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.
Dairy-O in Orangeburg won’t be torn down for the new courthouse after officials find alternate land, following months of public concern.ORANGEBURG, S.C. — A community favorite in Orangeburg is safe from demolition after months of public outcry and uncertainty surrounding its future.Dairy-O, a small-town staple for generations, will ...
Dairy-O in Orangeburg won’t be torn down for the new courthouse after officials find alternate land, following months of public concern.
ORANGEBURG, S.C. — A community favorite in Orangeburg is safe from demolition after months of public outcry and uncertainty surrounding its future.
Dairy-O, a small-town staple for generations, will not be torn down to make room for a new county courthouse. The announcement comes after residents expressed concern that the iconic restaurant might be lost in the development process.
For months, the fate of Dairy-O remained uncertain as county officials weighed plans for a new Orangeburg County Courthouse. However, leaders now say the restaurant will remain.
Tommy Robinson, the owner of Dairy-O, said he is grateful for the support the restaurant has received.
“I think the community really, really stood by us and I think it made a good impression on the county,” Robinson said. “I think the county also realized the importance of the area, and we're hopefully we're saved on this, and we can keep moving on. You know, after 75 years, I think we deserve to be here. And I really, really thank our loyal customers have been a great contribution to us so I'm really thankful.”
To avoid using eminent domain, the Orangeburg County Council approved the purchase of two nearby parcels of land for under $300,000. The purchase includes a yellow building with a parking lot and a strip of parking behind Dairy-O. Officials say this will allow construction of the new courthouse to move forward without impacting the restaurant.
Orangeburg County Probate Judge Pandora Jones stressed the need for additional courthouse space.
“We have two new judges that don't have meeting spaces, so it's difficult to get all of the cases adjudicated in a timely manner, so it's important that we have spaces to have our cases adjudicated,” Jones said. "Another reason is because the courthouse is really old. Space is an issue, for security reasons we need a new courthouse. Again, we want to keep our judges safe. We want to be able to move cases to the docket expeditiously.”
Robinson said the paperwork to sell a portion of the back parking lot to the county is expected to be signed by next week.
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCSC) - Lawmakers are set to consider a proposal that would bring the state’s first casino to Orangeburg County and, as leaders in Columbia debate the idea, it is getting a mixed reception among community members.Orangeburg County Councilmember Johnny Ravenell says they’re excited about the hotel and casino proposal in Santee. The project could generate thou...
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCSC) - Lawmakers are set to consider a proposal that would bring the state’s first casino to Orangeburg County and, as leaders in Columbia debate the idea, it is getting a mixed reception among community members.
Orangeburg County Councilmember Johnny Ravenell says they’re excited about the hotel and casino proposal in Santee. The project could generate thousands of jobs and millions in revenue.
“Santee is set up as a kind of retirement community,” Ravenell said. “We are having a lot of housing developments, and those people are going to need jobs. These houses need to be paid for, so we need good jobs to pay for these houses.”
In order to get a casino approved, House Bill 4176 would create a South Carolina Gaming Commission that would deal out licenses and regulate gambling in the state. However, the bill only allows casinos to be built in very specific areas along Interstate 95 that meet certain economic guidelines, those that are underdeveloped and considered low income.
Dubbed the “I-95 Economic and Education Stimulus Act,” the bill is designed to bring economic development to these areas to help pay for underfunded schools.
Orangeburg County Administrator Harold Young says the development would be a game changer for the area.
“Orangeburg County is open to new development,” Young said. “The establishment of the Santee development project would enhance our local economic growth and provide recreational growth to our citizens and increase the number of visitors that come into our community.
Meanwhile, Ravenell says they’ll need to be prepared if the casino does materialize.
“If the casino does come, I know we are going to need more EMS, more fire protection, water, sewer. Things of that sort, because the building that they’re planning is a two- or three-story high-rise of hotels. We are just going to need more of those amenities,” Ravenell said.
While the promise of jobs, economic development and tax revenue is enticing, Ravenell says the people he has spoken to are also wary of the potential downsides of having a casino in their backyards.
“You have two groups of people. You have the local people that are really enthused about it,” Ravenell said. “Then you have the faith-based people who are a little leery of what a casino or gaming could bring to the area. I am prayerful that no crimes will come with it.”
The bill also has its detractors in the statehouse. Republican Representative Jordan Pace from Berkeley County says the proposal is philosophically and legally questionable.
“It’s geographically limited, which is questionable constitutionally whether the legislature can even do this,” Pace said. “It is not anybody can start a casino. It’s not a free market thing. It’s very much a crony-ist idea.”
He is also not convinced that the economic benefits outweigh the potential harm.
“According to a Baylor University study on casinos where they popped up in Mississippi, New Jersey, places like this. Same idea. Poor impoverished areas where they put a casino in to raise the economy. It turns out, every dollar they bring in as revenue, the state had to pay four dollars on law enforcement, welfare, interdictions and prisons,” Pace said, citing the Baylor study. “So, it is actually a net loss according to that study for the state.”
One such study links the cost of gambling to as much as $9,393 of taxpayer and social burden per pathological gambler.
Governor Henry McMaster is against introducing gambling to South Carolina. He says there are other ways to increase tax revenues.
Copyright 2025 WCSC. All rights reserved.
Charlotte, NC (April 14, 2025) — The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) is proud to announce that the 2025 CIAA Softball Championship will be held in Orangeburg, South Carolina, and hosted by Claflin University. The championship tournament is set to take place May 1 – May 3, 2025, at the Orangeburg Recreation Center.The City of Orangeburg has been selected to host the CIAA Softball Championship through 2027, solidifying its role as a key partner in...
