If you have been accused and charged with a crime you are in need of a seasoned criminal defense lawyer in Moncks Corner, 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 Moncks Corner 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 Moncks Corner 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 Moncks Corner, 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 Moncks Corner, 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 Moncks Corner and explore every possible angle to have it dismissed.
To begin that process, your criminal defense lawyer in Moncks Corner, SC, may seek answers to many questions, including:
If you are dealing with drug-related crimes in Moncks Corner 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 Moncks Corner 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 Moncks Corner, SC, today to learn more about the complexities involved with drug cases in Moncks Corner 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 Moncks Corner, 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.
Town of Moncks Corner Recreation Director Libya Rentz couldn’t have been more pleased with the group of softball all-stars representing the town during the South Carolina Athletic Programs’ state tournaments June 20-22 in Dillon.Moncks Corner was one of only two towns represented in all four age groups: 8U, 10U, 12U and 15U. The squads fought tooth and nail for hours beneath a blazing sun each day and had the support of mayor Thomas Hamilton along the way.“We are thrilled for the future of recreation softball ...
Town of Moncks Corner Recreation Director Libya Rentz couldn’t have been more pleased with the group of softball all-stars representing the town during the South Carolina Athletic Programs’ state tournaments June 20-22 in Dillon.
Moncks Corner was one of only two towns represented in all four age groups: 8U, 10U, 12U and 15U. The squads fought tooth and nail for hours beneath a blazing sun each day and had the support of mayor Thomas Hamilton along the way.
“We are thrilled for the future of recreation softball and for the future of softball in general,” an upbeat Rentz said. “it’s going to continue to grow. Success breeds more success. The kids want to be a part of a program that’s positive and has a family atmosphere. Our softball recreation coaches put their heart and soul into these kids. It’s just everybody becoming a big family.”
Three of Moncks Corner’s teams finished up their summer all-star journeys in championship games and were so close to returning to the Lowcountry with a state trophy. The 8U and 12U squads fell in contests decided by one run and the 15U team also placed runner-up. The 10U team finished third, losing its final game by one run.
“The group of coaches we have right now in our recreation softball program are second to none,” Rentz said. “They treat these girls like they’re their own, even with a tear in their eyes after the final games. I listened to their postgame speeches. It was like we lost the game, but we learned as players and people, and we’ll be back. Moncks Corner was represented in a positive light. It was a proud moment for myself and Hannah Haines, our athletic coordinator over softball.”
Each Moncks Corner all-star team qualified for state by either winning or finishing second in SCAP’s Southern District tournaments earlier this month. State champions were decided through eight-team, double-elimination events.
“They fought and cheered each other on,” Rentz said. “They showed a lot of resilience. Believe me when I tell you the heat index was over 100. I couldn’t be more proud of the kids and coaches.”
MONCKS CORNER, S.C. – Berkeley County officially kicked off summer with the grand opening of a brand-new splash pad at Cypress Gardens — and it’s already making a splash with families.County officials gathered for the celebration Saturday, where Berkeley County Supervisor Johnny Cribb praised the park’s staff and the collaborative effort behind the project.“They envisioned this project. They’re out here every single day,” Cribb said. “If you come out to this park, and I encourage ...
MONCKS CORNER, S.C. – Berkeley County officially kicked off summer with the grand opening of a brand-new splash pad at Cypress Gardens — and it’s already making a splash with families.
County officials gathered for the celebration Saturday, where Berkeley County Supervisor Johnny Cribb praised the park’s staff and the collaborative effort behind the project.
“They envisioned this project. They’re out here every single day,” Cribb said. “If you come out to this park, and I encourage you to do so, there’s something added to it all the time. This is just the latest amenity. We’ll keep adding to it.”
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The splash pad features a tipping bucket, water cannons, shaded picnic areas, restrooms, and more — all designed to be accessible and inclusive for kids of all abilities. It’s the latest in a series of upgrades to the park and comes at a perfect time as school lets out for summer vacation.
Cribb noted the cost-saving teamwork that made it possible. “We had a lot of county departments involved in this. We self-performed a lot of the work, other than what Atkinson Pools did in order to keep the costs down.”
Departments including water and sanitation, roads and bridges, and facilities and grounds all played a role in completing the project. Atkinson Pools built the splash pad itself.
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The splash pad is included with regular Cypress Gardens admission: $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 6–17, $6.50 for seniors, military, and 911 personnel. Children 5 and under are free.
