When is the Right Time to Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer?

Criminal Defense Lawyer in Georgetown, SC

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If you have been accused and charged with a crime you are in need of a seasoned criminal defense lawyer in Georgetown, 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 Georgetown 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.

Service Areas

We help clients overcome criminal charges in a wide range of cases, including the following:

  • Homicides
  • Drug Crimes
  • Juvenile Crimes
  • Sex Crimes
  • Theft Crimes
  • Violent Crimes
  • Misdemeanor Offenses
  • Federal Offenses
  • More

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 Georgetown 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.

Criminal Defense Lawyer Georgetown, SC

Understanding Criminal Defense Cases in South Carolina

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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.

State and Federal Criminal Defense Cases in South Carolina

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.

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The Difference Between Misdemeanors and Felonies in South Carolina

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 Georgetown, SC.

Plea Deals in South Carolina

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.

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When is the Right Time to Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Georgetown, SC?

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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.

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When You've Been Accused or Charged

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!


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When Investigators or Police Question You

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 Georgetown, 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.


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When Authorities Search Your Residence

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.


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When You Are Wrongly Accused of Committing a Crime

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.


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When Your Child Is Involved

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.

Criminal Defense for DUIs in South Carolina

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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 Georgetown and explore every possible angle to have it dismissed.

To begin that process, your criminal defense lawyer in Georgetown, SC, may seek answers to many questions, including:

  • Was your DUI stop legal? If not, your case could be thrown out.
  • Is there enough probable cause or evidence for an arrest? If there is not, it's possible to file a pre-trial motion for your case to be dismissed.
  • Did officers explain implied consent rights? One of the most common errors police make is failing to take this step.
  • Did the police maintain your BAC and breathalyzer results? Breath testing often comes with inherent weaknesses. This can create doubt in a juror's mind.
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Criminal Defense for Drug Cases in South Carolina

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If you are dealing with drug-related crimes in Georgetown 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 Georgetown 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:

  • Simple Possession
  • Possession with Intent to Distribute
  • Drug Trafficking

However, the state also has other drug charges that are not based on the weight of the drugs. These include:

  • Drug Distribution
  • Manufacturing
  • Distribution Near Schools, Parks, or Playgrounds
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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 Georgetown, SC, today to learn more about the complexities involved with drug cases in Georgetown and other cities in South Carolina.

Some of the most common drug charges we see at Theos Law include the following:

  • Marijuana
  • Heroin
  • Ecstasy
  • LSD and Hallucinogens
  • Cocaine
  • Meth
  • Prescription Pain Killers
  • Fentanyl
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Can I be Arrested for Drug Paraphernalia in South Carolina?

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.

Criminal Defense for Assault and Battery Cases in South Carolina

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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.

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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 Georgetown, 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:

  • Age of Victim
  • Severity of Injuries Sustained
  • Size and Weight of Accused vs. Size and Weight of Victim
  • Whether or Not the Victim Presses Charges
  • Whether or Not Weapons Were Involved
  • Whether or Not the Victim's Privates Were Touched

Understanding the Degrees of Assault and Battery in South Carolina

Third Degree

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.

Second Degree

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.

First Degree

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.

Everyone Deserves a Reliable Criminal Defense Attorney in Georgetown, SC

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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:

  • Thorough Knowledge of South Carolina Criminal Law & Procedures
  • Seasoned Legal Representation in the Courtroom
  • Years of Experience Structuring Plea bargains
  • Ability to Identify Due Process Violations
  • Fierce Dedication to Clients & Vigorous Representation
  • Skilled Negotiation Tactics Involved with Bail, Sentencing, Appeals, and More
  • Familiarity with Local Prosecutors

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.

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Latest News in Georgetown, SC

2 new sales taxes are on Georgetown County ballots. What happens if voters approve them?

