If you have been accused and charged with a crime you are in need of a seasoned criminal defense lawyer in Isle of Palms, 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 Isle of Palms 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 Isle of Palms 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 Isle of Palms, 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 Isle of Palms, 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 Isle of Palms and explore every possible angle to have it dismissed.
To begin that process, your criminal defense lawyer in Isle of Palms, SC, may seek answers to many questions, including:
If you are dealing with drug-related crimes in Isle of Palms 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 Isle of Palms 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 Isle of Palms, SC, today to learn more about the complexities involved with drug cases in Isle of Palms 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 Isle of Palms, 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.
ISLE OF PALMS, S.C. (WCSC) - The Isle of Palms City Council passed a new local rule that beachfront properties on the southern half of the island can no longer build pools past their maximum build line, as erosion recently has threatened that area of beach.“So, it’s a line where you can build your house up to, and in that particular area, you could build a pool even further out, which you know, for 50 years made some sense, because that part of our beach has been accretional,” Mayor Phillip Pounds said. “Sand h...
ISLE OF PALMS, S.C. (WCSC) - The Isle of Palms City Council passed a new local rule that beachfront properties on the southern half of the island can no longer build pools past their maximum build line, as erosion recently has threatened that area of beach.
“So, it’s a line where you can build your house up to, and in that particular area, you could build a pool even further out, which you know, for 50 years made some sense, because that part of our beach has been accretional,” Mayor Phillip Pounds said. “Sand has been building down there. We haven’t had erosion issues like we have on some of the other parts of the beach, but for the last two years, we’ve had pretty good erosion on the Breach Inlet end.”
To help with beach preservation, the city council rolled back that allowance. The ordinance now prohibits building any new pools past the build line from Breach Inlet to 10th Avenue.
“During our erosional period over the last couple of years, what has been mostly at risk have been pools, not houses. These pools were built past the maximum build line. There was a conversation, probably a year or so ago, about whether we should stop the new pools not being able to be built outside the maximum build line. So that’s what the ordinance did,” he added.
Riley Egger with the Coastal Conservation League says erosion can be quick and impactful in that area of the beach when it happens.
“We know in South Carolina that our beaches are extremely dynamic places, and in the case of Isle of Palms, they are situated next to an unstabilized inlet. So that means that there’s no reinforcement next to that, and that increases the erosion in certain areas on the Isle of Palms. And because of that, they need to be extra careful about where they develop to ensure the integrity of our public beaches and the resiliency of the coastal community,” Egger said.
The ordinance is only impacting oceanfront homes between 10th Avenue and Breach Inlet that do not currently have a pool built in that area. Those who do, the pools will continue to exist and are allowed to be repaired in their current location if something happens.
Pounds says anytime there’s a government restriction, he understands there may not be a swell of support, but he believes this is necessary for everyone involved.
“I mean, it is really about trying to help homeowners make smart decisions about their own property. But at the same time, when we have erosional issues and really making sure that the public beach remains public and that people can traverse it no matter what the tide is, no matter what’s going on that’s being built out there,” Pounds said.
He also mentioned that the ordinance is meant to be very specific to the area that is seeing issues and will hopefully have important implications in terms of beach protection at a critical time.
“This one seems very common-sensical that you just wouldn’t build a pool so far out when you’re oceanfront, that it may become at peril at some point with an erosional period,” he added. “And again, it’s so easy to get lulled into a safe zone, if you will. We’ve had such accretion for so many years, literally, 40 or 50 years, and now you’ve had an erosional cycle.”
“Our public beaches are extremely important for our economy. They’re extremely important for residents of South Carolina. And I think it’s one of our special natural resources that really identifies a sense of place of what South Carolina really is. In order to maintain our public beaches, long-term strategies need to be put into place,” Egger said.
