but there's still one more half to play.
Georgia State came into the contest with some extra motivation after the defeat they were dealt the last time these two teams faced off. We'll see if they're able to flip the script or if it'll just be more of the same.
Coastal Carolina Chanticleers @ Georgia State Panthers
Current Records: Coastal Carolina 8-17, Georgia State 12-14
Coastal Carolina has enjoyed a two-game homestand but will soon have to dust off their road jerseys. They and the Georgia State Panthers will face off in a Sun Belt battle at 7:00 p.m. ET on Wednesday at GSU Convocation Center. Georgia State is favored, but seeing as the odds didn't stop Coastal Carolina in their last game, maybe the squad has another upset up their sleeve.
Even though Coastal Carolina has not done well against the Thundering Herd recently (they were 0-3 in their previous three matchups), they didn't let the past get in their way on Saturday. The Chanticleers came out on top against the Thundering Herd by a score of 74-67. That's two games straight that Coastal Carolina has won by exactly seven points.
Georgia State was handed a 20-point loss in their previous outing, but they didn't let that bad energy affect their game against the Monarchs on Saturday. The Panthers came out on top in a nail-biter against the Monarchs and snuck past 68-65. The victory was just what Georgia State needed coming off of a 83-63 loss in their prior match.
The Chanticleers' win was their third straight at home, which pushed their record up to 8-17. Those good results were due in large part to their offensive dominance across that stretch, as they averaged 80.3 points per game. As for the Panthers, they have been performing well recently as they've won three of their last four contests, which provided a nice bump to their 12-14 record this season.
This contest is one where the number of possessions is likely to be a big factor: Coastal Carolina have been smashing the glass this season, having averaged 40.2 rebounds per game. However, it's not like Georgia State struggles in that department as they've been averaging 38 rebounds per game. Given these competing strengths, it'll be interesting to see how their clash plays out.
Coastal Carolina skirted past the Panthers 85-83 when the teams last played back in January. The rematch might be a little tougher for Coastal Carolina since the squad won't have the home-court advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
Georgia State is a big 9-point favorite against Coastal Carolina, according to the latest college basketball odds.
The oddsmakers had a good feel for the line for this one, as the game opened with the Panthers as a 10-point favorite.
The over/under is 154.5 points.
See college basketball picks for every single game, including this one, from SportsLine's advanced computer model. Get picks now.
Georgia State and Coastal Carolina both have 5 wins in their last 10 games.
Former President Donald Trump will host a “Get Out the Vote” rally on Saturday in Conway; here’s how to prepare.The event is being held at the Coastal Carolina University’s HTC Center, 104 Founders Drive, on Feb. 10. Doors open at 11 a.m. and close at 1 p.m. The presidential candidate is scheduled to begin speaking at 2 p.m.All attendees must register beforehand, which can be done on ...
Former President Donald Trump will host a “Get Out the Vote” rally on Saturday in Conway; here’s how to prepare.
The event is being held at the Coastal Carolina University’s HTC Center, 104 Founders Drive, on Feb. 10. Doors open at 11 a.m. and close at 1 p.m. The presidential candidate is scheduled to begin speaking at 2 p.m.
All attendees must register beforehand, which can be done on Trump’s website. Tickets are first come first serve and there is a maximum of two tickets per phone number.
Thousands of people could go as the HTC Center has the capacity for 3,000 people, according to CCU Director of Communications Jerry Rashid.
The Sun News emailed Trump’s press team for more information. The email had not been returned at time of publication.
Rashid said the parking lots surrounds the HTC building will not be available as Founders Drive between Chanticleer Drive and Highway 544 will be closed. The GG and KK lots will be open along with other parking lots around campus.
Some parking lots will have restricted access so be prepared to walk across campus. You can find a parking map here.
Rashid recommends showing up early to ease traffic congestion and secure a parking spot. Trump’s arrival may also shut down highways.
It would be smart to pack a meal or bring snacks. Doors open at 11 a.m. and Trump is supposed to begin speaking at 2 p.m. If you arrive early, you could be at the rally for over four hours, and that doesn’t include the time it takes dealing with traffic before and after the event.
Cash or a credit card is also a good item to keep with you as Rashid said there will be food vendors at the rally. There will likely be Trump merchandise available for purchase.
You can bring a water bottle but make sure it’s not a thermos, like a Stanley Cup or a Hydro Flask as those are not allowed inside. At the Nikki Haley rally, opened drinks, such as ones from Starbucks, could not be brought inside.
The Secret Service has a long list of banned items, which includes large backpacks, firearms, glass, thermal or metal containers, coolers and selfie sticks. To enter the building, you will need to go through security. Security teams will search your bag before you enter and put you through a metal detector.
