If you have been accused of a crime, the only thing standing between your continued freedom and harsh legal penalties is a seasoned criminal defense lawyer in Hollywood, SC. That may seem harsh, but in this time of turmoil and uncertainty, having a skilled and dedicated criminal defense lawyer on your side is key. Because the truth is that dealing with legal charges in Hollywood can be a highly distressing ordeal, with even minor violations causing a 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 even alienation from loved ones.
At Theos Law Firm, we offer trustworthy legal representation to those who need it most. Our criminal defense team has years of experience and is committed to ensuring our clients maintain their freedom and can move forward with their lives. From handling drug-related charges to more nuanced federal cases and sexual misconduct offenses, we take a personalized approach to every case. By utilizing cutting-edge legal strategies and decades of combined experience, we have a much better opportunity to achieve the best possible client outcomes.
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 Hollywood, where we'll educate you on the particulars of the charges you're facing and explain the next steps ahead.
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 sentence of three years or less are categorized as misdemeanors. On the other hand, crimes that carry a punishment of more than three years in prison are generally classified as felonies.
Crimes in The Palmetto State are usually split into two categories: state crimes and federal crimes. Classifications are based on whether a crime violates state laws or federal laws. Ultimately, it's up to the prosecutor to decide which category to pursue charges under. State crimes generally include assault, robbery, domestic violence, theft, and rape. Federal crimes, on the other hand, may be more complex and can include computer crime, major drug trafficking, hate crimes, and money laundering. These types of crimes are often investigated by agencies like the FBI or IRS.
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, resulting in fines or a short stay in a local county jail. Trials and plea deals for these cases move quickly due to their nature.
Conversely, felonies are more severe crimes classified by degrees, with first-degree being the most severe and sixth-degree being the least. Those charged with a felony may face significant fines and a prison sentence of over a year in a federal or state institution. Convicted felons may face difficulties after their release, making it crucial to have a reliable criminal defense attorney in Hollywood, SC.
It is not uncommon for legal cases to be resolved outside of court through a plea deal. This allows the defendant to acknowledge their guilt on one or more charges without the need for a trial. Both your criminal defense lawyer and the prosecutor collaborate to come up with a mutually beneficial arrangement, which helps avoid the uncertainties and dangers of a trial. By accepting a plea deal, you may receive a lighter sentence and avoid the anxiety that comes with a lengthy legal battle.
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. A defense lawyer can offer assistance with various offenses, ranging from minor crimes like retail theft and cyberstalking 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.
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. If they suspect you of committing a crime but lack sufficient evidence to detain you, they may aim to put you at ease and elicit information that can be used against you. Remember, it is within your rights to have a criminal defense attorney in Hollywood, SC, present during questioning, and you should absolutely use that to your advantage.
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 law enforcement, a judge, or a prosecutor accuses you of committing a crime that you didn't do, it can be an arduous task to prove your innocence, especially if you have a prior record. It can also feel hopeless and like it's impossible for you to get someone to listen to your side. The truth is that your past mistakes should not 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 think or know that your child has been accused of a crime, it's imperative to get legal counsel swiftly. Failure to do so could ruin their life or result in a longer-than-needed jail sentence.
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 Hollywood and explore every possible angle to have it dismissed.
To begin that process, your criminal defense lawyer in Hollywood, SC, may seek answers to many questions, including:
If you are dealing with drug-related crimes in Hollywood 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 Hollywood 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?â
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 Hollywood, SC, today to learn more about the complexities involved with drug cases in Hollywood 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.â 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 Hollywood, 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,â 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.
CHARLESTON COUNTY, S.C. (WCSC) - A new subdivision in the works in Hollywood and is on track to the be the largest in the town.The subdivision would be near downtown Hollywood, near Highway 162 and Highway 165 and it is set to be larger than Stono Ferry with nearly 400 new homes.The land has been passed down for generations, and the town’s planning director, Roy Dehaven, says it’s time to grow the town where they can to bring more jobs and more residents to the area.“Long-term, as its completely built o...
CHARLESTON COUNTY, S.C. (WCSC) - A new subdivision in the works in Hollywood and is on track to the be the largest in the town.
The subdivision would be near downtown Hollywood, near Highway 162 and Highway 165 and it is set to be larger than Stono Ferry with nearly 400 new homes.