Charlotte, NC (April 14, 2025) — The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) is proud to announce that the 2025 CIAA Softball Championship will be held in Orangeburg, South Carolina, and hosted by Claflin University. The championship tournament is set to take place May 1 – May 3, 2025, at the Orangeburg Recreation Center.
The City of Orangeburg has been selected to host the CIAA Softball Championship through 2027, solidifying its role as a key partner in the continued growth and visibility of CIAA softball.
“We’re thrilled to bring the excitement of the CIAA Softball Championship to Orangeburg and Claflin University,” said CIAA Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams Parker. “This multi-year partnership is a testament to the city’s commitment to supporting student-athletes and providing a first-class championship experience.”
About the CIAA
Founded in 1912, the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) is the first, and longest running, African American athletic conference in the U.S. and one of the most recognized conferences in Division II. The CIAA conducts 14 championships attended by more than 150,000 fans from around the country. The Basketball Tournament has been honored as a 2019 Champion of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism by Sports Destination Management, the leading publication with the largest circulation of sports event planners and tournament directors in the sports tourism market, for both 2018 and 2019.
Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, the CIAA is governed by the Presidents and Chancellors of its 13 member institutions: Bowie State University, Bluefield State University, Claflin University, Elizabeth City State University, Fayetteville State University, Johnson C. Smith University, Lincoln University of Pennsylvania, Livingstone College, Saint Augustine's University, Shaw University, Virginia State University, Virginia Union University, and Winston-Salem State University.
SANTEE, S.C. (WCSC) - South Carolina could be getting its first and only casino in the small town of Santee in Orangeburg County.Santee Development Corporation’s impact study shows it could bring an economic boom to the small, underdeveloped community.Santee Development Corporation estimates the development of the casino and resort to bring over 4 million annual visitors from in and out of state. Mega donor Wallace Cheves plans to fund the project off of I-95.Right now, abandoned buildings that used to be a part of...
SANTEE, S.C. (WCSC) - South Carolina could be getting its first and only casino in the small town of Santee in Orangeburg County.
Santee Development Corporation’s impact study shows it could bring an economic boom to the small, underdeveloped community.
Santee Development Corporation estimates the development of the casino and resort to bring over 4 million annual visitors from in and out of state. Mega donor Wallace Cheves plans to fund the project off of I-95.
Right now, abandoned buildings that used to be a part of the Santee Outlet Mall in Orangeburg County are where the development would go. They have been sitting for more than a decade.
A recent economic development study shows that the investment in the Santee area would support the underdeveloped Orangeburg community. The study found it would generate over $75 million in annual tax revenue according to Santee Development Corporation. The same study says it would create a total of 4,618 jobs in the state annually.
College of Charleston Professor of Economics Frank Hefner says with a town that small he thinks they’d need to bring in others from outside the community for some of those jobs.
“In that community of that size, where are the people going to come from? And that again could change the dynamics of the community, but that’s true for every community. Growth changes things in a community and that’s going to happen. To a large extent, that corridor has been left behind on economic growth for quite some time and so they need it,” Hefner said.
“In addition to the $1 billion construction cost, independent economic projections estimate an $8 billion impact on South Carolina’s economy within the first 10 years, creating thousands of good-paying jobs, driving tourism and expanding business opportunities for local communities,” Cheves said in a statement.
The Santee Development Corporation said not a dime of public money would be used. There are not any state or county incentives and it would all be privately funded.
In order to make this happen, the group is working with legislators to get a bill passed to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws. Representative Chris Murphy is the lead sponsor. It aims to establish the ‘South Carolina Gaming Commission’ to award casino licenses in certain counties.
If you want to take a closer look at that bill, click here.
Copyright 2025 WCSC. All rights reserved.
ORANGEBURG, S.C. (WIS) - Thousands of people have been posting on social media to save a restaurant in Orangeburg County.The Dairy-O restaurant has been in Orangeburg for more than 75 years. It’s one of the few locally-owned fast food restaurants left in the county.Community members made ...
ORANGEBURG, S.C. (WIS) - Thousands of people have been posting on social media to save a restaurant in Orangeburg County.
The Dairy-O restaurant has been in Orangeburg for more than 75 years. It’s one of the few locally-owned fast food restaurants left in the county.
Community members made a social media campaign to save the restaurant after its owner, Tommy Robinson, said the restaurant could be lost due to plans to build a new courthouse right next door.
Robinson’s restaurant could be bought through eminent domain laws, so construction of the courthouse will be in compliance with state regulations for driveway spacing and easements around public buildings.
“They’d made an offer a couple years back,” said Robinson. “I didn’t take the offer. About four months ago, I had a letter of possible eminent domain come in.”
If that happens — the county can purchase the land from the owner at fair market value, but the owner would not get money for the business.
County officials said they originally hoped the courthouse being closer would bring more people to the Dairy-O and added they are now trying to find a solution so this institution can stay.
“At the end of the day, we’re just trying to work this out,” said Orangeburg County Administrator Harold Young. “We’ve been in contact with the business owner and council and we’re trying to see if we can come up with a solution. Don’t need any backlash, we’re just trying to do what’s right for the citizens.”
Michael Butler, the mayor of Orangeburg, said the city’s zoning board could issue a variance that would make recommendations for repositioning current plans for the new courthouse.
So far, the mayor says the city has not gotten involved.
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Copyright 2025 WIS. All rights reserved.