According to the Secret Service website, these are all items it prohibits:
• Aerosols
• Ammunition
• Animals other than service/guide animals
• Backpacks and bags exceeding size restrictions (18 inches by 13 inches by 7 inches)
• Bicycles
• Balloons
• Coolers
• Drones and other unmanned aircraft systems
• Explosives
• Firearms
• Flammable liquids
• Glass, thermal, or metal containers
• Laser pointers
• Mace / Pepper spray
• Packages
• Recreational motorized mobility devices
• Selfie Sticks
• Signs exceeding the size restrictions (20 feet x 3 feet x 1/4 inch)
• Structures
• Supports for signs and placards
• Toy guns
• Weapons of any kind
• Any other items determined to be potential safety hazards
This story was originally published February 8, 2024, 5:00 AM.
Starbucks is opening a new location in Conway as construction sees more development coming to the Grand Strand area.The new Starbucks is at the intersection of Singleton Ridge Road and Highway 544, across from McDonald’s and the coffee brand’s natural rival, Dunkin’ Donuts. Construction Contractor Drew Yarbrough said the exterior, currently painted white and brown, is complete, but the interior is still a work in progress.Yarbrough estimated completion of the interior would take one to two months. The location...
Starbucks is opening a new location in Conway as construction sees more development coming to the Grand Strand area.
The new Starbucks is at the intersection of Singleton Ridge Road and Highway 544, across from McDonald’s and the coffee brand’s natural rival, Dunkin’ Donuts. Construction Contractor Drew Yarbrough said the exterior, currently painted white and brown, is complete, but the interior is still a work in progress.
Yarbrough estimated completion of the interior would take one to two months. The location will also have a drive-through. A media representative for Starbucks did not return a request for comment before publication.
The new location is part of a broader global expansion for the company. Starbucks plans on adding 17,000 new stores by 2030, bringing its international total to 55,000 by 2030, Axios reported in November 2023.
Starbucks already has two Conway sites, including one at Coastal Carolina University and several others throughout the Grand Strand. Starbucks already added a new Myrtle Beach spot in October 2023 on Dick Pond Road, The Sun News reported at the time.
The new development is one of two in the area. Behind the new Starbucks, land has been cleared and sidewalks were paved. The tract of land is at 1482 Highway 544 and is owned by Pinnacle of SC INC, according to Horry County Land Records. Kirk Hanna is the registered agent for Pinnacle of SC, according to South Carolina Business Filings, but he did not return a request for comment before publication.
It’s unclear what the project is, but the plot of land has had development slotted for it previously.
In 2018, while owned by a different company, the property applied for three commercial and stormwater permits for multi-family apartment and student housing called The Pinnacle, according to Horry County Land Records. There was a multi-family development 174 units proposal for the roughly eight acres of land, according to Horry County Council’s Dec. 18, 2018 agenda.
The proposal was approved on a second reading Dec. 18, 2018, but was deferred at the Jan. 10, 2019, Horry Council Meeting before receiving final approval, and it’s unclear if the new site work is related to this previous plan. The land’s market value is about $1.5 million, according to Horry County Land Records.
This story was originally published January 25, 2024, 5:00 AM.
A Parker’s Kitchen convenience store and fast-food restaurant may be coming to Conway.The Conway Planning Commission showed its support for the project by recommending a zoning change to a .43 acre lot at 1904 Rose Hill Drive, which runs parallel to Highway 378 between Grainger and Belladora roads.The change from medium-density residential to highway commercial will allow the lot to be combined with two other abutting highway commercial parcels that front Highway 378 and were previously acquired by the applicant.Da...
A Parker’s Kitchen convenience store and fast-food restaurant may be coming to Conway.
The Conway Planning Commission showed its support for the project by recommending a zoning change to a .43 acre lot at 1904 Rose Hill Drive, which runs parallel to Highway 378 between Grainger and Belladora roads.
The change from medium-density residential to highway commercial will allow the lot to be combined with two other abutting highway commercial parcels that front Highway 378 and were previously acquired by the applicant.
Daniel Ben-Yisrael, the real estate development manager for Charleston-based Parker’s Kitchen, said the final parcel is the missing piece of the puzzle.
The project is currently in the preliminary design stage, and Ben-Yisrael said if the zoning can be synchronized, the three lots will be combined “to accommodate the development of our convenience store.”
The planning commission voted 7-0 to recommend the zoning change to the city council, which has the final say on rezoning matters.
Parker’s Kitchen operates 78 stores in coastal Georgia and South Carolina, including one in Georgetown. Newer stores sell gasoline, groceries, and beverages, and have a kitchen. There’s a breakfast menu as well as chicken, other entrees, and assorted sandwiches and sides.
The rezoning request is set to go to council for its Feb. 19 meeting. At that meeting, there will be a public hearing and first reading.
The planning commission also gave its blessing to an annexation request and a zoning change for an 11.47-acre undeveloped parcel near the intersection of Gardner Lacy Road and Highway 501.