GEORGETOWN — Georgetown is one of only three counties in South Carolina without a local sales tax.But with two referendum questions on the ballot, that could soon change.Voters are deciding whether to approve a local option sales tax and a capital project sales tax. Each would add 1 percent to items already subject to the state's 6 percent...

GEORGETOWN — Georgetown is one of only three counties in South Carolina without a local sales tax.

But with two referendum questions on the ballot, that could soon change.

Voters are deciding whether to approve a local option sales tax and a capital project sales tax. Each would add 1 percent to items already subject to the state's 6 percent sales tax, bringing the total sales tax to 8 percent.

The taxes would not be charged on housing, groceries, fuel, prescription medication or vehicles, said Walt Ackerman, the county's director of administrative services.

About 75 percent of the tax revenue would be collected from tourists, people passing through the county and those paying for goods produced by local industries. That would shift much of the tax burden off of residents. All the benefits would go to the people of Georgetown County, Ackerman said.

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The proposed sales taxes would go into effect in May 2025. Each tax is projected to collect at least $10 million a year.

Local option sales tax (LOST)

The local option sales tax aims to cut property taxes for Georgetown County residents.

Seventy-one percent of the revenue collected would help lower the property tax burden of residents. The remaining 29 percent would go to the county and municipalities for operational needs.

It’s expected that the average household in Georgetown County would pay roughly $58 in LOST sales taxes per year. In return, they would receive about $477 in a tax credit.

The estimates are based on the average home price in the county, which is $200,000, and the average price of one vehicle.

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Here’s the amount of LOST credit the average household in each municipality would receive according to county data:

Town of Pawleys Island: $477.37

Town of Andrews: $536.13

City of Georgetown: $653.70

Unincorporated areas: $477.37

Properties with higher taxable values would receive higher tax credits. Residents can use the calculator on the Georgetown County website to estimate the amount they could receive.

The LOST sales tax doesn’t have a built-in sunset date. If approved, it would take a referendum to remove it.

Ackerman said people concerned about the benefits of the LOST tax should look at nearby Charleston and Berkeley counties, which have used similar 1 percent sales taxes for years.

"In the history of local option sales tax, I can’t find an instance where somebody even tried to vote it out," Ackerman said.

Capital project sales tax

Money collected from the capital project sales tax would be used to pay for infrastructure projects.

A commission appointed by Georgetown County Council compiled a priority list and a contingency list of projects. Contingency list items would be funded with any money left over after priority projects are completed.

It would take about 10 years to finish all the projects on the priority list, Ackerman said.

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Projects on that list include the construction of a new emergency operations center, new fire stations, storm water projects, recreational facility projects and a bus terminal in Georgetown.

The highest priority project is the installation of a sewer system in the Sampit community, Ackerman said. At the moment, Sampit residents use septic systems. When it rains, they sometimes can’t flush their toilets.

A complete list of the projects that would be funded by this tax will be included on the ballot with a brief description of each project. The list can also be found on the Georgetown County website.

Georgetown County last approved a capital project sales tax in 2014. It collected $41 million over four years and funded dredging in Murrells Inlet, road resurfacing and fire service improvements.

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The new capital sales tax would be collected for eight years.

The sales tax questions are not partisan, so submitting a straight party ticket will not automatically answer them, Ackerman said. Voters will need to scroll all the way to the end of each sales tax description and manually click either the yes or no button to vote on the taxes.

Early voting is underway now and continues through Nov. 2. Election Day is Nov. 5.

This SC tourist destination is proudly not Myrtle Beach. How can it grow its brand?

GEORGETOWN — The Hammock Coast attracts a certain type of tourist, and the Georgetown County Chamber of Commerce insists that visitor is generally not the same one who hits the T-shirt shops, mini-...

GEORGETOWN — The Hammock Coast attracts a certain type of tourist, and the Georgetown County Chamber of Commerce insists that visitor is generally not the same one who hits the T-shirt shops, mini-golf courses and crowded coastline of Myrtle Beach.

