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

Criminal Defense Lawyer in Johns Island, SC

cd-head-bottom

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 Johns Island, 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 Johns Island 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.

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
  • 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 Johns Island, 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.

Criminal Defense Lawyer Johns Island, SC

Understanding Criminal Defense Cases in South Carolina

cd-head-bottom

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.

State and Federal Criminal Defense Cases in South Carolina

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.

 Attorney At Law Johns Island, SC
 Car Accident Attorney Johns Island, SC

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, 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 Johns Island, SC.

Plea Deals in South Carolina

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.

 Car Accident Lawyer Johns Island, SC

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

cd-head-bottom

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.

 Family Law Johns Island, SC

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. 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.


 Family Law Attorney Johns Island, SC

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. 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 Johns Island, SC, present during questioning, and you should absolutely use that to your advantage.


 Family Lawyer Johns Island, SC

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.


 Personal Injury Lawyer Johns Island, SC

When You Are Wrongly Accused of Committing a Crime

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.


 Truck Accident Attorney Johns Island, SC

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 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.

Criminal Defense for DUIs in South Carolina

cd-head-bottom

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 Johns Island and explore every possible angle to have it dismissed.

To begin that process, your criminal defense lawyer in Johns Island, 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.
 Truck Accident Lawyer Johns Island, SC

Criminal Defense for Drug Cases in South Carolina

cd-head-bottom

If you are dealing with drug-related crimes in Johns Island 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 Johns Island 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
Criminal Defense Lawyer Johns Island, SC

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 Johns Island, SC, today to learn more about the complexities involved with drug cases in Johns Island 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
 Attorney At Law Johns Island, SC

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

cd-head-bottom

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.

 Car Accident Attorney Johns Island, SC

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 Johns Island, 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 Johns Island, SC

cd-head-bottom

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.

Make an Apportment

Latest News in Johns Island, SC

Johns Island residents weigh in on new Maybank Village development

A new development is coming to a neighborhood right off of Maybank Highway has some neighbors talking.JOHNS ISLAND, S.C. (WCSC) - A new development is coming to a neighborhood right off of Maybank Highway has some neighbors talking.As you hit Timberline Drive and Maybank Highway, it takes you directly into the new neighborhood, Maybank Village. The new development is hard to miss as it sits at the front of the community.The groundwork for a new Spinx gas station has just begun. The project has been in the works since ...

A new development is coming to a neighborhood right off of Maybank Highway has some neighbors talking.

JOHNS ISLAND, S.C. (WCSC) - A new development is coming to a neighborhood right off of Maybank Highway has some neighbors talking.

As you hit Timberline Drive and Maybank Highway, it takes you directly into the new neighborhood, Maybank Village. The new development is hard to miss as it sits at the front of the community.

The groundwork for a new Spinx gas station has just begun. The project has been in the works since 2021, and members of the neighborhood say they’re not happy with the development. There is only one way into the upcoming gas station, and it requires drivers to enter the neighborhood first, then turn right to get into the station.

Residents say they don’t understand why Maybank Highway needs another gas station with several stretching across the highway already.

“Why? We don’t need a gas station here. If you go a mile down Maybank that way, there’s two gas stations. If you go down Maybank that way two miles, there’s two more gas stations. So why do you need a gas station here in the middle of Maybank that’s going to cause horrendous traffic jams,” Treasurer for the Homeowners Association Bill Antonucci said.

There are serious concerns about the bright lights and noise that might come along with the Spinx Station as well.

“This gas station is coming so close to our residential properties. These people in this house right here are going to have gas pumps and gas tanks right in their backyard. The people that are building this site, people in the city council, and the people in the zoning departments don’t seem to care. We’ve had people write to them and nobody seems to care. Nobody is responding,” Antonucci said.

Despite the frustration from members of the community, the City of Charleston is allowed to do this based on zoning regulations.

“The business in question is being built under the site’s base zoning, which is a property right protected by state law,” a city spokesperson said in a statement. “That’s why the city strongly supports a comprehensive, all-of-the-above traffic-relief strategy for Johns Island, including the widening of Maybank Highway, the construction of both the northern and southern pitchforks and the completion of I-526. The city will continue to work closely with our state and county partners until Johns Island residents see real traffic relief as a result of these and other critical roadroads projects.”

