If you have been accused and charged with a crime you are in need of a seasoned criminal defense lawyer in Greenville, 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 Greenville 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 Greenville 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 Greenville, 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 Greenville, 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 Greenville and explore every possible angle to have it dismissed.
To begin that process, your criminal defense lawyer in Greenville, SC, may seek answers to many questions, including:
If you are dealing with drug-related crimes in Greenville 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 Greenville 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 Greenville, SC, today to learn more about the complexities involved with drug cases in Greenville 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 Greenville, 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.
Spartanburg County's outbreak of measles has surpassed 200 cases as state officials on Jan. 6 reported 26 new infections.According to the South Carolina Department of Public Health, 19 of the new cases resulted from exposures within households. Four infections occurred at church. The source of one infection is unknown, and two others are under investigation.There are currently 144 people under quarantine.DPH also confirmed that four people, including adults and children, have been admitted to the hospital due to measles ...
Spartanburg County's outbreak of measles has surpassed 200 cases as state officials on Jan. 6 reported 26 new infections.
According to the South Carolina Department of Public Health, 19 of the new cases resulted from exposures within households. Four infections occurred at church. The source of one infection is unknown, and two others are under investigation.
There are currently 144 people under quarantine.
DPH also confirmed that four people, including adults and children, have been admitted to the hospital due to measles complications.
The total number of cases since the outbreak began in early October has reached 211.
The outbreak has been mostly centered in Spartanburg's Eastern European immigrant community.
In December, DPH reported that 38 infections were linked to an exposure of the highly contagious virus at Way of Truth Church, a Slavic language church in Inman.
According to the Jan. 6 update, measles exposures have occurred at three additional Slavic churches — Tabernacle of Salvation Church, Slavic Pentecostal Church of Spartanburg, and Ark of Salvation Church. There was also an exposure at Unitarian Universalist Church of Spartanburg, DPH officials said.
DPH officials said the new infections led to exposures at two schools — Sugar Ridge Elementary and Boiling Springs Elementary. The agency began informing families and school employees about the exposures on Dec. 31.
Health experts say the best defense against measles is the two-dose MMR vaccine. A 95 percent rate of immunization is needed to ensure what's known as "herd immunity," a level of protection that makes it difficult for a virus to spread within a community.
The vaccination rate among students at Sugar Ridge Elementary is 77.53 percent. At Boiling springs Elementary, 80.4 percent students are vaccinated.
There have been measles exposures in other public settings including medical clinics.
Over the weekend, DPH reported exposures at Nose Dive restaurant and Best Buy, both in Greenville, on Dec. 24 and the downtown headquarters of the Spartanburg Library on Dec. 27.
Greenville County, SC – A Greenville County Sheriff’s Office deputy was involved in a traffic collision around midday, sending both parties to the hospital with minor injuries, authorities said.According to the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, the crash occurred at approximately 12:35 p.m. near the intersection of West Blue Ridge Drive and West Bramlett Road. The deputy and the other driver involved both sustained minor injuries and were transported to a local hospital for treatment. Full recoveri...
Greenville County, SC – A Greenville County Sheriff’s Office deputy was involved in a traffic collision around midday, sending both parties to the hospital with minor injuries, authorities said.
According to the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, the crash occurred at approximately 12:35 p.m. near the intersection of West Blue Ridge Drive and West Bramlett Road. The deputy and the other driver involved both sustained minor injuries and were transported to a local hospital for treatment. Full recoveries are expected.
The incident prompted a response from South Carolina Highway Patrol, which has taken over the investigation to determine the cause of the collision. No additional details were immediately released regarding how the crash occurred or whether any citations were issued.
Traffic in the area experienced brief slowdowns as emergency crews responded and vehicles were cleared from the roadway. Drivers traveling through the West Blue Ridge Drive corridor were advised to use caution during the early afternoon hours while first responders worked the scene.
Officials did not identify the deputy or the other driver involved, and the sheriff’s office has not indicated whether the deputy was on duty at the time of the crash. As standard protocol, an independent agency is handling the investigation due to law enforcement involvement.
Updates are expected as Highway Patrol completes its review. Residents who travel through this part of Greenville County regularly may want to monitor traffic conditions during peak hours, as follow-up investigative activity could cause intermittent delays.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.Follow us on Instagram & Facebook for more relevant news stories and SUPPORT LOCAL INDEPENDENT NEWS! Have a tip? Message us!
GREENVILLE COUNTY, S.C. —Windy conditions are likely the cause of a reignited fire at the scene of a damaged dental office.Firefighters with the Boiling Springs Fire Department were cleaning up on Monday following a large fire that damaged the Carolina Dental Group building, which is located off Pelham Road."We were notified about the fire shortly after 10:40 p.m. last night. We arrived. We had flames through the roof. Crews put up two aerial devices and flowed a lot of water. [We] got the fir...
GREENVILLE COUNTY, S.C. —
Windy conditions are likely the cause of a reignited fire at the scene of a damaged dental office.
Firefighters with the Boiling Springs Fire Department were cleaning up on Monday following a large fire that damaged the Carolina Dental Group building, which is located off Pelham Road.
"We were notified about the fire shortly after 10:40 p.m. last night. We arrived. We had flames through the roof. Crews put up two aerial devices and flowed a lot of water. [We] got the fire extinguished and under control very quickly," said Capt. Chris Camacho.
However, firefighters were called back on scene hours later because the fire had started back up.
"Even if it's 10, 12, 15 miles an hour, if it's persistent, you can have very large impacts on fire suppression operations. That's wild land or even just grass and brush fires all the way up to structure fires with vinyl siding or commercial structure fire similar to this one," Camacho said.
