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

Criminal Defense Lawyer in Santee, SC

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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 Santee, 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 Santee can be a highly distressing ordeal, with even minor violations causing a considerable impact on an individual's personal and work life. The repercussions of having a criminal record can be severe, leading to loss of employment, severed relationships, and even alienation from loved ones.

At Theos Law Firm, we offer trustworthy legal representation to those who need it most. Our criminal defense team has years of experience and is committed to ensuring our clients maintain their freedom and can move forward with their lives. From handling drug-related charges to more nuanced federal cases and sexual misconduct offenses, we take a personalized approach to every case. By utilizing cutting-edge legal strategies and decades of combined experience, we have a much better opportunity to achieve the best possible client outcomes.

Service Areas

We help clients overcome criminal charges in a wide range of cases, including the following:

  • Homicides
  • Drug Crimes
  • Juvenile Crimes
  • Sex Crimes
  • Theft Crimes
  • Theft Crimes
  • Violent Crimes
  • Misdemeanor Offenses
  • Federal Offenses
  • More

If you are facing one or more of the charges above, it's imperative that you establish contact with a legal advocate ASAP. At Theos Law, you can rest easy knowing our phone line is always open. When your future is up for grabs, let our team of criminal defense lawyers fight for your rights. It all starts with a free consultation at our law firm in Santee, where we'll educate you on the particulars of the charges you're facing and explain the next steps ahead.

At this point, you probably have many questions in mind. Keep reading for more information on criminal law in South Carolina and some of our criminal defense specialties at Theos Law.

Criminal Defense Lawyer Santee, SC

Understanding Criminal Defense Cases in South Carolina

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In South Carolina, criminal cases are classified into different categories based on the severity of the crime. Generally speaking, offenses that carry a maximum sentence of three years or less are categorized as misdemeanors. On the other hand, crimes that carry a punishment of more than three years in prison are generally classified as felonies.

State and Federal Criminal Defense Cases in South Carolina

Crimes in The Palmetto State are usually split into two categories: state crimes and federal crimes. Classifications are based on whether a crime violates state laws or federal laws. Ultimately, it's up to the prosecutor to decide which category to pursue charges under. State crimes generally include assault, robbery, domestic violence, theft, and rape. Federal crimes, on the other hand, may be more complex and can include computer crime, major drug trafficking, hate crimes, and money laundering. These types of crimes are often investigated by agencies like the FBI or IRS.

 Attorney At Law Santee, SC
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The Difference Between Misdemeanors and Felonies in South Carolina

Understanding the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony crime can be challenging for someone facing their first charge. Misdemeanors are generally considered minor offenses, resulting in fines or a short stay in a local county jail. Trials and plea deals for these cases move quickly due to their nature.

Conversely, felonies are more severe crimes classified by degrees, with first-degree being the most severe and sixth-degree being the least. Those charged with a felony may face significant fines and a prison sentence of over a year in a federal or state institution. Convicted felons may face difficulties after their release, making it crucial to have a reliable criminal defense attorney in Santee, SC.

Plea Deals in South Carolina

It is not uncommon for legal cases to be resolved outside of court through a plea deal. This allows the defendant to acknowledge their guilt on one or more charges without the need for a trial. Both your criminal defense lawyer and the prosecutor collaborate to come up with a mutually beneficial arrangement, which helps avoid the uncertainties and dangers of a trial. By accepting a plea deal, you may receive a lighter sentence and avoid the anxiety that comes with a lengthy legal battle.

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

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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.

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When You've Been Accused or Charged

Thinking about hiring a criminal defense lawyer when you're charged with a crime is a no-brainer for most, and for good reason. A defense lawyer can offer assistance with various offenses, ranging from minor crimes like retail theft and cyberstalking to more serious ones such as sexual assault and manslaughter. Regardless of the charges, navigating the legal system can be complex, and without the guidance of an experienced criminal defense lawyer, the situation can escalate rapidly.