Copyright 2023 WCSC. All rights reserved.

Johns Island is fed up with traffic. Can a new Charleston City Council member help?

JOHNS ISLAND — Five miles from the line of cars crawling through the island’s busiest intersection, three miles from a sparkling subdivision strewn with strollers, half a mile from a shabby horse stable, right off a road of mossy oaks, inside a farm stand spilling with wet tomatoes, cayenne peppers and kale, Janice Lane is furious about traffic.“It’s just gotten crazy,” said Lane, who on a recent Thursday afternoon was bagging squash at Fields Farm Market. “Too many people. Too many subdivisions.&rd...

JOHNS ISLAND — Five miles from the line of cars crawling through the island’s busiest intersection, three miles from a sparkling subdivision strewn with strollers, half a mile from a shabby horse stable, right off a road of mossy oaks, inside a farm stand spilling with wet tomatoes, cayenne peppers and kale, Janice Lane is furious about traffic.

“It’s just gotten crazy,” said Lane, who on a recent Thursday afternoon was bagging squash at Fields Farm Market. “Too many people. Too many subdivisions.”

Lane is old Johns Island: She moved to its rural, southern part in 1985, back when downtown was only a half-hour drive away. Now, it takes her the same time to reach the intersection of River Road and Maybank Highway from her house — 1.5 miles down the road.

Lane doesn’t live within the city of Charleston’s boundaries, but all of Johns Island is growing. Population surged from around 15,100 people in 2010 to nearly 22,900 in 2021, census data shows. A single-family home now goes for $687,000 on average. Fast-food restaurants line Maybank Highway, and subdivisions keep cropping up.

The island’s growth coincides with a political development. For the first time, residents within the Charleston city boundaries of this historically rural, yet rapidly urbanizing, area will elect their own Charleston City Council member; that council member will no longer represent parts of outer West Ashley, allowing them to concentrate on island-specific concerns.

Redistricting created a newly drawn District 3, which includes the parts of Johns Island and a sliver of James Island within Charleston city limits. District 5 Councilman Karl Brady currently represents Johns Island voters in a bloc covering parts of outer West Ashley. City Council adopted the new map last fall, which takes effect for the approaching Nov. 7 election.

It’s an exciting change for residents who have lamented the dilution of their political voice. It’s also a testing ground for three candidates, all of whom say they’ll address the island’s biggest problem — development without the infrastructure to match.

Stephanie Hodges, Jim McBride and Bill Antonucci will vie for a seat at City Hall. At stake is the future of a fast-growing area some residents worry is losing its rural quirk.

‘Sorry I’m late. I live on Johns Island.’

Traffic is the most common gripe among District 3 voters. The area, they say, wasn’t designed for so many cars.

Only two routes transport drivers on and off the island. Limited lanes lead to bumper-to-bumper rush hour traffic, and a busy intersection at River and Maybank aggravates the congestion.

Some say the proposed Interstate 526 extension, which would connect West Ashley to Johns and James Island, is a salve. But that project is years away, if ever. Plans to widen parts of Main Road and build a bypass around the clogged intersection are distant, too.

A bumper sticker sums up residents’ frustration.

“Sorry I’m late,” it reads. “I live on Johns Island.”

Dated infrastructure hasn’t slowed development. A builder in July purchased 300 acres of land, a tract large enough to accommodate 430 homes. Over 200 rental homes will hit the market soon. And new businesses — a butcher shop, wine bar and gym — will start opening this year.

Construction is especially dense along Maybank Highway, which bisects the island. A Circle K, CVS and bank of storage lockers are landmarks. Cars amble down the road as early as 3 p.m., two hours before rush hour.

Driving is the best way to navigate the terrain. Bus access is limited, and few sidewalks line thoroughfares, forcing children to walk to school beside speeding cars.

Some residents dislike the big box stores cropping up on the island, an area renowned for its tomatoes and towering oaks. Others welcome the convenience. Most everyone says better roads are a must.

Infrastructure was the issue animating an Oct. 5 candidate forum, where Hodges, McBride and Antonucci pitched themselves as the best candidate to address traffic woes.

Hodges, the owner of a nutrition policy consulting business, moved to the island in 2018. She cites several proposals to relieve traffic — a roundabout at Cane Slash Road, another lane off the island that dodges trees.

