If you have been accused and charged with a crime you are in need of a seasoned criminal defense lawyer in Orangeburg, 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 Orangeburg 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 Orangeburg 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 Orangeburg, 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 Orangeburg, 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 Orangeburg and explore every possible angle to have it dismissed.
To begin that process, your criminal defense lawyer in Orangeburg, SC, may seek answers to many questions, including:
If you are dealing with drug-related crimes in Orangeburg 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 Orangeburg 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 Orangeburg, SC, today to learn more about the complexities involved with drug cases in Orangeburg 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 Orangeburg, 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.
ORANGEBURG – Heavy rains caused record flooding in the Orangeburg area Nov. 6 and 7, with local emergency responders performing water rescues from cars and buildings and travel in the area crippled by washed-out roads.Between seven and 10 inches of rain fell in the Orangeburg area, with some localized areas receiving 15 inches, according to the National Weather Service in Columbia.The Edisto River in downtown Orangebur...
ORANGEBURG – Heavy rains caused record flooding in the Orangeburg area Nov. 6 and 7, with local emergency responders performing water rescues from cars and buildings and travel in the area crippled by washed-out roads.
Between seven and 10 inches of rain fell in the Orangeburg area, with some localized areas receiving 15 inches, according to the National Weather Service in Columbia.
The Edisto River in downtown Orangeburg — near its historic Edisto Memorial Gardens — crested at 15.34 feet. The water levels broke all time records from 1928 and 2015 by almost a foot, flooding nearby roads, buildings and vehicles.
The river had begun to recede the morning of Nov. 8, the NWS said.
Local law enforcement in boats rescued several people from buildings in downtown Orangeburg, and at least one person was pulled from a nearly submerged vehicle in the town of Norway in western Orangeburg County, according to social media posts from law enforcement and residents.
It was unclear on Nov. 8 if any injuries were reported.
Gov. Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency on Nov. 7 as the flooding continued overnight.
"Team South Carolina has been responding to the impacts of flooding and subsequent road closures in portions of the state throughout the day," McMaster said in a statement. "The State of Emergency will ensure that our response teams have every tool at their disposal to continue their efforts."
Local law enforcement and government agencies urged residents to use caution while driving through the area. Around 35 roads were reportedly closed due to flooding Nov. 7, the state Department of Transportation said in a social media post.
Orangeburg County Schools were closed on Nov. 7 and 8 due to road closures. Orangeburg’s public utilities department reported flooding-related power and water outages. The city's public gym had opened as an emergency shelter, the city said.
Social media users reported difficulty traveling through the area with the number of closed roads, with some unable to find a way to leave their homes.
“Please keep our County in your thoughts and prayers as we face unexpected flooding. Emergency personnel are working tirelessly to restore safety and order,” Orangeburg County officials said in a Nov. 7 social media post. “Everyone, please stay safe, avoid any flooded areas, and be patient as we work through this together.”
Officials in nearby Bamberg and Calhoun counties also reported significant flooding and urged caution.
“River flooding will continue along portions of the Edisto River into next week,” the governor’s office said in the Nov. 7 statement. “However, South Carolina is not expected to see significant rainfall totals over the next few days.”
Local law enforcement said the state Department of Transportation was keeping track of the closed roads.
“As the waters recede, SCDOT crews will assess the damaged areas and prepare to make repairs as quickly as possible,” the DOT said in a social media post.
ORANGEBURG, S.C. (WIS) - State authorities are investigating after a fight broke out at an early voting location Wednesday in Orangeburg County.The fight was between a man wearing a hat and poll workers.According to video sent to WIS News 10 and sources, the man was wearing a “Let‘s go Brandon” hat. He was cursing at a poll worker when told he couldn’t vote at the old Orangeburg County Library.In the video, the poll workers can be heard telling the man to take his hat “outside.” One po...
ORANGEBURG, S.C. (WIS) - State authorities are investigating after a fight broke out at an early voting location Wednesday in Orangeburg County.
The fight was between a man wearing a hat and poll workers.
According to video sent to WIS News 10 and sources, the man was wearing a “Let‘s go Brandon” hat. He was cursing at a poll worker when told he couldn’t vote at the old Orangeburg County Library.
In the video, the poll workers can be heard telling the man to take his hat “outside.” One poll worker said they cannot serve him, and call for the next voter in line. The man throws his hat toward the person who is next in line to vote, according to the video.