 Family Law Attorney Santee, SC

When Investigators or Police Question You

As you may have observed in movies or television shows, the police might request you to provide a statement, giving the impression that you are not under arrest. If they suspect you of committing a crime but lack sufficient evidence to detain you, they may aim to put you at ease and elicit information that can be used against you. Remember, it is within your rights to have a criminal defense attorney in Santee, SC, present during questioning, and you should absolutely use that to your advantage.


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When Authorities Search Your Residence

In the event that law enforcement officers arrive at your residence with a warrant, it indicates that a judge has determined there is reasonable suspicion that evidence related to a criminal offense is present in your home. Regardless of whether they discover and confiscate anything, it is advisable to seek the guidance of a seasoned defense attorney to discuss the situation and receive assistance in determining any potential charges or locations they may investigate in the future.


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When You Are Wrongly Accused of Committing a Crime

Could you imagine being accused of something you didn't do? When law enforcement, a judge, or a prosecutor accuses you of committing a crime that you didn't do, it can be an arduous task to prove your innocence, especially if you have a prior record. It can also feel hopeless and like it's impossible for you to get someone to listen to your side. The truth is that your past mistakes should not be used against you. To increase your chances of being cleared of charges, it's advisable to have a defense lawyer who can support your innocence and fight for your rights. Criminal defense attorneys at Theos Law don't just listen - we act swiftly and always with your best interests at heart.


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When Your Child Is Involved

The legal system for juveniles in South Carolina is different than it is for adults. It comes with its own complications and hurdles to overcome. If you think or know that your child has been accused of a crime, it's imperative to get legal counsel swiftly. Failure to do so could ruin their life or result in a longer-than-needed jail sentence.

Keep reading to learn more about just a few of the most common criminal defense cases we accept at Theos Law Firm.

Criminal Defense for DUIs in South Carolina

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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 Santee and explore every possible angle to have it dismissed.

To begin that process, your criminal defense lawyer in Santee, SC, may seek answers to many questions, including:

  • Was your DUI stop legal? If not, your case could be thrown out.
  • Is there enough probable cause or evidence for an arrest? If there is not, it's possible to file a pre-trial motion for your case to be dismissed.
  • Did officers explain implied consent rights? One of the most common errors police make is failing to take this step.
  • Did the police maintain your BAC and breathalyzer results? Breath testing often comes with inherent weaknesses. This can create doubt in a juror's mind.
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Criminal Defense for Drug Cases in South Carolina

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If you are dealing with drug-related crimes in Santee 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 Santee drug crime attorney. A skilled criminal defense lawyer can help safeguard your rights and may help achieve a favorable outcome.

One of the most frequent questions we hear at Theos Law is, "What does possession mean?”

Drug charges based on possession in South Carolina are divided into three categories:

  • Simple Possession
  • Possession with Intent to Distribute
  • Drug Trafficking

However, the state also has other drug charges that are not based on the weight of the drugs. These include:

  • Drug Distribution
  • Manufacturing
  • Distribution Near Schools, Parks, or Playgrounds
Criminal Defense Lawyer Santee, SC

Possession-based drug charges in South Carolina are deemed "graduated offenses" with penalties that grow more severe based on the weight of the drugs. It's important to note that the charges can be based on either actual or constructive possession. Contact a criminal defense lawyer in Santee, SC, today to learn more about the complexities involved with drug cases in Santee and other cities in South Carolina.

Some of the most common drug charges we see at Theos Law include the following:

  • Marijuana
  • Heroin
  • Ecstasy
  • LSD and Hallucinogens
  • Cocaine
  • Meth
  • Prescription Pain Killers
  • Fentanyl
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Can I be Arrested for Drug Paraphernalia in South Carolina?

The simple answer to this question is a resounding "Yes.” Drug paraphernalia can refer to various items such as pipes, bongs, syringes, scales, grinders, and rolling papers which are linked to drug usage, preparation, storage, or hiding. Even though some of these items may have legitimate uses, like tobacco pipes or medical syringes, they can still be scrutinized by law enforcement if there is proof of illegal drug use or intent.

Criminal Defense for Assault and Battery Cases in South Carolina

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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.

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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 Santee, SC, should work relentlessly to fight the charges being levied against you.