Bike lanes, bus routes and sidewalks would ease congestion, Hodges told a crowd of 40 people at the Berkeley Electric Cooperative. And the area needs more affordable housing: “People who have grown up here and want to raise their families here can’t afford homes,” she said before the forum.

Hodges points to her policy research background as preparation for City Hall. McBride says his military experience will help him handle infrastructure projects.

The retired Marine Corps lieutenant colonel floated ideas for reducing traffic, including creating reversible lanes along parts of Maybank Highway during rush hour. That proposal could require trimming an oak canopy to install signals. He told The Post and Courier that idea isn’t set in stone, adding he’d balance “the pain of the traffic is causing with the impact to the trees.”

“Growth is OK as long as it’s controlled,” he said at the forum.

Advocating for zoning rules limiting the number of units per acre is a “consideration,” he told The Johns Island Advocate, a community newspaper. McBride moved to the island in 2021.

Charleston County leaders review plans for golf course on Johns Island

The first steps are underway toward a proposed golf course as Charleston County leaders considered it at a meeting Monday.CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - The first steps are underway toward a proposed golf course as Charleston County leaders considered it at a meeting Monday.The new course would be built between Bohicket and River Roads and Charleston County Planning Commission discussed the golf cou...

The first steps are underway toward a proposed golf course as Charleston County leaders considered it at a meeting Monday.

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - The first steps are underway toward a proposed golf course as Charleston County leaders considered it at a meeting Monday.

The new course would be built between Bohicket and River Roads and Charleston County Planning Commission discussed the golf course and the accompanying neighborhood.

Dana Beach, the Founder of the Coastal Conservation League, said the development is important because it will set a precedent for the rest of Johns island. He said it’s important to clearly define the edges of Charleston County’s Urban Growth Boundary to avoid increased development on the island in the future.

The Orange Hill Project pushes right up against that boundary, which was set by the county to limit urban sprawl.

The 933-acre project includes a private golf course and 121 homes. While a plan for a golf course and neighborhood was already approved by the County for this area in 2004, the plan developers presented Monday actually reduces the number of homes plotted on the land and changes the location of the golf course and its entry point.

Beach said he’s happy to see the number of homes decreasing; however, he thinks the best thing Orange Hill developers could do for the Island is to place the undeveloped land under a conservation easement, essentially protecting the undeveloped land from further development forever.

“It really signifies a commitment to the future of the island, as a place that is not highly developed,” Beach said.

When asked if they would put a conservation easement on the undeveloped land in the project, developers said it was something they would consider. But they said over 200 acres of the property already have wetland covenants in place that protect the property from being developed.

“It’s difficult to have preservation covenants placed on wetlands, we have to get through the permitting process before that would happen,” Ray Pantlik, with South Street Partners, said.

Copyright 2023 WCSC. All rights reserved.

10 Charleston Restaurants to Book for Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving is only a few weeks away, so there's plenty time to abandon plans to actually cook a turkey or battle traffic to get home. Presenting a map of restaurants that will be open, for those looking for a place to get ham and fixin's prepared by some of the best chefs in the South. Plus, insight on who is serving prix fixe options and where to gorge on pie.Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. ...

Thanksgiving is only a few weeks away, so there's plenty time to abandon plans to actually cook a turkey or battle traffic to get home. Presenting a map of restaurants that will be open, for those looking for a place to get ham and fixin's prepared by some of the best chefs in the South. Plus, insight on who is serving prix fixe options and where to gorge on pie.

Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

Kiawah offers plenty of experiences for Thanksgiving from the super fancy Ocean Room to a traditional buffet at the Jasmine Porch. Book early.

If there’s a football game playing somewhere then Uptown Social is open, including on Thanksgiving. The rollicking sports bar will serve high-caliber bar pies, wings, chicken Parmesan sandwiches, frozen cocktails, and plenty of beer.

Thanksgiving dinner at Marion Square restaurant Gabrielle will be a multi-course meal from newly appointed chef Edgar Kano. For $95, customers can dine on heritage turkey and all the sides in the elegant dining room at the Hotel Bennett.

White tablecloth restaurant Charleston Grill tends to sell out Thanksgiving service early, but perhaps snag a seat at the bar. This year, the team put together a three-course meal for the occasion.