After that, a fight breaks out, and a poll worker can be seen hitting the man, according to the video.
Poll workers are seen in the video holding the man back while he swings his arms.
According to sources, the Orangeburg County Department of Public Safety responded to the fight.
South Carolina law restricts what people can wear to go vote. Voters are not allowed to wear anything that displays a political party, candidate name or ballot issue.
The law says, "The poll manager shall use every reasonable means to keep the area within five hundred feet of any such entrance clear of political literature and displays, and the county and municipal law enforcement officers, upon request of a poll manager, shall remove or cause to be removed any material within five hundred feet of any such entrance distributed or displayed in violation of this section."
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division is investigating the fight.
Early voting is taking place in South Carolina until Nov. 2.
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Residents in over two dozens counties are now able to seek assistance from FEMA, including Orangeburg County.More VideosORANGEBURG COUNTY, S.C. — FEMA disaster and unemployment assistance is now available in Orangeburg County for those affected by Hurricane Helene.Residents and business owners who have uninsured damage or losses could qualify for assistance.Orangeburg now has reports of 7 homes destroyed, 19 with major damage...
Residents in over two dozens counties are now able to seek assistance from FEMA, including Orangeburg County.
ORANGEBURG COUNTY, S.C. — FEMA disaster and unemployment assistance is now available in Orangeburg County for those affected by Hurricane Helene.
Residents and business owners who have uninsured damage or losses could qualify for assistance.
Orangeburg now has reports of 7 homes destroyed, 19 with major damage and 21 with minor damage.
RELATED: Orangeburg begins storm clean up after Helene
Billy Staley is the director of Orangeburg County Emergency Services. He says the county has reached the threshold in damages to receive help from FEMA.
“We’ve reached a point to where FEMA has declared at the governor’s request and our request that individual assistance declaration for the county," said Staley. "What that means is that the citizens of Orangeburg county can now apply to FEMA for assistance if they have losses that are uninsured or if they need assistance of any type, pretty much they can apply and then FEMA will process those requests to see what they can help with and what they can't.”
RELATED: Orangeburg and Bamberg counties assess Helene damage
Tiana Suber is a spokeswoman for FEMA and says if you apply and get a letter of rejection there could be many reasons and that no, is not final.
“It's not a finality. The letter that you receive is very wordy. It's very long, but if you read through it, or you can call us and we will help you read though it, and it tells you what it is that FEMA needs from you that you are missing in your application process," said Suber. "So don’t give up, don’t get discouraged. Don’t throw the letter away and say, 'Oh FEMA couldn’t help us.' It's not a finality, we just need some more information from you or fix incorrect information anything like that.”
Orangeburg County and FEMA are actively working to set up disaster recovery centers for those affected by Helene.
RELATED: SC governor announces 'Team South Carolina County Days' to help people get relief
SC in short ORANGEBURG — An Indian company that supplies electric vehicle battery materials plans to open a $1 billion plant in Orangeburg, employing 124 people.Birla Carbon announced Tuesday it will build a 435,000-square-foot plant at the Tri-County Industrial Site producing synthetic graphite and supplying battery materials for the electric vehicle, battery and defense industries.“This plant is an investment in the fu...
ORANGEBURG — An Indian company that supplies electric vehicle battery materials plans to open a $1 billion plant in Orangeburg, employing 124 people.
Birla Carbon announced Tuesday it will build a 435,000-square-foot plant at the Tri-County Industrial Site producing synthetic graphite and supplying battery materials for the electric vehicle, battery and defense industries.
“This plant is an investment in the future as the demand for electric vehicles and energy storage markets only grow,” Birla Carbon CEO John Loudermilk said in a statement.
The Mumbai-based company plans to start hiring next year and begin operations in 2026.
Birla plans to supply enough materials for 40 gigawatt hours’ worth of battery capacity and will initially produce 25,000 tons of synthetic graphite annually.
“When innovative global companies like Birla Carbon choose to invest in our state, it sends a message that South Carolina has the resources and workforce necessary for businesses to thrive,” state Commerce Secretary Harry Lightsey said in a statement.
Birla has been in operation for more than 160 years and has 17 manufacturing facilities in 14 countries, serving industries that include rubber, plastics, inks and more.
