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 Ladson, 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 Ladson 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 Ladson, 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 Ladson, 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 Ladson, 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 Ladson and explore every possible angle to have it dismissed.
To begin that process, your criminal defense lawyer in Ladson, SC, may seek answers to many questions, including:
If you are dealing with drug-related crimes in Ladson 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 Ladson 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 Ladson, SC, today to learn more about the complexities involved with drug cases in Ladson 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 Ladson, 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.
LADSON — Dorchester County has unveiled the first of the new fire and EMS stations they have planned.County Administrator Jason Ward said the Ladson station, which opened July 11, will be a model for future stations.The new technology the county has implemented is PURVIS, a dispatch system that streamlines operations by electronically sending calls through an automated voice to only a number of stations that need to be alerted to a situation. This will allow dispatchers to move on to the next call, and the system also eva...
LADSON — Dorchester County has unveiled the first of the new fire and EMS stations they have planned.
County Administrator Jason Ward said the Ladson station, which opened July 11, will be a model for future stations.
The new technology the county has implemented is PURVIS, a dispatch system that streamlines operations by electronically sending calls through an automated voice to only a number of stations that need to be alerted to a situation. This will allow dispatchers to move on to the next call, and the system also evaluates how many engines are needed to help.
The Ladson station will be the first to use PURVIS. Mario Formisano, deputy administrator for public safety, and Dorchester County Fire Chief Tres Atkinson said all the other stations in the county have PURVIS as well and will start to use it shortly after the Ladson station.
This new station will hold up to 12 people, and has three bays, which can hold up to six vehicles between fire and EMS, according to Formisano.
The $3.3 million station was funded through the Oakbrook Tax Increment Financing District. Ward emphasized how the station is a partnership between Dorchester County, the Town of Summerville and Dorchester School District Two.
“This is one of our flagship projects,” Ward said. “Public safety is one of our primary functions.”
Formisano said part of the reason they needed a new station was because the old station — which was constructed in the 1970s — didn’t face the road. Ward added the building was just starting to show its age, and some parts of it couldn’t be utilized.
Atkinson said the old station had been remodeled several times since its construction, and the firefighters stationed there consistently dealt with maintenance issues.
The county is planning on building two more stations, according to Formisano. He said one is on track to open in the Summers Corner area around November 2024. Ward said the Summers Corner station will be similar to the Ladson station but will have two bays instead of three.
There are also plans to build a new Jedburg station to replace the one on Highway 78, but Formisano said the county is currently looking for property to build the station.
There are already opportunities for the Ladson station to expand. Ward said the Coast Guard is looking to have better access to the Ashley River in Dorchester County for water rescue. One option the county and town are looking at in collaboration with the Coast Guard and a legislative delegation is to add another bay to the Ladson station specifically for the Coast Guard’s use.
Atkinson said getting a new station is a morale boost for the personnel.
“Anytime you get new equipment and new living areas, or something new, that does a lot for our departments,” Atkinson said.
A 3-year-old vanished from an apartment complex before being found at the bottom of a retention pond, South Carolina officials said.The toddler was pulled from the water with “no signs of life...
A 3-year-old vanished from an apartment complex before being found at the bottom of a retention pond, South Carolina officials said.
The toddler was pulled from the water with “no signs of life” and was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the Dorchester County sheriff’s and coroner’s offices.
The child was identified in a news release as John Tyheem Williams Jr.
Deputies said they responded to a report of a missing toddler at about noon on Friday, Sept. 8. The child was last seen at an apartment complex in the Ladson area, roughly 20 miles northwest of Charleston.
A deputy reported that someone found an iPod in a retention pond that might have belonged to the 3-year-old. Then, the sheriff’s office started working with other agencies to search the water for the missing child, according to an incident report.
At about 1 p.m., a diver found the child “approximately 15-20 feet from the bank in about 10-12 feet of water.” The toddler’s body was taken to the coroner’s office, where an autopsy was scheduled, according to officials.
Deputies in a Sept. 8 email said they were investigating the child’s apparent drowning death along with the coroner’s office and the S.C. Law Enforcement Division.
At least 4,000 people die from drowning every year in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and drowning is a leading cause of death for children.
Some factors can make drowning more likely, including not knowing how to swim, a lack of close supervision, not wearing a life jacket and drinking alcohol while recreating near or in water.
The National Drowning Prevention Alliance said there are tips to help keep you safe in the water, including checking local weather conditions, never swimming alone and choosing the right equipment.