Enjoy Thanksgiving high above the city at rooftop hotel restaurant the Watch. Linger in the sunset with a few drinks and friends. This year, there will be a Thanksgiving buffet including roasted turkey, honey-glazed ham, mac and cheese, deviled eggs, and much, much more. The cost of the spread is $65+ per adult.

On Thanksgiving Day, Southern restaurant Poogan’s Porch will serve a $75 prix fixe menu with classic items from its daily menu and a traditional holiday feast — they also offer pick-up orders for customers to feast at home.

Sorelle will serve an Italian-American feast on Thursday, November 23. Chef Nick Dugan and his team will create dishes like chestnut agnolotti, porcini sformato, and heritage turkey. The multi-course menu is $125.

Thanksgiving is traditionally a sold out event at Peninsula Grill, but give the reservation line a try. Better yet, slide into the champagne bar if there's a free seat.

Go Italian for Thanksgiving at Frannie and the Fox. The restaurant offers wood-fired pizzas and creative cocktails, along with seasonal items like the apple panzanella salad and the squash agnolotti with guanciale. Bonus: For locals with out-of-town family members needing a hotel, the Emeline is extending a 20% discount to friends and family of locals during the week of Thanksgiving with the code LOCALSLTO23.

Steakhouse Burwell's opens on Thanksgiving Day with a menu of wedge salad, baked oysters, jumbo shrimp cocktails — and, of course, steak.

Kiawah offers plenty of experiences for Thanksgiving from the super fancy Ocean Room to a traditional buffet at the Jasmine Porch. Book early.

If there’s a football game playing somewhere then Uptown Social is open, including on Thanksgiving. The rollicking sports bar will serve high-caliber bar pies, wings, chicken Parmesan sandwiches, frozen cocktails, and plenty of beer.

Thanksgiving dinner at Marion Square restaurant Gabrielle will be a multi-course meal from newly appointed chef Edgar Kano. For $95, customers can dine on heritage turkey and all the sides in the elegant dining room at the Hotel Bennett.

White tablecloth restaurant Charleston Grill tends to sell out Thanksgiving service early, but perhaps snag a seat at the bar. This year, the team put together a three-course meal for the occasion.

Enjoy Thanksgiving high above the city at rooftop hotel restaurant the Watch. Linger in the sunset with a few drinks and friends. This year, there will be a Thanksgiving buffet including roasted turkey, honey-glazed ham, mac and cheese, deviled eggs, and much, much more. The cost of the spread is $65+ per adult.

On Thanksgiving Day, Southern restaurant Poogan’s Porch will serve a $75 prix fixe menu with classic items from its daily menu and a traditional holiday feast — they also offer pick-up orders for customers to feast at home.

Sorelle will serve an Italian-American feast on Thursday, November 23. Chef Nick Dugan and his team will create dishes like chestnut agnolotti, porcini sformato, and heritage turkey. The multi-course menu is $125.

Thanksgiving is traditionally a sold out event at Peninsula Grill, but give the reservation line a try. Better yet, slide into the champagne bar if there's a free seat.

Go Italian for Thanksgiving at Frannie and the Fox. The restaurant offers wood-fired pizzas and creative cocktails, along with seasonal items like the apple panzanella salad and the squash agnolotti with guanciale. Bonus: For locals with out-of-town family members needing a hotel, the Emeline is extending a 20% discount to friends and family of locals during the week of Thanksgiving with the code LOCALSLTO23.

Steakhouse Burwell's opens on Thanksgiving Day with a menu of wedge salad, baked oysters, jumbo shrimp cocktails — and, of course, steak.

Johns Island gains new restaurant serving house-made flour tortillas, slow-cooked meats

JOHNS ISLAND — A Mexican-inspired restaurant is now open in a brand-new building, just like many of the structures that line this busy stretch of Maybank Highway. Like its modern home, the cocktail menu at Colectivo, which debuted Sept. 6, is firmly planted in this era of dining.Classic cocktails are turned up a notch ...

JOHNS ISLAND — A Mexican-inspired restaurant is now open in a brand-new building, just like many of the structures that line this busy stretch of Maybank Highway. Like its modern home, the cocktail menu at Colectivo, which debuted Sept. 6, is firmly planted in this era of dining.