The distinction is even part of the chamber's marketing strategy. Tourism leaders tout the area's history and natural beauty, and they target visitors interested in those things.

"Those folks usually have a different imprint on the community and footprint on the community," said Beth Stedman, CEO of the chamber of commerce. "They're more concerned that they enjoy it, but that they are enjoying it respectfully."

Known for communities like Pawleys Island, Murrells Inlet and Litchfield Beach, Georgetown County is celebrated as a natural getaway. Visitors head to the lush landscapes of Brookgreen Gardens and the saltmarsh of Huntington Beach State Park. Two new state parks are also planned for the county.

Earlier this year, Pawleys was named “Best Beach in South Carolina” by the USA Today/10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards.

When tourism leaders developed The Hammock Coast brand nearly 15 years ago, they knew they needed to avoid the word Georgetown because there are so many places with that name. They also wanted to distinguish themselves, not only from their northern neighbor but also from the Charleston area.

"We're comfortably nestled between Charleston and Myrtle Beach," said Mark Stevens, the chamber's tourism development director. "We're totally different than both of them."

The Hammock Coast sees more multi-generational travel. It’s common for grandparents to bring their children and grandchildren and for people to return to the area for decades. Additionally, Georgetown County primarily offers vacation rentals like Airbnbs, while Myrtle Beach is dominated by hotels.

Recently, the chamber has been working to strengthen The Hammock Coast brand and to emphasize the qualities that set it apart from other nearby tourist areas. Two new initiatives will expand on that work.

Strengthening the brand

Georgetown County's tourism revenue has steadily increased since local leaders began branding the area as The Hammock Coast in 2010.

The county saw a record-setting year for tourism during the last fiscal year, with over $3.3 million collected in accommodations taxes. These taxes are charged to travelers staying in temporary lodging like hotels or Airbnbs.

Most of the county's A-tax money is collected from southern Garden City and the Waccamaw Neck, Stevens said.

Despite that success, the chamber sees growth potential. That's why they want more detailed information about their visitors. They hope that by collecting that data they can sharpen their marketing efforts.

Beginning next month, Georgetown County will partner with a technology firm to track where visitors are traveling from and what they do during their stay, Stedman said.

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She said a better understanding of visitor habits will allow the chamber to more effectively target tourists through its marketing.

The program will use cell phone data and geofencing to track the movements of visitors, Stedman said. Geofencing refers to the creation of virtual boundaries. A software response is triggered when mobile devices pass through the boundaries, allowing for the tracking of individuals.

“So it really lets us get a sense of the things that people are attracted to and that people are doing while they're in market,” Stedman said.

Sunny Kim, a professor of hospitality, resort and tourism management at Coastal Carolina University, said it could be tricky to effectively use the collected data if the chamber doesn't have clear objectives. Sometimes, it can be hard to know which data to focus on or how to analyze it effectively.

"However, if Georgetown adopts new technology to track tourists, particularly from a smart tourism perspective, it could open up new opportunities," she said.

In addition to improved marketing efforts, this data could help local leaders make informed decisions about infrastructure projects, zoning, policy, and event design, Kim said. It could also be used to attract new businesses to the area, including those in hospitality and tourism.

Although Georgetown County has seen an increase in tourism since the Hammock Coast brand was trademarked, the chamber of commerce is still looking for ways to make the community stand out, Stevens said.

“We’ve been pushing that brand out as we have to do, to other states, the East Coast, etcetera," he said. "But it’s part of, you know, making sure the brand is known locally as well."

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One way the chamber hopes to increase local awareness is by installing large “Welcome to the Hammock Coast” signs on U.S. Highway 17 on the north and south ends of Georgetown County.

The sign project, which would be funded by grant money, is still in the early stages. There is no official design or timeline for the project yet.

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"We are really excited to be working on that project," she said. "It'll take a little bit (before it's ready)."

