If you have been accused and charged with a crime you are in need of a seasoned criminal defense lawyer in Santee, 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 Santee 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 Santee 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 Santee, 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 Santee, 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 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:
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:
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 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:
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 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:
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.
The goal is to ensure existing customers don’t end up footing the bill for new, power-hungry companiesSouth Carolina’s state-owned power company will start charging a special electricity rate executives say is meant to ensure energy-intensive data centers, built to serve the country’s ever-growing technology needs, are covering the cost of generating the massive amount of power they require.The goal is to ensure existing customers don’t end up footing the bill for new, power-hungry companies.The...
South Carolina’s state-owned power company will start charging a special electricity rate executives say is meant to ensure energy-intensive data centers, built to serve the country’s ever-growing technology needs, are covering the cost of generating the massive amount of power they require.
The goal is to ensure existing customers don’t end up footing the bill for new, power-hungry companies.
The governing board of Santee Cooper voted unanimously Friday to implement the new rate for large, incoming customers on an “experimental” four-year basis, testing it out before considering whether they want to make the policy permanent. The change is effective immediately.
In a presentation to the board, Mike Smith, director of billing and pricing for the Moncks Corner-based utility, said he anticipates large customers coming into Santee Cooper territory could need as much as 1,000 megawatts of power as soon as 2030.
“That’s significant growth for a system the size of ours,” he said.
That growth rate mirrors the demand utilities are seeing across the Southeast, he said.
“We expect that to continue,” Smith said. “We don’t think it’s going to abate anytime soon.”
The new rate goes beyond data centers.
It applies to any customer requiring 50 megawatts of power or more, which would sweep in some of the electric vehicle and battery manufacturers under construction in the state. Those companies have reported energy needs between 100 and 150 megawatts, according to economic development officials.
Still, it’s data centers that have dominated the conversation around energy in South Carolina. These windowless buildings house rows of servers necessary for everything from artificial intelligence to high-speed financial trades. The largest of these centers can use as much as 200 megawatts each.
“We do welcome large loads because they’re good loads for the system. However, because of their size and operating characteristics, they’re difficult for Santee Cooper to absorb,” Smith said.
Santee Cooper’s new experimental rate comes as South Carolina grapples with how to meet the energy needs of a growing population, manufacturing base and, of course, an influx of data centers being built by tech giants such as Google, Meta and Blox.
A provision on the issue was inserted in legislation under consideration by the General Assembly.
Senate passes sweeping energy bill aimed at meeting SC’s growing power needs
In a late-night debate about two weeks ago, the Senate voted to limit tax and power-related incentives the state allows for data centers. Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey pushed for the change saying that as data centers come to South Carolina, he wants them to pay an equivalent share of the costs for power plants built to serve them.
In the weeks since the Senate vote, which amended a bill previously passed by the House with almost no opposition, data center developers have pushed back, said Geoff Penland, Santee Cooper’s director of government relations.
He said technology companies are worried about the loss of sales tax breaks they’ve historically received on both computer equipment and electricity.
Penland said it appears the House and Senate may reach a compromise on the matter with just two weeks left in the legislative session.
While Santee Cooper is largely unconcerned with incentives for data centers, the energy legislation is of the utmost importance to the utility as it seeks permission to partner with private utility company Dominion Energy on a possible 2,000-megawatt natural gas plant on the site of a former coal-fired power plant along the Edisto River in Colleton County.
And the board’s vote Friday means these new power rates will go into effect no matter what legislators ultimately decide on data centers.
Meeting a growing energy demand requires construction of expensive power plants, power transmission lines, as well as the purchase of extra power that Santee Cooper has to buy from other utility companies on occasion when it doesn’t have enough energy of its own.
Building and buying those things mean increased rates for all customers, even if those other customers aren’t the ones driving the need for those investments, Smith said. That’s what Santee Cooper is trying to curtail.
Smith pointed to a similar effort by Georgia Power Company, which asked utility regulators to develop special contractual terms for large users.
Under Santee Cooper’s new rate, large users must sign a 15-year contract, one they can’t get out of without paying a set minimum. The utility also will charge more for power used at times of day when demand for energy is at its highest.
Santee Cooper worries about the possibility that these large users, particularly data centers, could come on the grid and then leave before the utility is able to get back the money it spent to serve them, Smith said. The long-term contract aims to prevent that.
Finally, the new deals require large users to ramp up to their full contracted power usage within three years.
Santee Cooper suggest that would protect it from a company that comes in and oversells, saying they’re going to need 300 megawatts but ends up only needing 127 megawatts, as an example.
“Regardless of how many kilowatt hours this customer uses, if they come on the system, they’ll be accountable,” Smith said.
While the board ultimately all voted in favor of the change, two members who represent South Carolina’s power cooperatives, which get their power from Santee Cooper, raised concerns that no large customer would agree to these new terms.
They said Santee Cooper and rural electric cooperatives will lose potential new business.
They also worried about the speed with which the change was made. Santee Cooper staff will typically take 18 months to vet and implement a new, permanent rate. This change was studied over just a few months.
In an effort to allay concerns, staff told the board because of the rate’s “experimental” status, it could make changes at any point in the four-year trial period.
Last updated 8:18 a.m., Apr. 26, 2025
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The Witch Hunt of Curtis Loftis ends as Santee Cooper customers still feel the 20% cost increases of Santee Cooper Rankin Rates caused by Luke Rankin’s oversight loss in a $9.8 billion nuclear fiasco. The significant impact of Santee Cooper Rankin Rates continues to be felt across communities.By a vote of 33 Yay to 8 No, the SC Senate voted this past ...