“Don’t hesitate to get out of the water if something doesn’t feel right,” the group said on its website. “Whether it’s that the current is getting rough, rain has started to fall, or your body is just not responding like you would like it to due to fatigue or muscle cramps, then just leave and return to the water another day. It’s always a good thing to trust your instincts.”
This story was originally published September 11, 2023, 9:12 AM.
LADSON, S.C. (WCSC) - The Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester Council of Governments held a public open house Tuesday in Ladson to provide new updates and hear from members of the community on the Lowcountry Rapid Transit.Located at the Lowcountry Rapid Transit lines end, the new location for the proposed park and ride will be at the Exchange Park Fairgrounds in Ladson.The more than 21-mile transit plan is to connect downtown Charleston to the Exchange Park Fairgrounds, where parking for 280 cars will be available.The Berkele...
LADSON, S.C. (WCSC) - The Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester Council of Governments held a public open house Tuesday in Ladson to provide new updates and hear from members of the community on the Lowcountry Rapid Transit.
Located at the Lowcountry Rapid Transit lines end, the new location for the proposed park and ride will be at the Exchange Park Fairgrounds in Ladson.
The more than 21-mile transit plan is to connect downtown Charleston to the Exchange Park Fairgrounds, where parking for 280 cars will be available.
The Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester Council of Governments says the location of the park and ride system will be a quick and convenient station for those traveling from surrounding areas to downtown.
“This park and ride will continue to be a critical piece, whether this was the middle line will continue to Summerville or even beyond, folks will still have to drive to this location and park to get on the dedicated guideway,” Lowcountry Rapid Transit Project Manager, Sharon Hollis, says. “But we can get them off of Highway 26, and onto the system to perhaps maybe alleviate some congestion that way.”
The park and ride location was adjusted from the northern end line of downtown Summerville to Exchange Park.
With transit lines ending in Ladson in the current plan, some community members are asking for the routes to be extended to Summerville.
“This needs to go all the way to Summerville, this system has to work,” Best Friends of Lowcountry Transit Executive Director, William Hamilton, says. “There are 300,000 or 400,000 more people coming to our area, there is no possible way, nor is there anything close to the funds necessary to build the necessary roads.
“Congestion will become intolerable unless there are significant efforts made to take some of the burden off of the road system,” he adds.
Hollis says a lot of factors would play into an extension, including funding and demand from those in the area who would use it.
“As we start to build, transit demand from Summerville to this location, we’ll start to have the ability to do that more permanent infrastructure to put the buses and dedicated lane,” she says. “It’s a step process, and we’re just we’re a little further behind than that one.”
Back in March, the Lowcountry Rapid Transit System Project was awarded $100 million in President Biden’s 2024 budget.
“This is the very core of our community; this should remove some of the burden that is on our existing roads, but people need to understand this does not mean that the congestion we have now will disappear,” Hamilton says.
The requested federal funding represents 60% of the project cost, or about $375 million. The anticipated local funding from Charleston County represents 40% of the project cost, or about $250 million.
The Lowcountry Rapid Transit is currently at the halfway mark of the 12-year process with construction expected to begin in 2026.
Copyright 2023 WCSC. All rights reserved.
CHARLESTON COUNTY, S.C. (WCSC) - More than six months after a woman was crushed to death at a Ladson business, officials with the South Carolina Occupation Safety and Health Administration have shared their investigative findings on what they believe the business failed to do.Jessica Birkmire, 53, died at Pegasus Steel in Ladson on Jan. 12 after a large, steel door closed on her, crushing her arm and head, according to the ...
CHARLESTON COUNTY, S.C. (WCSC) - More than six months after a woman was crushed to death at a Ladson business, officials with the South Carolina Occupation Safety and Health Administration have shared their investigative findings on what they believe the business failed to do.
Jessica Birkmire, 53, died at Pegasus Steel in Ladson on Jan. 12 after a large, steel door closed on her, crushing her arm and head, according to the Charleston County Coroner.
OSHA’s investigative report says Birkmire was preparing to unload materials at a large bay door when she reached through a small gap to click the ‘open’ button. She instead clicked the ‘close’ button, and the door shut on Birkmire.
OSHA details how Pegasus Steel did not conduct a ‘job hazard analysis,’ and despite making references to these job inspections, they provided no documentation to prove these risk assessments had been completed.