The park is located at 3030 Cypress Gardens Road in Moncks Corner.
Moncks Corner’s 12-U all-stars posted a sparkling 5-0 record in the SCAP Southern District softball tournament at Felkel Field in Goose Creek June 10-14 to garner a bid to the state tournament.Moncks Corner knocked off Charleston, 15-5, Saturday, June 14, to complete its perfect run in the South Carolina Athletic Programs’ event. It begins play in the eight-team state tournament Friday, June 20, in Dillon and hopes to be playing for all the marbles (after press time) a couple days later.“I thought we played pr...
Moncks Corner’s 12-U all-stars posted a sparkling 5-0 record in the SCAP Southern District softball tournament at Felkel Field in Goose Creek June 10-14 to garner a bid to the state tournament.
Moncks Corner knocked off Charleston, 15-5, Saturday, June 14, to complete its perfect run in the South Carolina Athletic Programs’ event. It begins play in the eight-team state tournament Friday, June 20, in Dillon and hopes to be playing for all the marbles (after press time) a couple days later.
“I thought we played pretty well,” Moncks Corner coach Ron Mitchum said. “We had our backs against the wall a couple times. We were up 5-0 in one game and had to score a couple runs late to win it.”
David Williams and Jordan Buso also coach the all-star squad, which outscored opponents 48-16.
“I feel like we pitch really well and we’re solid behind the plate,” Mitchum said. “My daughter (Bella Mitchum) has been catching for five years. She’s able to throw runners out. She threw out two runners in the championship game.”
On the other end of the battery, left-handed pitcher Alexis Buso was dominant inside the circle. She came on in relief and fanned 12 batters without allowing a hit to earn the win and also knocked in a pair of runs to help herself at the plate. Mitchum, Ansley Williams, Kaedence Braddy, Ava Drew Ensor and Raegan Johnson also collected two RBIs each in the title game. Adylinn Covert was 3-for-3 and scored twice.
Earlier in the day, Moncks Corner cruised past North Charleston, 9-1, behind Buso’s 12 strikeouts and Williams’ three RBIs to reach the final. Moncks Corner also defeated North Charleston, 7-5, to start the tournament and followed up with victories over Charleston, 13-2, and Hanahan, 4-3.
Buso finished with 48 strikeouts in four pitching victories and Williams recorded nine strikeouts in the first game versus Charleston. Kennedy Fann, Mitchum and Gracelyn Barnette drove in two runs apiece in that one. Fann led the way, going 3-for-3 with three runs scored. Paris Newman added a RBI and scored once.
Against Hanahan, Moncks Corner manufactured the go-ahead run in the bottom of the fifth inning. Ensor walked to lead off the inning and gave way to courtesy runner Tess House. House moved to second base on a walk to Millie Sellars and scored on a pair of passed balls to break a 3-3 tie.
In the tournament opener, Buso plated a pair of runs and Newman added a RBI.
Fann and Buso capped the tournament as Moncks Corner’s leading hitters in terms of batting average, going 6-of-11.
There has been some debate over the rule, but the town of Moncks Corner made impact fees official at its May 20 council meeting. Now, if a developer or a business builds homes, apartments or commercial buildings, they will have to pay money to help the town absorb the hit on infrastructure.Several local municipalities have adopted the fees, and with the town growing and developing, it was only a matter of time before Moncks Corner joined the list.The city of Goose Creek charges developers a fee for single- or multi-family dwell...
There has been some debate over the rule, but the town of Moncks Corner made impact fees official at its May 20 council meeting. Now, if a developer or a business builds homes, apartments or commercial buildings, they will have to pay money to help the town absorb the hit on infrastructure.
Several local municipalities have adopted the fees, and with the town growing and developing, it was only a matter of time before Moncks Corner joined the list.
The city of Goose Creek charges developers a fee for single- or multi-family dwellings, as well as commercial or industrial construction. The fees are broken down based on the square footage of each structure. The impact fee for a multi-family dwelling is $1,926 for every 1,000 square feet of development, and for a single-family home, it is $2,567 for every 1,000 square feet.
"It's just another tool to cope with the growth," said Moncks Corner Mayor Thomas Hamilton following the unanimous vote by the council. "It's something we can use without burdening the taxpayer. These fees will go into an account, and then we can use it to buy things like fire trucks, police vehicles, sanitation trucks and other things that we have to spend money on to cover these new areas."