The land has been passed down for generations, and the town’s planning director, Roy Dehaven, says it’s time to grow the town where they can to bring more jobs and more residents to the area.
“Long-term, as its completely built out, it will give us the anchor to this town center district,” Dehaven said. “It’ll give us 350 residences close to the heart of downtown Hollywood.”
The developers say they plan to make the homes entry to medium-priced. Many of the homes will be one-story, which the developers hope could make them attractive to retirees.
Hollywood town officials say this area could serve as a hub for people working in Summerville and North Charleston, and they are already working with the state’s Department of Transportation on improving and widening the highways.
The developer working on the project, Joe Margarite, says they are planning to hire locally within the town for all construction work, and they say that means at least 600 jobs to get the project started.
“It’s going to bring a lot of money into this community,” Margarite said. “It’ll support all of these local businesses here that are struggling. Our Piggly Wiggly right here is struggling to stay open, and they need more customers. There will be construction jobs here for at least 6 years.”
The proposal will be discussed at the town’s planning commission meeting on Oct. 8 and then again at the end of the month.
They’re taking public comment now. Public hearing comments will be accepted in writing via email to the Clerk of Council at twhite@townofhollywood.org or by mail to P.O. Box 519, Hollywood, South Carolina, 29449.
If it is approved in October, the developers are hoping to start construction by the spring. And construction would take about six years.
Copyright 2020 WCSC. All rights reserved.
Hollywood, S.C. (WCBD) – An abandoned mobile left along Davison Road for months in the Hollywood community is causing concerns among residents who live in the area.It’s hard to miss, and aside from the obvious aesthetic issues, many locals are worried it could pose a threat to the environment.“The concern is, from an appearance look, definitely an eye sore. The other one is, environmental hazard, when we get a bad rainstorm or whatever you’ll actually see stuff dripping out of the side,” said Holly...
Hollywood, S.C. (WCBD) – An abandoned mobile left along Davison Road for months in the Hollywood community is causing concerns among residents who live in the area.
It’s hard to miss, and aside from the obvious aesthetic issues, many locals are worried it could pose a threat to the environment.
“The concern is, from an appearance look, definitely an eye sore. The other one is, environmental hazard, when we get a bad rainstorm or whatever you’ll actually see stuff dripping out of the side,” said Hollywood local, Jerry Gray.
Resident Jerry Gray said it’s been alone on the side of the road for a while, long enough for pictures of it to appear on google maps.
“If you google Davison Road and Messervy Road it actually shows up on google street view so you know it’s been here for a pretty good period of time,” said Gray.
But in order to remove the trailer, someone has got to take responsibility for it, and no one seems to be stepping up.
News 2 reached out to the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), which said their department does not have the authority to remove the abandoned building.
Charleston County has posted a “do not occupy” notice on the side of the trailer, but said it is not in their jurisdiction either.
Gray shared with News 2 an email between him and Charleston County Building Code Enforcement Manager Wayne Domina. Domina said that the moving company responsible for the trailer was issued a citation and it is a “very big version of littering in the town of Hollywood’s jurisdiction.”
Newly elected Hollywood Mayor Chardale Murray said she is willing to work with whoever it takes to get the building removed.
“Of course, I’m the new mayor-elect, so I’m not aware of everything that’s going on with the mobile home. But what I can do is reach out to Charleston County, maybe DMV, or one of the council members, maybe Teddie Pryor,” said Murray.
News 2 has reached out to the South Carolina Department of Transportation and the Department of Natural Resources. We are waiting on a response.
Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
HOLLYWOOD, S.C. (WCSC) - Concerns are being raised about an abandoned mobile home that was left on the side of the road about two months ago in the Town of Hollywood.Despite their efforts, residents have seen no action taken to remove the trailer.One Hollywood resident described the issue as playing “hot potato”, because he’s been dealing with non-stop back and forth trying to figure out who can get the mobile home taken off the side of Davison Road.The concern at hand is potential environmental impacts...
HOLLYWOOD, S.C. (WCSC) - Concerns are being raised about an abandoned mobile home that was left on the side of the road about two months ago in the Town of Hollywood.