Though this list isn't comprehensive, here are some of the biggest factors that dictate the severity of your assault and battery charges:

  • Age of Victim
  • Severity of Injuries Sustained
  • Size and Weight of Accused vs. Size and Weight of Victim
  • Whether or Not the Victim Presses Charges
  • Whether or Not Weapons Were Involved
  • Whether or Not the Victim's Privates Were Touched

Understanding the Degrees of Assault and Battery in South Carolina

Third Degree

Causing harm to someone or threatening to do so with the ability to carry out the threat can result in a charge of third-degree assault and battery. This misdemeanor offense is typically heard in municipal or magistrate courts and may carry a maximum sentence of 30 days in jail.

Second Degree

Causing harm or making threats to harm someone that results in moderate bodily injury can lead to charges of second-degree assault and battery. Additionally, touching someone's private parts without their consent can also result in charges of assault and battery in the second degree. This misdemeanor offense is heard in General Session court and can carry a maximum sentence of three years in prison.

First Degree

Assault and Battery in the first degree can involve a number of actions such as inflicting an unlawful injury when kidnapping, touching a person's privates "with lewd and lascivious intent,” and much more. Contact Theos Law Firm for more info on the degrees of Assault and Battery in South Carolina.

Everyone Deserves a Reliable Criminal Defense Attorney in Santee, SC

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At Theos Law firm, we work tirelessly to ensure that our client's rights are not overlooked. Because unfortunately, the rights of everyday citizens are often trampled by law enforcement oversights and legal system failures.

That's why every criminal defense lawyer at our firm works hard to provide guidance and support throughout the legal process by keeping you informed of updates and as comfortable as possible during this trying time. Benefits of hiring Theos Law Firm include:

  • Thorough Knowledge of South Carolina Criminal Law & Procedures
  • Seasoned Legal Representation in the Courtroom
  • Years of Experience Structuring Plea bargains
  • Ability to Identify Due Process Violations
  • Fierce Dedication to Clients & Vigorous Representation
  • Skilled Negotiation Tactics Involved with Bail, Sentencing, Appeals, and More
  • Familiarity with Local Prosecutors

Unlike some criminal defense law firms in South Carolina, our team believes that everyone deserves a great lawyer when their freedoms are on the line. If you or a loved one has been accused of a crime in South Carolina, trust Theos Law to have your back without judgment.

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Latest News in Santee, SC

Santee Cooper Earns Award for Keeping SC Beautiful

MONCKS CORNER, S.C. – Santee Cooper received the 2023 Lower Region Group Leadership Award from the South Carolina Litter Control Association and Palmetto Pride/Keep SC Beautiful. The award recognizes Santee Cooper for its partnership with Keep Conway Beautiful and its commitment to helping with monthly cleanups for the organization.“Our team strives to not only be a part of the communities where we live but to make them better,” said Energy Advisor Parker Diedrich, who accepted the award and helps lead the events for...

MONCKS CORNER, S.C. – Santee Cooper received the 2023 Lower Region Group Leadership Award from the South Carolina Litter Control Association and Palmetto Pride/Keep SC Beautiful. The award recognizes Santee Cooper for its partnership with Keep Conway Beautiful and its commitment to helping with monthly cleanups for the organization.

“Our team strives to not only be a part of the communities where we live but to make them better,” said Energy Advisor Parker Diedrich, who accepted the award and helps lead the events for Santee Cooper. “We enjoy helping Keep Conway Beautiful and similar organizations around the area.”

Keep Conway Beautiful meets monthly to pick up litter within the city. In 2022, 71 Santee Cooper team members helped clean up 720 pounds of litter. So far this year, 85 team members have picked up 430 pounds of litter along more than four miles of roadway.

“Santee Cooper employees reached out to me with the initial idea of the cleanups and helped to establish our first ever ‘Utility Service Day’ that resulted in us cleaning up almost 600 pounds of litter in an hour with a little over 75 volunteers from several utilities for this one event,” said Nevada Mileur, Program Coordinator for Keep Conway Beautiful. “These cleanups would not exist without the hard work and dedication of the Santee Cooper employees. We are appreciative that they partnered with us to make a difference in our community.”