Applicant Founders National Golf, LLC, requests that the property be annexed into the city, and be zoned as highway commercial. It is currently zoned Horry County Highway Commercial.
Attorney Shep Guyton represented the applicant and said the Highway Commercial designation would be temporary.
“We don’t believe that’s the (zoning) district it will actually be developed under,” Guyton told the planning commission. “It will be a two-step process. It won’t be developed until the zoning is changed again.”
The applicants have not revealed what will be developed on the parcel, which includes frontage along sections of Highway 501 and Gardner Lacy Road near Carolina Forest.
Jessica Hucks, the city of Conway's planning director, said the applicant is not required to specify a proposed use for the property in a “straight rezoning” from county highway commercial to city highway commercial.
The irregularly shaped tract is bordered by a gas station, a vacant property, and manufacturing and distribution facilities. It is adjacent to land zoned limited industrial and highway commercial in the county, and limited industrial in the city.
Planning commissioners voted 7-0 to recommend the annexation and zoning to the city council, which will make the final decision.
Grand Strand Health is looking to bring a medical facility to Conway, and the request has made it through its first hurdle.The hospital system is hoping to rezone and annex a nearly nine acre property off Mill Pond Road. Though city staff raised concerns over flooding on the property, the planning commission voted 5-0 Thursday to recommend the annexation and rezoning to the city council, but the applicant still has plenty of work to do.Now the request must make its way through city council, which could happen over the next mont...
Grand Strand Health is looking to bring a medical facility to Conway, and the request has made it through its first hurdle.
The hospital system is hoping to rezone and annex a nearly nine acre property off Mill Pond Road. Though city staff raised concerns over flooding on the property, the planning commission voted 5-0 Thursday to recommend the annexation and rezoning to the city council, but the applicant still has plenty of work to do.
Now the request must make its way through city council, which could happen over the next month.
“Grand Strand Health is excited about bringing care closer to our friends and neighbors in Conway,” a spokesperson said in an email Thursday. “We look forward to announcing specific plans in the future.”
As shown on the developer’s conceptual plan, a portion of the building is located within the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s flood plain.
“Since it is a standalone ER, it is considered a critical care facility, and is not be placed in a flood zone,” city planner Katie Dennis told the Conway Planning Commission on Thursday, Jan. 4.
Crunk Engineering, LLC, is requesting to annex and rezone nearly nine acres near the intersection of Mill Pond Road and Highway 501, city records state. The property is zoned Horry County highway commercial and the applicant is requesting it stay highway commercial, but under the city’s version of the zoning.
The vacant property has flood zones and includes a small portion of a floodway.
Either the building will have to be relocated on the tract, or the developer will have to fill in low-lying areas and seek a Letter of Map Amendment from FEMA showing that the land is no longer a part of the flood plain. Any attempt to raise the grade would require extensive hydrological studies prior to the work. If FEMA would decline to issue the flood map amendment, the proposed location of the building on the site would need to be altered.
“It’s just a concept plan; it’s not our final plan. We haven’t applied for that yet,” said Adam Crunk of Crunk Engineering LLC of Nashville, Tennessee, the project engineer who was representing the property owner.
Crunk said the goal is to keep the building as close as possible to Highway 501, while steering well clear of the Crabtree Floodway, a drainage canal connecting Crabtree Swamp to the Waccamaw River.
Crunk, under questioning from the planning commission, said that long-range plans are for additional medical-related development on the 8.96 acre tract, which will eventually be combined with other adjoining parcels acquired by the applicant.
The nearly nine acres is currently owned by Mill Pond Conway LLC c/o HCA Health Services Inc. Grand Strand Health operates under HCA Healthcare. The property was purchased from Robert Richardson for $2 million in 2022.
City records state the parcel abuts a property that is already zoned city highway commercial.
City planning director Jessica Hucks said the applicant plans to use the property as medical facility and nearly nine acres will be combined with an adjacent property that is already in city limits.
City staff said there are currently no site plans, and if there are any plans to encroach in the flood zone or floodway, the developer must provide a no-rise or no-impact certification stating the proposed development will not create a rise within the floodplain.
In addition to the annexation and rezoning, the developer has asked the city to amend its future land use map from conservation preservation to highway commercial and conservation preservation. The property is identified under the conservation preservation zoning in city’s comprehensive plan because of the flood zones and the flood way.
Conway’s planning commission is set to make a recommendation on the request during its meeting at 5:30 p.m. Thursday. The commission meets at 196 Laurel Street.
The city council will make a final decision on the request, which will require two separate readings. Another public hearing is scheduled for the council’s Feb. 5 meeting regarding the future land use map amendment.
Residents and Conway leaders have long expressed the need for more medical facilities in the western part of the county, particularly near the heart of Conway. Some fear not being able to have access to medical services when the Waccamaw River floods.