Particularly for Moncks Corner, a town that doesn't want to lose its small-town vibe, money helps with creativity. Making the case for impact fees, the mayor noted the cost of a new fire or sanitation truck is close to $1 million.
While buildable land is limited in Moncks Corner, the lion's share of the fee will be paid by commercial buildings, followed by home developers for single-family homes. The fees started on May 21.
"Anything that is permitted from that date will pay that impact fee," Hamilton said.
The fee will be $4,805 for each single-family home and $2,606 for each commercial apartment or townhome. Retail businesses will pay a maximum of $3,987 and industrial businesses will pay a maximum of $828.
"We seem to be in agreement with the developers," Hamilton said. "Some of the ones haven't given us any pushback because they want to be able to get the services the town can provide."
An Upstate convenience store and gas station operator is eyeing a fast-growing Berkeley County town for a new location.Greenville-based Spinx has applied for a permit with the S.C. Department of Environmental Services to develop 6.6 acres for a store at 3212 Old Highway 52 in Moncks Corner.According to t...
An Upstate convenience store and gas station operator is eyeing a fast-growing Berkeley County town for a new location.
Greenville-based Spinx has applied for a permit with the S.C. Department of Environmental Services to develop 6.6 acres for a store at 3212 Old Highway 52 in Moncks Corner.
According to the company, it is scheduled to open by the end of year.
Meanwhile, the chain is set to soon open its newest Lowcountry-area location in Mount Pleasant on the site of former Richard's Bar & Grill property on Highway 17, just north of the town's only Home Depot.
Spinx was founded in 1972 by Stewart Spinks when the former Shell Oil Co. employee bought his first gas station at Laurens Road and E. Washington Street in Greenville.
The retailer now operates more than 80 stores across the state.
Krystal in Colleton
A fast-food burger chain known for its square sliders is coming to Colleton County
Krystal announced it has struck a deal to return to the Lowcountry dining scene with a location at 1222 Bell Highway in Walterboro.
The restaurant is expected to open in July.
Krystal pulled out of the Charleston market nearly 30 years ago. The chain was founded in 1932 in Chattanooga, Tenn., and is now headquartered near Atlanta. It has more than 270 locations around the Southeast, including four in the Palmetto State.
The Krystal in Orangeburg was opened late last year by national radio personality Lenard McKelvey, who grew up in Moncks Corner and is better known as Charlemagne tha God, under a franchise agreement.
A self-service dog wash store has returned to downtown Charleston after nearly five years in a temporary location.
The Dog Wash’s larger space at 138 St. Philip St. is decorated like an old-school barber shop with bright red tubs inspired by red leather barbershop chairs.
Similar to a barbershop, each pet tub has its own mirror, so pups can get a good look at their freshly washed coifs.
With the larger space, owner Carrie Evans has added a robust retail section to the store, selling pet products, toys, grooming tools and pet accessories. The business also offers full-service grooming.
Evans, who previously worked in the fashion industry, came up with the idea of a self-service dog washing business in 2017 when she moved to the Lowcountry from New York and was looking for the common pet service ubiquitous in the Big Apple.
She opened her first store on Line Street and became a groomer, seeing the need for that service on the peninsula.
Relocating to a very small space in North Charleston following the COVID-19 pandemic kept loyal customers, but Evans had to pivot to only offering grooming services.
A massage appointment and impromptu networking with the owner of The Salt Spa on King Street led to finding a lease to bring The Dog Wash back downtown. Self-service washes are $30. Walk-ins are welcome. Grooming services are by appointment.
The Bomb Bar, which serves smoothies, toasts, coffee and healthy breakfast and lunch options, has opened its second Lowcountry location at 424 Brighton Park Blvd. in Summerville's Nexton development.
Founded by Helen Hall-Leland, the business is now a franchise, with another location in Raleigh. According to a social media post, more than 400 people attended the Nexton opening.
The original Charleston location is at 466 Savannah Highway in West Ashley.
A new seafood restaurant has opened at 6 N. Market St., in the space that formerly housed Tabbuli Mediterranean. The Wreckfish Bar & Grill menu includes fried fish and seafood platters, sandwiches, peel-and-eat shrimp and oysters on the half shell.
Ruby's Bagels is expanding again.
The company, which offers New York City-style bagels, breakfast and lunch options, spreads and coffee drinks, announced on social media it will open in Carnes Crossroads in Goose Creek.
It will be the sixth location for the business since owners Joe and Denise Harvey and Kevin and Gail Roach, opened their first store opened in Mount Pleasant in 2022.