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If you are planning a family vacation to the SC coast, a stellar beach to visit is Isle of Palms. Things to do at IOP near Charleston are endless. Isle of Palms is convenient, family-friendly, and fun. You can even make a fun day trip out of it! She shares all the information that you need, including things to do, where to eat, and how much parking costs if you’re just planning a quick day trip at this local South Carolina beach. About Isle of PalmsRecently, my family traveled to Charleston to...
If you are planning a family vacation to the SC coast, a stellar beach to visit is Isle of Palms. Things to do at IOP near Charleston are endless. Isle of Palms is convenient, family-friendly, and fun. You can even make a fun day trip out of it! She shares all the information that you need, including things to do, where to eat, and how much parking costs if you’re just planning a quick day trip at this local South Carolina beach.
Recently, my family traveled to Charleston to spend the day at Isle of Palms. Yes, you read that right – we went for the day. Isle of Palms is completely doable as a day trip. It’s perfect if you’re like me and live on a budget but long to breathe in the salt air.
Let me tell you, I was so impressed. There’s a quaint beachfront road lined with restaurants and shops. The shops are your typical beach shops filled with t-shirts, trinkets, and every size/shape boogie board to hit the market. You know, the kind of shops full of souvenirs found only on the coast.
There are also plenty of unique places to eat, a wonderful and clean beach, and fun shops to explore!
One of the best things to do while in town is to head to the beach. The beach at IOP is flat, and there is plenty of room, even during high tide. The boys had a great time with boogie and skimboards. You can also spend the day looking for seashells, building sandcastles, or just enjoying the sounds of the Atlantic Ocean. You can occasionally catch live music right by the dunes!
South Carolina’s crazy weather pattern has created a more hazardous environment for swimmers, so always be cautious of rip tides. In the midst of your family fun, make sure to keep an eye on the colored flag at the lifeguard stand.
If you park at Isle of Palms County Park, you’ll have restrooms, outdoor showers, and changing rooms available to you. This is a big deal when you have a 3-hour-plus ride back home!
The beach can get pretty crowded, especially on Saturday, so plan to get there early in the day if you want a large space on the beach to set up camp. If you are in need of chair and umbrella rentals, there is a company for that! You can rent surfboards, bikes, chairs, and umbrellas from IOP Beach Chair Co. They even rent accessible beach wheelchairs.
You’ll also find rentals for chairs, umbrellas, and boogie boards available at a cart by the restrooms at Isle of Palms County Park.
⭐Bonus tip: There is a Harris Teeter across the street from Isle of Palms park. It’s a good place to stop before the beach to load up on snacks, fruit, or even some pre-made sandwiches. You’ll save some money here over restaurants and beach carts!
There’s certainly no shortage of food choices. Whether you enjoy live music and seafood, or you’re looking for some good ol’ American burgers and fries, you will find a delicious meal at Isle of Palms. One of the most popular places is Acme Lowcountry Kitchen. They have mostly seafood options and use fresh and local ingredients, which would make for a great dinner after a long day on the beach. They also have a pretty decent kids’ menu, which is always a plus.
If you are looking for something delicious right off Ocean Boulevard, then Smugglers Island Eats and Raw Bar will hit the spot. They pride themselves on a family-friendly atmosphere with a casual vibe. Smugglers, of course, offers seafood like fried shrimp baskets, but also has smash burgers and vegetarian options if you want something else. Their frozen daiquiris are delicious by the way!
One of the most popular beach restaurants in IOP is Coconut Joe’s Beach Grill. They have lots of seafood dishes like crab cakes and shrimp and grits that are delicious, but they also have burgers and sandwiches. The restaurant is located by the ocean on Ocean Boulevard and offers a rooftop bar for patrons to enjoy a delicious cocktail while taking in the sunset over the Atlantic Ocean.