Santee Cooper received the award from the South Carolina Litter Control Association and PalmettoPride/Keep SC Beautiful at a Sept. 7 awards ceremony. The City of Conway recognized Santee Cooper’s award at its Sept. 18 council meeting.

“A reliable volunteer network is vital to the KSCB affiliates,” said PalmettoPride executive director Sarah Lyles. “With support from Santee Cooper, Keep Conway Beautiful continues to be a cornerstone of the community.”

Santee Cooper

Santee Cooper is South Carolina’s largest power provider, the ultimate source of electricity for 2 million people across the state, and one of America’s Best Midsize Employers as named by Forbes. Through its low-cost, reliable and environmentally responsible electricity and water services, and through innovative partnerships and initiatives that attract and retain industry and jobs, Santee Cooper helps power South Carolina. To learn more, visit www.santeecooper.com and follow #PoweringSC on social media.

Santee Cooper Board Approves Rate Study

MONCKS CORNER, S.C. – Eight years after its last such review, the Santee Cooper Board of Directors today approved a comprehensive study of its electric rates to address a projected revenue shortfall beginning in 2025.The study is expected to take approximately a year and will include rate needs for residential, commercial, industrial, lighting and municipal customers. Any recommendations from that study would require a Board-authorized public review and comment period of several months, most likely beginning in summer 2024, prio...

MONCKS CORNER, S.C. – Eight years after its last such review, the Santee Cooper Board of Directors today approved a comprehensive study of its electric rates to address a projected revenue shortfall beginning in 2025.

The study is expected to take approximately a year and will include rate needs for residential, commercial, industrial, lighting and municipal customers. Any recommendations from that study would require a Board-authorized public review and comment period of several months, most likely beginning in summer 2024, prior to any action on new rates. That public review and comment period would include:

“Santee Cooper’s electric rates are very competitive and in 2025 will have been stable for eight years,” said Jimmy Staton, president and CEO. “The rate study is necessary to ensure we can continue to invest in the reliability of our system as it grows, while also continuing to transition to a greener power mix. We remain committed to keeping our prices as low as possible for all of our customers.”

Santee Cooper has not increased its electric rates since April 2017, the second phased adjustment called for after the 2015 study. Most Santee Cooper rates are currently frozen through Dec. 31, 2024, and this rate study will not affect the rate freeze.

Santee Cooper’s management will develop a process compliant with state law prior to proposing any new rates or adjustments to existing rates. That process will be transparent and offer multiple opportunities for public review and input. Customers will be notified directly, and general public notice will be offered, about those public input opportunities. There is also a web page dedicated to this process, which will be updated throughout with information such as process milestones, public input opportunities, any proposed rate adjustments, and public meeting dates, times and locations. This web page can be accessed through a link on Santee Cooper’s homepage or directly at www.santeecooper.com/ratestudy.

Santee Cooper

Santee Cooper is South Carolina’s largest power provider, the ultimate source of electricity for 2 million people across the state, and one of America’s Best Midsize Employers as named by Forbes. Through its low-cost, reliable and environmentally responsible electricity and water services, and through innovative partnerships and initiatives that attract and retain industry and jobs, Santee Cooper helps power South Carolina. To learn more, visit www.santeecooper.com and follow #PoweringSC on social media.

Santee Cooper seeking regulatory OK to buy Upstate power plant

Santee Cooper could see little pushback from groups representing public and environmental interests in South Carolina utilities matters as it seeks regulatory approval to buy an Upstate power plant.The state-owned utility needs approval from the S.C. Public Service Commission for the $17 million purchase of Cherokee County Cogeneration Partners LLC, which includes a 25-year-old natural gas generating station in Gaffney.The commission will hold a hearing on Sept. 5 to provide a forum for members of the public and interested part...

Santee Cooper could see little pushback from groups representing public and environmental interests in South Carolina utilities matters as it seeks regulatory approval to buy an Upstate power plant.