Camacho said with the windy conditions, nearby businesses are fortunate this fire wasn't worse.
"We had very high flame links coming out of the top of the building, and we did have some persistent wind, although it wasn't as high as it is right now. But just with that little bit of wind and the tall flames, we were very fortunate that no embers were scattered or ignited any other remote spot fires," he said.
He said the goal now is to keep the building secure.
"Operations today are making sure the fire is completely extinguished. We'll do everything we can to prevent another rekindling. Then we'll resecure the building and work with investigators," he said.
No cause of the first fire has been released.
GREENVILLE, SC – Greenville Triumph SC has appointed Dave Dixon as its new head coach, the club announced today. Dixon will lead the Triumph into its eighth season as the club prepares to move into its new stadium at BridgeWay Station in Mauldin during the 2026 season. Dixon, the third head coach in Triumph history, takes over following Rick Wright’s retirement.Dixon comes to Greenville from the Charlotte Independence. He served as Charlotte's assistant coach for two years in 2019 and 2020 and again from 2...
GREENVILLE, SC – Greenville Triumph SC has appointed Dave Dixon as its new head coach, the club announced today. Dixon will lead the Triumph into its eighth season as the club prepares to move into its new stadium at BridgeWay Station in Mauldin during the 2026 season. Dixon, the third head coach in Triumph history, takes over following Rick Wright’s retirement.
Dixon comes to Greenville from the Charlotte Independence. He served as Charlotte's assistant coach for two years in 2019 and 2020 and again from 2024-2025, including their historic playoff run in 2024 which culminated with a runners-up finish in the USL League One Final. He also has ties to club soccer within the Carolinas as the Director of Soccer for FC Carolina from 2021-2024.
"I'm honored and excited to be the next Head Coach of the Greenville Triumph," said Dixon. "It is a legacy club within the USL that has a rich history and championship pedigree. I'm really looking forward to working alongside Sporting Director Zach Prince to build a championship-caliber team for the community and our great fan base, and to make more history as we move into GE Vernova Park. I can't wait to see all the fans pack the stadium and help support our team as we compete for a championship this season."
Known for his ability to scout and identify talented young players, Dixon will work alongside newly appointed GM and Technical Director Zach Prince to shape the Triumph roster for 2026 and beyond.
"Bringing Dave into our club is a major step forward and I have complete confidence that he is the right person to lead this team," said Prince. "Dave is one of the most respected coaches in the USL, with an exceptional level of knowledge and experience developing players in the U.S. The team will reflect his clear, demanding identity—playing with aggression and intensity. Both on and off the field, Dave sets the standard for professionalism and accountability, bringing people together by leading with humility and integrity."
Dixon brings a strong USL resume, spending time with Indy Eleven (USL Championship), the Charlotte Eagles and Mississippi Brilla FC (USL League Two) in addition to the Independence (League One). Dixon spent six seasons with the Charlotte Eagles in USL League Two, serving as an assistant and head coach from 2013-2018. During his time as head coach with the Eagles, he was named USL League Two Coach of the Year in 2015 and led the Eagles to a national title in 2017.
Dixon, originally a native of DuBois, Pennsylvania, began his career in collegiate athletics at Roberts Wesleyan College and later moved on to roles at Belhaven College, Milligan College, and Temple University. In addition to his 29 years of coaching, Dixon also pulls from his experience as a goalkeeper at the collegiate and professional level at Houghton College and the Charlotte Eagles, respectively.
Dixon will bring a wealth of experience as the Triumph looks to rebuild in 2026 after missing the playoffs for the first time in the club’s history. He holds a US Soccer A License and a United Soccer Coaches Association Premier license. Dixon’s support staff for the 2026 season will be announced in the coming weeks.
South Carolina – South Carolina’s Upstate wakes to a damp, gray sky this morning, with low clouds sliding across the foothills and a brisk northwest breeze rattling loose branches. Pavement looks wet across I-85 and US-29, signaling the first hints of a shifting December weather pattern as holiday travel begins to build.Gusty northwest winds will continue through the day, with speeds reaching 28 to 30 mph east of the mountains before gradually easing later. These winds wil...
South Carolina – South Carolina’s Upstate wakes to a damp, gray sky this morning, with low clouds sliding across the foothills and a brisk northwest breeze rattling loose branches. Pavement looks wet across I-85 and US-29, signaling the first hints of a shifting December weather pattern as holiday travel begins to build.
Gusty northwest winds will continue through the day, with speeds reaching 28 to 30 mph east of the mountains before gradually easing later. These winds will push noticeably colder air into Greenville–Spartanburg, sending wind chills into the teens by this evening. For drivers, that means crosswinds on elevated roadways and rapid cooling on shaded bridges — a setup that can encourage early-season slick spots where lingering moisture refreezes.
Skies turn sunnier by midday, and the temperature falls steadily toward the lower 30s by late afternoon as dry air wins out. To be fair, this is not a winter storm setup, but it is a classic December cold-snap transition, and residents should secure outdoor decorations and plan for a quick chill on evening errands.
Monday brings quieter conditions, with sunshine returning and highs near 39°. Light winds shift southwest, making the air feel a bit more tolerable by midday. By Tuesday, Upstate skies shine bright, temperatures rebound toward 51°, and early Christmas travel improves across the region.
Meteorologists continue watching a broader pattern change across the East — nothing imminent yet, but the early-week cold push hints at more winter teases as we approach Christmas week.
How breezy does it feel in your neighborhood this morning? Share your local conditions below.
• Today: Becoming sunny; high 44°. Winds gust 28–30 mph.• Monday: Sunny; high 39°.• Tuesday: Sunny; high 51°.• Wednesday: Partly sunny; high 58°.• Thursday: Partly sunny; high 56°.