If you are a nature lover, then going on an ecology tour of the waterways and marshes near IOP would be a perfect addition to your trip. Barrier Island Eco Tours has public tours that are guided by a naturalist and include boat excursions, dolphin tours, an exploration of Capers Island, and more. You are certain to see lots of sealife on your excursion, and it is a wonderful way to learn more about the SC coast while also having a blast. The company offers public trips, private charters, school trips, and special events throughout the year.
The beachfront Isle of Palms County Park offers great parking, snack bars, restrooms, and beach access. Admission prices vary depending on the season, but car prices do not exceed $15 during the week, and $25 on weekends. If Saturday is your only option for travel, you’ll want to get an early start. The County Park lot will fill up, I promise. I’m speaking from experience.
Parking on the street is an option, but the spaces are limited on the weekends. There are electronic pay-boxes along the sidewalk, so make sure to have a card handy (it’s inexpensive). We lucked out with a spot on the street directly in front of beach access with a clean bathhouse.
Between the County Park and plenty of public beach access, you can’t go wrong with a trip to the Isle of Palms. Whether you are renting a home, having a day trip, staying at Wild Dunes Resort, or vacationing at one of the few hotels in town, you are certain to find your Isle of Palms vacation worthwhile.
Visit the Isle of Palms website for more information on where to eat, what to do, and where to stay if you need more than a day trip.
Use the map below to find the perfect place to stay in Isle of Palms. Kidding Around earns when you book through these links through an affiliate relationship with Stay 22.
What’s your favorite thing to do when visiting the Isle of Palms?
If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.We asked our readers to vote for their favorite spots for fresh catch and local shrimp in the Palmetto State—here are their picks.When in Rome, do as the Romans do. When in South Carolina, find the nearest seafood dive and tuck into a platter of fried sh...
If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
We asked our readers to vote for their favorite spots for fresh catch and local shrimp in the Palmetto State—here are their picks.
When in Rome, do as the Romans do. When in South Carolina, find the nearest seafood dive and tuck into a platter of fried shrimp—preferably one served with an ice-cold beer and an unobstructed view of the water. While you can take to Google or a guidebook to determine where to go for steamed oysters or shrimp and grits in the Lowcountry, we decided to consult the folks who care about good Southern seafood as much as we do: our readers.
When you’ve been around for more than 75 years, you’re bound to be doing something right. At this beloved institution in the fishing village of Murrells Inlet, try not to load up on the hot hush puppies they bring to the table on arrival—though it's awfully tempting. There's still so much more to savor, like the hand-peeled, cold-boiled shrimp pulled from the waters of nearby McClellanville or the thin and crispy onion rings—Lee’s is as famous for those as it is for the seafood.
Order: The Shrimp Salad ($28.95), made with boiled fantail shrimp and Duke's mayo, is another house specialty.
It doesn’t get much fresher than this Hilton Head Island mainstay, where 90% of the seafood served comes directly from the surrounding waters. Because of its enviable position on the edge of Port Royal Sound, guests can watch a local fishing fleet (one of only two on the island) unload the day’s loot, which could include anything from white shrimp to soft-shell crab.
Order: From September through April, opt for the steamed local cluster oysters in the shell ($12 for a half bucket); the restaurant farms and harvests them.
Should you find yourself in the Holy City, make the worthwhile dirt-road detour to this family-owned restaurant that’s been a rambling fixture along Folly Creek since 1946. With its graffitied walls and worn-in wood floors, it doesn’t beg for attention, and it doesn’t need to. Deemed an American Classic by the James Beard Foundation in 2006, the Lowcountry seafood joint shovels fresh-steamed oysters onto trays September through the first half of May and dishes fried shrimp and hush puppies year-round. It’s all delicious—and it's made even more so if you snag a seat on the waterside deck.
Order: The shrimp (served boiled or fried) and fried fish platter is served with the seafood-dive-side-dish trifecta: french fries, hush puppies, and coleslaw.