Despite their efforts, residents have seen no action taken to remove the trailer.
One Hollywood resident described the issue as playing “hot potato”, because he’s been dealing with non-stop back and forth trying to figure out who can get the mobile home taken off the side of Davison Road.
The concern at hand is potential environmental impacts, with rain causing internal leakage of unknown fluids.
Resident Jerry Gray claims further deterioration of the home has occurred due to weather and pieces have blown into the roadway, creating a traffic hazard.
“I’m looking for creativity,” Gray said. “I’m not looking for sympathy or for anyone to agree with me. I’m looking for action, plain and simple. Get it going, bye.”
The mobile home has somehow managed to end up on a widely used GPS platform.
“To be here long enough to show up on Google Maps, we’re now a global landmark,” Gray said.
Charleston County issued a “do not occupy” notice on the home on May 22 on behalf of the Town of Hollywood, but in an email said it is not the county’s jurisdiction.
In an email on Wednesday, DHEC said it is a matter that would need to be addressed by local officials.
The Town of Hollywood said in a statement:
This is an ongoing complaint. The mobile home broke down and landed in the Charleston County unincorporated area. The first attempt to repair and move failed and the trailer was dropped off on property under the jurisdiction of the Town of Hollywood, Charleston County and SCDNR. SCDNR has taken over the code enforcement case and has notified the owner of the mobile home, the mover of the mobile home and the property owner who never gave permission for the broken-down trailer to be left on Davison Road.
In response, SCDNR said:
“We do not enforce any codes. We have written a (litter) ticket to the company that was in charge of moving the mobile home. The subject has asked for a jury trial. There is a contract dispute between the moving company and the owner of the mobile home on going. SCDNR Law Enforcement is not involved with this part of the contract dispute. Also, we have not heard from or made contact with the owner of the property where the trailer is currently located. We have reached out but have not heard back. Also, it is not located on any state-owned property or WMA (Wildlife Management Areas).”
The Charleston County’s Geographical Information System (GIS) says that the property owner is a real estate investment firm called CJB Investment LLC.
Live 5 reached out to the property owner for a comment on the matter, asking if they were charging the owner of the mobile home to sit on their land and have not heard back.
Copyright 2023 WCSC. All rights reserved.
HOLLYWOOD, S.C. (WCBD) – A mobile home that was left abandoned along Davison Road in Hollywood could be removed in the near future thanks to actions taken by the surrounding towns.Residents said the mobile home has become an eyesore; it’s been there for so long it now appears on Google Maps. But what you won’t see on Google Maps is that the trailer is still furnished....
HOLLYWOOD, S.C. (WCBD) – A mobile home that was left abandoned along Davison Road in Hollywood could be removed in the near future thanks to actions taken by the surrounding towns.
Residents said the mobile home has become an eyesore; it’s been there for so long it now appears on Google Maps. But what you won’t see on Google Maps is that the trailer is still furnished.
On Thursday, Ravenel Mayor Stephen Tumbleston said he is working with Hollywood Mayor Chardale Murray to create a timeline for a speedy demolition and removal of the trailer. Tumbleston said once the owner of the trailer signs an approval letter, the towns will work together to remove it.
“We’re waiting on that letter to come back executed with a signature, and then we’ve solicited bids and we will partner with Hollywood on getting it out. And just as soon as we get the document back from the owner, court cases and all that aside, we’ll get it cleaned up, we’ll get it moved out,” said Mayor Tumbleston.
News 2 spoke with the crew working to help remove the trailer, Berry Demolition. Once they are given the go-ahead, the process of removing the trailer will take 2 to 3 days. After the demolition crew surveyed the area, like many, they agree it must go.
“I mean its definitely got to go, needs demolishing that’s all. There’s probably no saving it and moving it again from now, so yeah it definitely has to be torn down and moved from here,” said one crew member.
Over in Hollywood, newly elected Mayor Murray is still getting settled into office, but said that won’t stop her from doing what she can to have the trailer removed from Davison Road.
“That feels good you know, to know that this trailer has been sitting out here almost two months. My word is my bond. I called the Mayor of Ravenel and when I called him he said ‘Hey we got to do whatever we can to do to make this happen’ and here it is,” said Mayor Murray.