In the U.S., the company already has plants in Kansas and Louisiana, as well as corporate offices and a technology research center in Marietta, Georgia, according to its website.
South Carolina’s economic development officials approved income tax credits for Birla worth $25,000 for each new job.
Orangeburg County is still in the negotiating process for a potential deal on property taxes. No further information has been made public at this time.
The site is owned and developed by Tri-County Electric Cooperative. The cooperative, along with the economic development organization representing the state’s 19 electric cooperatives, known as the South Carolina Power Team, have invested a combined $12 million in the 380-park, improving roads, water and sewer service and site grading.
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October 8, 2024COLUMBIA, S.C. — October 8, 2024 — Birla Carbon, a manufacturer and supplier of carbon solutions, today announced it selects Orangeburg County to establish the company’s first South Carolina operation. The $1 billion investment will create 124 new jobs.With more than 160 years of experience, Birla Carbon is one of the largest manufacturers and suppliers of high-quality carbon additives globally. The company currently operates 17 manufacturing facilities in 14 countries, providing solutions for r...
October 8, 2024
COLUMBIA, S.C. — October 8, 2024 — Birla Carbon, a manufacturer and supplier of carbon solutions, today announced it selects Orangeburg County to establish the company’s first South Carolina operation. The $1 billion investment will create 124 new jobs.
With more than 160 years of experience, Birla Carbon is one of the largest manufacturers and suppliers of high-quality carbon additives globally. The company currently operates 17 manufacturing facilities in 14 countries, providing solutions for rubber, plastics, coatings, inks and other niche industries.
Birla Carbon will construct a 435,000-square-foot building at the Tri-County Industrial Site in Orangeburg to serve as a next-generation, synthetic graphite continuous production facility. The new operation will supply anode active materials which is enough to support more than 40-gigawatt hours (GWh) battery plants. The initial phase will produce 25,000 tons of synthetic graphite annually to meet the projected demand for the electric vehicle, energy storage and defense markets.
Operations are expected to be online in 2026. Birla Carbon will be providing education and internship opportunities to build a pipeline of employees, as well as childcare subsidies to help new parents work at the company’s facility. Employment opportunities will be available in 2025.
The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to the project.
“Birla Carbon is excited to join the state of South Carolina in making this significant investment that will contribute to the growth of this critical industry domestically,” said Birla Carbon President and CEO John Loudermilk. “As a global leader in our industry, we are constantly looking for opportunities to collaborate with like-minded partners that make a real difference. This plant is an investment in the future as the demand for electric vehicles and energy storage markets will only grow. The investment aligns with our purpose to ‘Share the Strength’ as we will create value and drive positive change, supporting our stakeholders, especially our customers and the communities in which we operate.”
“South Carolina’s strong economy and pro-business climate continue to attract major investments for our state,” said Governor Henry McMaster. “Birla Carbon’s substantial $1 billion investment and the 124 new jobs it will create will have a transformative impact in Orangeburg County, and we look forward to the company’s success in our state.”
“When innovative global companies like Birla Carbon choose to invest in our state, it sends a message that South Carolina has the resources and workforce necessary for businesses to thrive,” said Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III. “We appreciate Birla Carbon’s significant investment in Orangeburg County and its confidence in South Carolina to be a partner for the future.”
“Orangeburg County is proud to welcome Birla Carbon to our growing community of innovative industries,” noted Orangeburg County Council Chairman Johnnie Wright. “With a capital investment of $1 billion and the creation of 124 new jobs, this advanced manufacturing facility, specializing in synthetic graphite, highlights our county’s immense potential and reinforces our commitment to fostering long-term economic growth. We look forward to the opportunities this will bring to our residents and the positive impact it will have on our community. On behalf of the county council and the citizens of Orangeburg County, we extend our gratitude to Birla Carbon for choosing Orangeburg as the home for this groundbreaking facility.”
“We are thrilled to welcome Birla Carbon to the Cooperative family,” said Tri-County Electric Cooperative CEO Chad Lowder. “This project reflects the strategic investments Tri-County Electric Cooperative has made in infrastructure and site development in Orangeburg County. The job creation and investment in our community will not only boost our local economy but also highlight our commitment to fostering growth and innovation in the region.”
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Posted: October 8, 2024
Source: South Carolina Office of the Governor