Situated on the main drag of the freewheeling beach town just 12 miles from buttoned-up Charleston, The Crab Shack is as family-friendly and flip-flop casual as its surrounds. Start with the the she-crab soup, but save room: The value seafood baskets—which you can order with flounder, shrimp, or scallops (or a combination of all three)—are generously portioned. Catch them at another location in Charleston as well.
Order: The marquee offering, The Charleston Steamed Seafood Bucket, includes two snow crab clusters, large domestic shrimp, and steamed oysters (market price).
Housed in a reimagined garage on Upper King Street, the Brooks Reitz-helmed restaurant turned 10 in 2024, but it’s been a neighborhood favorite from the start, thanks to a menu of mouthwatering fried chicken, expectedly fresh oysters, and surprisingly craveable salads. Add to the clever mix soft-serve ice cream and buckets of Miller High Life ponies, and you’ve found yourself one of the best meals in this restaurant-proud town.
Order: Even the bivalve-averse crowd may develop a taste for oysters after sampling Leon's char-grilled take, which swim in a melty swirl of lemon and butter and are topped with a generous sprinkle of parmesan. The "old-school" scalloped potatoes are also not to be missed.
Don’t let inevitable line out the door during summertime scare you off. This treasured counter-service spot with just 40 seats is an area favorite thanks to its wide array of offerings, from conch fritters to flounder sandwiches. It’s all made to order and to your liking—fried, grilled, or blackened. Wash it down with a glass of what they declare to be the best sweet tea on the island, and finish with a slice of strawberry Key Lime pie (when it’s seasonally available) or a cup of banana pudding.
Order: Hearty appetites should try the Shack Attack Combo ($17.95 for lunch, $19.95 for dinner), which combines a crab cake, fish, shrimp, scallops, and oysters on a giant paper platter. Homemade tartar sauce is the traditional accompaniment, but we think the brandy-infused gator sauce makes an even better platter slather.
With its lofted ceilings, lacquered-wood booths, and commitment to retro branding, this Sullivan’s Island joint feels like it’s been there forever. In reality, it’s a newcomer—a spring 2022 top-to-bottom overhaul of a restaurant that had called the same spot home for 30 years. And while the nostalgically striped, umbrella-shaded patio is painfully charming, the takeaway window makes a strong case for a to-go lobster roll savored on the beach just a few blocks away.
Order: The shrimp fried rice ($24) puts a fresh coastal twist on a takeout mainstay. We also love the Key lime pie.
So named for the trawler that was tossed ashore on the same spot during Hurricane Hugo in 1989, this dinner-only, no-reservations establishment on Shem Creek shrugs off formalities in favor of its dynamite views and deliciously simple seafood. The best seat in the house belongs to the wooden dockside bar, where sunset views and local craft beers are just an arm’s length away.
Order: Complete with red rice, coleslaw, a hush puppy, and a fried hominy square, the shrimp platter (from $17.95) is a true taste of the Lowcountry. The deviled crab is also worth a try.
This family-owned lunch spot has been an island institution since it first opened its doors in 1978, and its magic belongs to its simplicity. They're only open for lunch, and you order through a carry-out window—though you don't have to take your food home. Snag one of the picnic tables on the porch for an especially satisfying alfresco dining experience.
Order: Given the restaurant's name, it's obvious you can't go wrong with shrimp here, but the shrimp burger ($9.30), served on a bun with tartar sauce and mayo, is a true crowd favorite.
There’s something for everyone on the extensive menu at this landmark Grand Strand restaurant and seafood market owned by a fisherman father and his culinary school-trained daughter. Choose a South Carolina classic, like the Lowcountry boil, or make the most of the raw bar and order a sushi roll or two. Stretch mealtime into a full-fledged Mr. Fish experience by reserving a ride to and from dinner in the Mr. Fishmobile, a bright blue school bus that hits all the nostalgic high notes.
Order: The seafood tacos ($15) are made with your choice of mahi, tuna, or shrimp and are topped with chipotle-lime sauce.