The chamber of commerce will work with S.C. Department of Transportation to figure out the logistics of the project.

With tourism being a vital part of Georgetown County's economy, Stevens said it's important to use new tools to keep visitors returning.

"Tourism here is always going to be one of the economic drivers in this county," he said.

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Voting yes for Georgetown County sales tax referendums will keep taxes low | Letter

Fellow Georgetown County residents:Realtors are good neighbors. The members of Coastal Carolinas Association of REALTORS have served their communities, promoted private property rights, and advocated for maintaining reasonable property taxes for nearly 80 years.Part of being a good neighbor includes sharing information with one another to ensure collective understanding but it also means bringing hard truths to light. One such truth is that your property taxes will almost certainly increase if the ...

Fellow Georgetown County residents:

Realtors are good neighbors. The members of Coastal Carolinas Association of REALTORS have served their communities, promoted private property rights, and advocated for maintaining reasonable property taxes for nearly 80 years.

Part of being a good neighbor includes sharing information with one another to ensure collective understanding but it also means bringing hard truths to light. One such truth is that your property taxes will almost certainly increase if the two upcoming penny sales tax referendums do not pass.

The county’s government has done a yeoman's job the last few years of balancing its budget but the fact remains that we lack the multitude of major commercial employment centers that our neighboring counties enjoy, which also help to keep their residential property taxes down. Without these resources, the county struggles to keep up with rising inflationary costs, including those related to labor, not to mention the inability to fund crucial capital improvements. In order to keep our public servants on staff, we have to offer benefits that make us competitive with our neighboring communities.

Whether it be balancing the budget, completing direly needed infrastructure projects, or improving our community’s collective safety, the county has exhausted efforts to continue to keep property taxes low. It is clear that without allowing our visitors to help us pay 40% of these costs, we as residents will bear 100% of the cost through a property tax increase. I think we can all agree that’s the last thing we want to see occur. Let me be clear, I'm not saying that your property taxes will never go up in the future; what I can say with certainty is that the implementation of the two penny sales taxes will keep your property taxes lower than if we did not have the penny sales taxes.

I encourage you to visit bettergeorgetowncounty.org to learn more about the opportunities the two penny sales taxes will bring to our greater community as well as how you will directly benefit financially.

I’ll highlight two benefits here:

-A county-wide, legally required property reassessment will take place next year. It’s almost guaranteed that your property value has risen since 2019. The local option sales tax credit can help to offset any potential property tax increase you may experience due to an increase in your property value.

-Each district in our county will receive a physical improvement to their community but beyond that, we all benefit from the opportunity to have a brand new Emergency Operations/911 Center that doesn’t flood during a disaster. This is a basic need for the times in which we live.

I ask you to think about your fellow Georgetonians, your neighbors and friends; vote YES and YES for a better Georgetown County.

LAURA CROWTHER

CEO of the Coastal Carolinas Association of REALTORS

A Georgetown County solar farm is part of the area's energy future. Why isn't it finished?

GEORGETOWN — A Georgetown County solar farm touted as critical to the region's energy future lags at least a year behind schedule and its repeated delays have county leaders unsure if they will approve a key second phase of the project.The first phase of the solar farm, led by Nashville-based developer Silicon Ranch, is under construction on 2,000 acres along U.S. H...

GEORGETOWN — A Georgetown County solar farm touted as critical to the region's energy future lags at least a year behind schedule and its repeated delays have county leaders unsure if they will approve a key second phase of the project.

The first phase of the solar farm, led by Nashville-based developer Silicon Ranch, is under construction on 2,000 acres along U.S. Highway 17-A in the Lambertown community. It is expected to produce 200 megawatts of solar energy.

The solar farm was initially scheduled to be completed at the end of 2023 or the beginning of 2024. Now, it's set to be finished by early 2025, said Connor Echols, director of project development for Silicon Ranch.