The state-owned utility needs approval from the S.C. Public Service Commission for the $17 million purchase of Cherokee County Cogeneration Partners LLC, which includes a 25-year-old natural gas generating station in Gaffney.

The commission will hold a hearing on Sept. 5 to provide a forum for members of the public and interested parties to express their opinions about the purchase before it approves or denies the request.

The six-member Joint Bond Review Committee must also put a stamp on the Cherokee plant acquisition before Santee Cooper could move ahead with the deal.

Jimmy Staton, Santee Cooper’s CEO said during a recent board meeting that he isn’t expecting pushback and is prepared to close on the deal at the end of September and quickly integrate the nearly 100 megawatts of power into its system.

The S.C. Office of Regulatory Staff,, which represents the public interest in utility matters, said it was reviewing the filing and had not determined its position.

Meanwhile, the Coastal Conservation League, a nonprofit environmental group, has no plan to opposed the purchase.

“In the big scheme of things, this purchase of an existing plant providing 100 MW of support for Santee Cooper’s approximately 5,000 MW peak load is not, in our view, a major issue,” said Eddy Moore, energy program director for the Charleston-based organization.

Moore said the group is more concerned with ensuring the careful consideration of potential major investments in large new power plant projects.

The state’s largest power provider serving about 1 million end-use customers submitted a plan in May that outlined the resources it will need over the next 15 years to meet rising customer demand as South Carolina experiences substantial population and industrial growth.

The plan includes a new natural gas plant construction project, possibly in partnership with Dominion Energy. The “baseload” facility would run consistently, produce enough power to run as many as 520,000 homes, and provide a bridge to adding more renewable energy as coal-fired units are retired.

“Purchasing the older plant shows a better use of existing resources as a flexible backup for the increasing amounts of renewable energy Santee Cooper plans to procure,” said Moore.

But the Moncks Corner-based utility has a more immediate reason to add the Cherokee plant. Santee Cooper will need the electricity the plant can provide — enough to power 16,000 homes — this winter and through 2028 to meet short-term demand growth.

The near-term supply is “necessary to provide and maintain safe and reliable electric service in a cost-effective manner,” the utility told regulators in a petition in June.

Santee Cooper utility has been buying power since 2022 under a purchase agreement with the Cherokee plant, which was built in 1998 and sold to New York-based LS Power in 2011.

By taking ownership, the utility has said it will be able to provide additional reliability to ratepayers.

Central Electric Power Cooperative — which provides power to 18 cooperatives across the state — counts on Santee Cooper’s reliable power supply and supports the purchase.

“In today’s ever-changing energy landscape, having options in our power supply is critical to our mission of keeping the lights on and power bills low,” said Rob Hostettler, Central’s CEO.

Hostettler said Central — the state-owned utility’s largest customer — is “excited to work with and support Santee Cooper in purchasing an existing, in-state plant that will help provide reliable, affordable power to our growing state.”

Santee Cooper will need an estimated 1,500 more megawatts of capacity by 2030 when the coal-fired Winyah Station in Georgetown County is retired, said Rahul Dembla, the utility’s chief planning officer. That doesn’t account for economic development activity that could drive demand higher.

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Charleston firm developing 1,000-home gated community on Lake Marion near Santee, Elloree

You’re seeing The Post and Courier’s weekly real estate newsletter. Receive all the latest transactions and top development, building, and home and commercial sales news to your inbox each Saturday here.Charleston doesn’t have a lock on the large ...

You’re seeing The Post and Courier’s weekly real estate newsletter. Receive all the latest transactions and top development, building, and home and commercial sales news to your inbox each Saturday here.

Charleston doesn’t have a lock on the large housing developments sprouting up in the region.

Developers plan to build a 1,000-home, gated community on Lake Marion on the edge of Santee State Park near Santee, just west of Interstate 95.

McCord’s Ferry, with 27 homes on the ground and another 165 in development, will be built as a master-planned neighborhood on 678 acres off Cleveland Street at Audubon Boulevard.