Concerned resident, Jerry Gray, who first told News 2 about the trailer, says he’s happy to see progress being made.
“If you don’t have a plan, you don’t have a clue. Ideally, a plan is being formulated. That’s why I say I’m optimistic with a little dose of caution,” said Gray.
News 2 will continue following this story as the community awaits the removal.
HOLLYWOOD, S.C. (WCBD) – A couple from Hollywood, South Carolina will celebrate 75 years of marriage this year. The special couple, both aged 96, still love, laugh, and sing their way through a lifelong marriage.The price of gas was .23 a gallon 75 years ago. Jackie Robinson took to the field for the Brooklyn Dodgers, becoming the first African American to play in Major League Baseball – but Robinson was not the only one making moves.Leroy Morrison was working on a home run of his own and focused on a different diam...
HOLLYWOOD, S.C. (WCBD) – A couple from Hollywood, South Carolina will celebrate 75 years of marriage this year. The special couple, both aged 96, still love, laugh, and sing their way through a lifelong marriage.
The price of gas was .23 a gallon 75 years ago. Jackie Robinson took to the field for the Brooklyn Dodgers, becoming the first African American to play in Major League Baseball – but Robinson was not the only one making moves.
Leroy Morrison was working on a home run of his own and focused on a different diamond.
“We went to a wedding one day. A friend had a wedding across the street. I see a girl, and she was dressed so pretty. I said I’m going to carry one of those girls home tonight, two sisters. I said one of y’all gotta go home with me,” he recalled.
“I said this is the girl, I’m gonna marry,” said Mr. Morrison. A feat that took nine months, and the ball was clearly in Ms. Wilhelmina’s court.
“I tell her she’s the one. She looked at me and she said, I don’t love you,” he remembered.
“I used to didn’t like him because he wore suspenders hanging behind him, untidy on him. I just didn’t like him, he wasn’t sharp enough for me. I was sharp. I had a wide-rim hat. I was sharp. I knew I was sharp,” said Mrs. Morrison.
Love triumphed over fashion woes, and on June 12, 1947, Leroy Morrison and Wilhelmina Roach became husband and wife.
“Marriage license was $5.00,” said Mr. Morrison. “My wedding dress cost me $16. I got off of King Street,” added Mrs. Morrison.
Both are now 96 years old with ten children and a long lineage that follows.
The Morrisons say the secret to a happy marriage for them: is faith, forgiveness, compromise, patience, and protecting peace.
“The secret is it’s just like a rubber band. You take the rubber band, the more you stretch it, the more it gives. Don’t stretch it too much, and it stays together,” said Mr. Morrison.
“I always tell people take it, whatever stress comes on, you have to take it to make it, and that’s the only way you can make it,” said Mrs. Morrison. “I didn’t have all good days, but I took the bad days and the good days the same, give and take. He is forgiving, and I was forgiving with him also, that’s what kept us together.”
They also say good meals helped as well. “She’s a good cook. She cooked the meals and baked the pies,” said Mr. Morrison.
Mr. Morrison, a retired shoe repairman and barber, and Mrs. Morrison a stay-at-home mom remain inseparable. “Never spent one night away. If he goes outside, and I don’t see him for five or ten minutes, I’m looking for him,” Mrs. Morrison said.
The Morrisons are considered community champions because they dedicated their lives to helping others, and often hosted neighborhood events to feed their Hollywood community.
Both now have health challenges and have 24-hour care from family members, but they continue to give back in whatever way they can.
Their message to young couples starting out: “I would tell them; every day is not going to be Sunday. Every day is not going to be good. Some days will be bad, but I think most of my days are good days, and go to church treat everybody right, all those people who treat you wrong, love them anyhow,” said Mr. Morrison.
After 75 years of marriage, Mrs. Morrison still sings her song of love for her groom mixed with a kiss, but with notes that render a cautionary tale.
“I love you, Roy. You better not let me catch you walking down lover’s lane with anyone else but me, because I love you. I love you. I love you, Roy,” she sang.
The family held a big celebration to mark the three-quarters of a century milestone in August.
Together, they have ten children, twenty-four grandchildren, sixty-five great-grands, twelve great great grands, and five bonus adopted children.
Happy 75th Anniversary Mr. and Mrs. Morrison!