“The timeline was shifted drastically,” Echols said at a recent Georgetown County Council meeting.

At the meeting, council members discussed a request from Silicon Ranch to rezone another 1,000 acres for the final phase of the solar farm. The project would generate an additional 50 megawatts of power and would bring over $3.6 million in tax revenue, Echols said.

The council voted to defer the proposed amendment to the Georgetown County zoning map based on concerns about the project's extended timeline.

Echols said early delays were caused by a series of permitting issues, which took almost a year to resolve. Silicon Ranch hopes to cut that time in half for the second phase, he said.

But after so many setbacks, County Councilman Bob Anderson questioned when Georgetown would begin seeing revenue from project.

Councilman Raymond Newton expressed similar concerns and mentioned the number of contractors Silicon Ranch has used for the project.

“Things have not gone well,” he said.

Silicon Ranch has gone through three general contractors. The first was Blue Ridge Power, which was initially selected to design and build the solar farm. Blue Ridge Power completed the design, but Silicon Ranch did not move forward with the company for the building portion. Echols cited high costs and timeline concerns as reasons for the change.

Then, Overland Contracting was hired to build a substation on the 2,000 acres. Silicon Ranch considered using Overland to construct the solar panels as well but ultimately decided not to move forward with the company past the substation construction.

Now, Silicon Ranch has signed a contract with LPL Solar for the construction of the solar panels.

After Silicon Ranch’s trouble with permitting and switching contractors, Newton proposed that the council monitor the progress on the first 2,000 acres before rezoning 1,000 acres for the second phase.

The council held a special workshop with Silicon Ranch representatives on Oct. 8 to further discuss the issue. It peppered representatives with questions about the delayed timeline and how the company would improve going forward. By the end, several councilmembers still had reservations about approving the zoning for the second phase of the solar farm.

If the zoning is approved, the final completion for both phases is projected for 2026, Echols said. But if the council continues to delay the approval of the second phase, the timeline could be pushed back.

That could mean a longer wait for renewable energy and economic growth in Georgetown County, a Silicon Ranch representative said in an email.

“Delaying this phase also delays the benefits that the project brings to Georgetown County and the surrounding area, including but not limited to, millions of dollars in economic investment, job opportunities for local craft workers and local subcontractors and significant new tax revenues that we will pay as a property owner,” the spokesperson said.

All of this comes as a second solar farm project, led by Sunrise Renewables and proposed for Plantersville, is facing strong opposition from area residents.

"This is not a clean energy issue," Plantersville community member Thomas Ragsdale said to County Council on Aug. 27. "Solar farms may have a place in Georgetown County, just not in the middle of one of the most historic, culturally significant and wildlife-centric areas of the county."

The Plantersville project would cover about 2,250 acres in northern Georgetown County on the east and west sides of U.S. Highway 701, turning the land into a 213-megawatt solar project and a 300-megawatt solar hybrid project, according to Sunrise Renewables, the company behind the project.

Sunrise Renewables stated on its website that the clean energy project would create approximately 300-500 jobs during construction, increase local property tax revenue, and support local businesses by boosting spending on goods, supplies and services.

Once completed, the solar farm could be the largest operating solar development in the Palmetto State. Currently, the state's largest developments are located in Chesterfield, Lexington, Orangeburg and Saluda and generate up to about 74-75 megawatts, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

Yet the project has continued to face pushback.

"The historical elements of Plantersville and the Waccamaw Neck are one of the county’s most important drivers of tourism, annually drawing thousands of consumers to our area," according to a letter submitted by the Georgetown County Waterfowl Conservation Group to planning officials in August. "This project will be a permanent scar on the historical fabric of Georgetown County."

A flood of letters from concerned residents and opposition at public input meetings caused Sunrise Renewables to take a step back. The company is now revising parts of its plan, a representative said at a recent Georgetown County Planning Commission meeting.