They say their inspection revealed conditions they believe to be in violation of state health and safety laws, specifically Code 41-15-210, which states “each employer shall furnish to his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees.”
The report states this is a ‘serious’ violation.
OSHA’s report goes on to say there is, however, a memo from management sent out last summer that explains how employees were not authorized to walk through the bay doors, according to the report. During investigative interviews, OSHA found employees were routinely walking through these doors, and the report states no disciplinary action was taken.
The Chief Human Resources Officer for Pegasus Steel said in an interview with OSHA officials that Birkmire broke safety codes at the business when she reached through the bay door. The report also details how Birkmire was “headstrong” and that management had told her in the past to “not place her body in places that can hurt her.”
OSHA says the company also should have had sensors in place to detect objects in the door’s path.
OSHA provided Pegasus Steel with tips on how to keep the door from closing on people again including installing sensors. The business is also now ordered to pay a penalty of $3,500.
Officials said in the report they’re currently working on relocating those control buttons that Birkmire pushed. The business did not respond to a request for comment.
Copyright 2023 WCSC. All rights reserved.
A 336-unit multifamily housing complex in Ladson called Broadstone Ingleside sold for $77.5 million, according to Cushman & Wakefield, a commercial real estate services firm that arranged the deal.Cushman & Wakefield’s John Phoenix, Louis Smart and Austin Green represented the seller in the transaction. The multifamily community was acquired by a joint venture between affiliates of Abacus Capital and Westbrook Partners, according to a Cushman & Wakefield news release."Broadstone Ingleside is a best-in-cla...
A 336-unit multifamily housing complex in Ladson called Broadstone Ingleside sold for $77.5 million, according to Cushman & Wakefield, a commercial real estate services firm that arranged the deal.
Cushman & Wakefield’s John Phoenix, Louis Smart and Austin Green represented the seller in the transaction. The multifamily community was acquired by a joint venture between affiliates of Abacus Capital and Westbrook Partners, according to a Cushman & Wakefield news release.
"Broadstone Ingleside is a best-in-class garden asset built by one of the most prolific developers in the nation,” Smart, director at Cushman & Wakefield, said in the news release. “This deal is in the absolute bullseye for job growth and in-migration in Charleston — one of the fastest growing and most sought-after markets we cover.”
Broadstone Ingleside is a desirable property because it is positioned in a rapidly expanding North Charleston submarket just off Interstate 26, located near several big-name corporations, the news release said.
Cushman & Wakefield’s Sunbelt Multifamily Advisory Group is a 109-person investment sales team covering 11 states. The group closed $11.1 billion in sales volume through 360 deals and more than 60,300 units.
Hot Properties highlights recently sold or leased commercial properties in the Charleston region. Send in your transactions using our online form. Other recent commercial real estate transactions include:
Brent Case and Jing “Julia” Donovan of Coldwell Banker Commercial Atlantic represented the landlord, Windsor Hill Flex LLC, in the lease of retail/flex/office space at Suite 4 at 8210 Windsor Hill Blvd. in North Charleston. Hannah Kamba of Coldwell Banker Commercial Atlantic represented the tenant, La Hacienda of West Ashley LLC.
Kristen Krause of Coldwell Banker Commercial Atlantic represented the seller in the sale of 2,500 square feet on 1.29 acres of commercial redevelopment property at 1905 Old Trolley Road in Summerville for $1.5 million. Michael Silverman of TSCG represented the buyer.
Jing “Julia” Donovan of Coldwell Banker Commercial Atlantic represented the tenant, Poke Cafe Tanger Outlet LLC, in the lease of retail space at Tanger Outlet in North Charleston from Masison Plaza LLC. Chase Development Company represented the landlord.
Markus Kastenholz and Remington Beatty of Colliers South Carolina represented the buyer, Triple B Capital LLC, in the sale of retail space at 2400 Gap Road in North Charleston for $2,000,000.
Robert Pratt of Re/Max Pro Realty represented the buyer, RLP LLC and Tricom Associates LLC, in the sale of 10,880 square feet of retail space at 10599 Dorchester Road in Summerville from PRED Pharmacy-Summerville LLC for $1,850,000. Joel Cukier of Ascension Advisory represented the seller.
Patrick Nealon of Colliers South Carolina represented the seller, Arbys Properties LLC, in the sale of 2,600 square feet of retail space at 6124 Rivers Ave. in North Charleston to Abrahim Dabit.