Classic cocktails are turned up a notch with house-made ingredients (see: Butterfly Southside) and served in the correlating glass — the Cap n’ Cup with Cappelletti Aperitivo and mezcal arrives in a Nick & Nora, while lighter options like the Spice Tea with amaro, lemon and coconut milk are served in tall Collins glasses. The list of 10 drinks is joined by local craft beers, a non-alcoholic margarita and a multi-page list of mezcals, a smoky spirit that has become trendy of late.

The dinner menu has its contemporary flair, too.

Birria bone marrow sopes capitalize on diners’ fondness for the unctuous, fatty tissue meat, which can be scooped straight from two bones and placed on a masa tart with sweet potato. Seasonal fruit — watermelon and jicama when we went — is tossed in a sticky chamoy sauce and sprinkled with Sour Patch Watermelons. (Yes, the sour chewy candy.) An Arizona-style quesadilla glistens with bubbling cheese while resting on a pizza stand.

At Colectivo, traditional Mexican dishes are paired with creative cheffy spins, showcasing the spirit of a chef who doesn’t take himself too seriously.

That chef is Arizona-born Alex Yellan, who owns Colectivo with business partners Chad and Holly Dennis. Yellan spent time at Mexican restaurants D.F. in Portland, Ore., and Empellon Taqueria in New York City, among others, before moving to Charleston to join Sean Brock at Minero, where he helped launch the tortilla program.

He left Minero for a few years to work at Tu before returning in 2019 as executive chef. (This was before Minero closed its East Bay Street location and moved to Johns Island, two miles away from Colectivo.) Yellan ran the kitchen at The Tippling House before striking out on his own.

Drawing on his many years of experience, Yellan is honoring the home-cooked meals he had during two long stints in Mexico. Colectivo’s food is representative of the dishes he started to crave when he came home.

“There were just piles of tortillas everywhere, there was chicharron as far as the eye could see,” said Yellan, recalling meals cooked by the family he was staying with in the Yucatán. “It just changed what I thought about Mexican food.”

Rather than stacked on the table, tortillas are neatly wrapped and presented at Colectivo. Patrons can choose between flour and corn before filling the tortilla with braised beef belly, charred spring onion, salsa verde, onions and cilantro — that’s the Suadero. It pairs particularly well with the aromatic flour tortillas, made with White Sonora that is sourced from Hayden Flour Mills in Arizona.

To make those tortillas, the heirloom flour is combined with salt, lard and, later, warm water. After resting for an hour, it is cut into balls. Some head for the big iron press that forms the base for Colectivo’s open-faced quesadilla, while the rest are run through a tortilla machine and finished on the griddle, bringing out the flour’s nutty scent.

Another labor of love, the beef belly is salted for 24 hours and paired with lard, onions and bay leaf, then braised for eight to 10 hours. Colectivo’s barbacoa (lamb), carnitas ribs and cochinita pibil (Yucatán-style pork) are also cooked overnight.

Platters come with meat, tortillas, small sides and salsas ($22-$26), more than enough for two people. Make sure to leave room for Colectivo’s shareable botanas (snacks) and mariscos (seafood).

Seafood is a big part of Mexico’s culture and cuisine — the country has 7,000 miles of coastline, 4,500 of which faces the Pacific Ocean. That means mariscos restaurants and food stands are prevalent in Mexico. One of the mariscos dishes often found is the cóctel, a Mexican shrimp cocktail that is much different than ones served at fancy American steakhouses.

Yellan’s take on a classic cóctel arrives in a tall glass, brimming with shrimp and octopus submerged in a spicy gazpacho-like sauce and served with saltines and tostadas for dipping. A dish steeped in tradition, this is one botana that should be ordered at Colectivo, though I must note that the sauce has a gentle but persistent kick.

While this and the candy-topped watermelon and jicama appetizer require a slight sense of adventure on the part of the diner, other nostalgic Colectivo will please even the pickiest of guests.

Choose from guacamole, tamales, ceviche and shrimp tacos, with sides like Mexican red rice and and fingerlings with liquid gouda cheese. The other night, it was hard not to spot the other tables with pizza stands, holding the thin open-faced quesadillas colored by roasted poblano pepper spirals slicing through melty cheese.

Disclaimer:

This website publishes news articles that contain copyrighted material whose use has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. The non-commercial use of these news articles for the purposes of local news reporting constitutes "Fair Use" of the copyrighted materials as provided for in Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.