Plantersville's history is steeped in the legacy of antebellum-era rice plantations that relied on the labor of thousands of enslaved people. These plantations were some of the largest in the state and country in the 1700s.

During the Reconstruction era, newly emancipated African-Americans purchased large swaths of farm land in Plantersville and formed their own self-sufficient, distinct villages, according to The Village Group, a Georgetown-based youth education organization.

Plantersville remains a predominantly Black community in Georgetown County today.

Georgetown County has been shifting to solar power within the last six years as it seeks to replace the coal-powered Winyah Generating Station near Georgetown. The station first came online in 1975, and the Public Service Authority has already announced plans to retire the station sometime in the early 2030s, according to Santee Cooper.

Although the Sunrise Renewables and Silicon Valley projects have hit some snags, it's essential for South Carolina to move toward solar energy, said Pamela Martin, a professor at Coastal Carolina University who specializes in energy and sustainable development. However, she said it's important that the community support the project, too.

"That's a decision for the county and for the community to make — first and foremost, the community," she said. "But I think there's no question that we have to move towards renewable energy in South Carolina, particularly solar."

‘Our she-ro’: Georgetown honors Olympic gold medalist Melissa Jefferson

GEORGETOWN, S.C. (WMBF) - The city of Georgetown honored its own Melissa Jefferson, a two-time Olympic medalist, on Saturday.“Our she-ro, Melissa Jefferson,” the announcer said as Melissa Jefferson’s float passed during a parade for Jefferson.A hometown Olympian, honored for her accomplishments.Melissa’s community means a lot to her, and they think highly of her.“She is dedicated, that she is loyal, that she is an inspiration,” Marcy Carl said.Jefferson returned from the ...

GEORGETOWN, S.C. (WMBF) - The city of Georgetown honored its own Melissa Jefferson, a two-time Olympic medalist, on Saturday.

“Our she-ro, Melissa Jefferson,” the announcer said as Melissa Jefferson’s float passed during a parade for Jefferson.

A hometown Olympian, honored for her accomplishments.

Melissa’s community means a lot to her, and they think highly of her.

“She is dedicated, that she is loyal, that she is an inspiration,” Marcy Carl said.

Jefferson returned from the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics with a gold medal in the women’s 4-by-100-meter relay and a bronze in the women’s 100-meter dash.

So on Saturday, the community celebrated this huge accomplishment!

It reminds Melissa of where she came from.

“That’s my village and that pretty much sums it up. Anyone who knows me knows I say it all the time. I’m a village kid, there was not one single person that raised Melissa Jefferson, she had a lot of hands, good hands, but lots of different hands,” Jefferson said.

And her village was excited to honor her.

“She’s worth celebrating. She is absolutely worth celebrating," Georgetown Mayor Carol Jayroe said. “Melissa is near and dear to everyone in Georgetown County.”

The parade featured more than seventy entries and thousands came out to see the floats, bands, and community groups come down front street.

Rhonda Britton said it’s important for kids to see this.

“It’s important for our youth to see that things can be accomplished, and if you accomplish great things, you’re celebrated. So it’s important for them to see so they can continue to push and continue to reach the goals they set out for,” Britton said.

After the parade, folks gathered at the Choppee Complex, where Mayor Jayroe declared October 12th as Melissa Jefferson Day.

Jefferson said she soaked up every minute.

“Once today’s over, you’ve just got memories, so you try to make the best of it," the gold and bronze medalist said. “Take in the moment and be here in the moment and not let it just pass me by.”

Jefferson said she is excited to get more involved in the community and give back to the area that’s given so much to her.

She said her time on the track isn’t over though.

“You can definitely count on the fact that you’ll see Melissa Jefferson in la 2028, with three gold medals. Three gold medals,” she said.

People far and wide are looking forward to seeing it, with everyone wishing her luck as her parade float came by.

In addition to her 2024 Olympics hardware, Jefferson also became the 2023 World Champion Gold Medalist.

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