Audubon Homes of Charleston is developing the site in Orangeburg and Calhoun counties. Lead developer Micah Simon expects buildout to occur over a 15- to 20-year span.

Amenities include a private boat ramp with community docks and nature trails connecting to the state park as well as a community center with a gym, pool, pickleball courts, ballroom and meeting space.

Real Estate

A two-day open house event is set for 11 a.m.-3 p.m. May 20 and noon-3 p.m. May 21 at 122 Twisted Oak Trail, northeast of Elloree.

Prospective homebuyers can explore the property and enjoy music, raffles, giveaways and complimentary food and refreshments.

Homes range from 1,500 square feet to 3,600 square feet with prices starting in the low $300,000s for the smaller residences. The median price of a house in South Carolina in March was $318,000.

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Fielding Home for Funerals has been in business since 1912, but the longtime family business’s owners decided to sell the downtown property earlier this year. A change in the restrictive covenants to allow school use is being requested.

2: Number of stores a Florida-based company will have after it opens a new shop on King Street in Charleston.

215: Number of stores across the Southeast that a Charleston-based convenience store chain will own after two new deals are finalized soon.

6,000: Square footage of new dog-boarding shop opening May 15 in North Charleston.

Real Estate

+ Second act: A new Mediterranean restaurant from the creators of The Grocery in Charleston is coming to Mount Pleasant.

+ Sales slip: The number of homes sold across the Charleston region dipped for the 20th consecutive month in April as the median home price continued to rise.

The ground floor of the King and Queen Building in downtown Charleston is undergoing a makeover for five retail tenants. Four of the spaces have been leased. See the retailers here.

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Santee Cooper plans to buy a power plant in the SC Upstate

Santee Cooper plans to spend $17 million to buy a power plant in the Upstate to meet short-term customer demand triggered by residential and economic growth.The state-owned utility’s board of directors on April 21 approved the purchase of Cherokee County Cogeneration Partners LLC, which includes a 25-year-old natural gas generating station in Gaffney.The deal still requires approval from the S.C. Public Service Commission and the legislative Joint Bond Review Committee.The Moncks Corner-based utility said it needs ...

Santee Cooper plans to spend $17 million to buy a power plant in the Upstate to meet short-term customer demand triggered by residential and economic growth.

The state-owned utility’s board of directors on April 21 approved the purchase of Cherokee County Cogeneration Partners LLC, which includes a 25-year-old natural gas generating station in Gaffney.

The deal still requires approval from the S.C. Public Service Commission and the legislative Joint Bond Review Committee.

The Moncks Corner-based utility said it needs the 90-megawatt plant east of Spartanburg to ensure it has enough capacity to meet the needs of its customers, including homes, businesses and the state’s electric cooperatives.

“We need a quick power supply for new industry and new people, and that’s a great problem to have,” Santee Cooper CEO Jimmy Staton said.

He added that the Gaffney plant “offers an existing, in-state solution that matches well with our generating portfolio and will help provide the reliable, affordable power our customers have come to expect.”

Santee Cooper began buying power from the Cherokee plant last year under a short-term agreement with New York-based LS Power, which has owned the plant since 2011. It has been a reliable source of electricity, according to Marty Watson, chief power supply officer.

Central Electric Power Cooperatives, Santee Cooper’s largest customer, said Friday that it would endorse the purchase and seek formal support from its board in May.

The acquisition won’t solve Santee Cooper’s long-term needs. The utility is expected to provide details about how it plans to meet future demand on its system May 15, when it submits its plan to the Public Service Commission.

An estimated 1,500 more megawatts of capacity will be needed by 2030 when the coal-fired Winyah Station in Georgetown County is retired, said Rahul Dembla, the utility’s chief planning officer. That doesn’t account for economic activity that could drive demand higher.

All scenarios that Santee Cooper used to determine the best plan point to a diversified portfolio that includes a new power generating unit. Plans are underway to build a gas-fired unit at an undisclosed location in rural Hampton County.

Santee Cooper also is aiming to add more solar capacity each year beginning in 2026, reaching 1,500 megawatts by 2030 and more than 2,000 megawatts the following year.

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