The Witch Hunt of Curtis Loftis ends as Santee Cooper customers still feel the 20% cost increases of Santee Cooper Rankin Rates caused by Luke Rankin’s oversight loss in a $9.8 billion nuclear fiasco. The significant impact of Santee Cooper Rankin Rates continues to be felt across communities.
By a vote of 33 Yay to 8 No, the SC Senate voted this past week to remove S.C. Treasurer Curtis Loftis from office.
Fortunately, the SC House of Representatives is refusing to continue the trial, which brings this nonsense to an end.
The witch hunt was highlighted by Horry County S.C. Senator Luke Rankin chastising the treasurer over a $1.8 billion accounting error that cost S.C. taxpayers nothing. Rankin’s role in Santee Cooper and the ongoing debate about Santee Cooper’s management continues to be a point of contention.
Rankin actually had sole oversight that led to a $9.8 billion loss by Scanna and Santee Cooper. That loss created what Horry County residents now call Santee Cooper Peak Rankin Rates, which have caused significant concern among local communities about their inflated costs of Santee Cooper’s energy solutions and services.
What are Santee Cooper Peak Rankin Rates? Santee Cooper’s peak hours rate for residential customers is $8.00 per kilowatt (kW) for the single highest hour of power used during a designated three-hour time frame each month. This new rate is part of a new rate structure introduced by Santee Cooper to address rising energy costs and improve financial transparency in the wake of the $9.8 billion loss.
Understanding the implications of Santee Cooper Rankin Rates is crucial for residents affected by these rising costs.
The recent adjustments to Santee Cooper Rankin Rates reflect broader trends in energy pricing.
These changes in Santee Cooper Rankin Rates have sparked discussions about energy affordability in our region.
These Rankin Rates are necessary to pay off the $9.8 billion oversight loss the utility continues to be burdened with.
Specific Rankin Rates Peak Hours:
How it works:
Understanding Santee Cooper Rankin Rates is essential for planning your monthly energy expenses.
Within the designated three-hour peak window, the single hour in which a customer uses the most electricity each month will be charged the $8.00/kW demand rate. The rest of the month, including hours within the peak window that aren’t the highest-usage, customers will be charged the lower energy rate of $0.0792 per kWh.
Example:
Experts agree that the influence of Santee Cooper Rankin Rates on local economies cannot be overstated.
If a customer’s highest electricity usage within the 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. window in May is during the hour of 4 p.m., they will be charged the $8.00/kW demand rate for that hour. The remaining hours within that peak window and the rest of the month will be charged at $0.0792 per kWh.
Given the recent increases, residents feel the pain as they monitor Santee Cooper Rankin Rates.
Rankin Rates have increased the average electricity fees to Horry County residents by 20% according to Samantha Kumaran, industry expert President and CEO of Timetrics Risk. Kumaran is nationally known for her expertise. She lives in Carolina Forest in Horry County. Her insights into Santee Cooper Rankin Rates have been invaluable for local residents.
With few days remaining, S.C. House members have informed MyrtleBeachSC News, the House is likely not going to continue the witch hunt in the S.C. House of Representatives.
Ranking members believe the trial is likely unconstitutional. S.C. Treasurer Curtis Loftis is elected by the people of South Carolina. Loftis was first elected in 2010. He is currently serving his fourth term as State Treasurer.
Loftis is much more highly regarded than Senators Larry Grooms, Stephen Goldfinch and Luke Rankin which spearheaded the witch hunt in the SC Senate.
The South Carolina angler called an audible this morning to jump into the lead at the Strike King NPFL Stop One at Santee Cooper Lakes.Story by Justin Brouillard | Photos by Tanner & Travis LyonsThrough two days at the Strike King NPFL Stop One at Santee Cooper Lakes, South Carolina is delivering in a big way. The weather may be shifting, but the big fish are still biting. After two days of competitio...
The South Carolina angler called an audible this morning to jump into the lead at the Strike King NPFL Stop One at Santee Cooper Lakes.
Story by Justin Brouillard | Photos by Tanner & Travis Lyons
Through two days at the Strike King NPFL Stop One at Santee Cooper Lakes, South Carolina is delivering in a big way. The weather may be shifting, but the big fish are still biting. After two days of competition, South Carolina pro Corey Casey leads with a two-day total of 57 pounds, 7 ounces. Buck Mallory sits in second with 53 pounds, 15 ounces. And Skeeter Crosby holds third with 53 pounds, 10 ounces.
Changing conditions shook up the leaderboard, with anglers making moves on day two. Once again, over 19 competitors weighed in more than 20 pounds, with the final check cut (40th place) currently held by Ricky Robinson, who has 32 pounds, 11 ounces. The big fish of the tournament still belongs to Harmon Davis, who landed a massive 10-pound, 9-ounce Santee Cooper lunker on day one.
Casey Rockets Into Lead
South Carolina angler Corey Casey remained unfazed by the shifting weather between days one and two, opting to start in a completely new spot on Saturday. Looking to avoid the wind, his decision paid off as his “staging” area fired up, producing a 30-pound, 4-ounce bag. Coupled with his 27-pound, 3-ounce effort on Day One, Casey now holds a two-day total of 57 pounds, 7 ounces, giving him a 3-pound, 8-ounce lead heading into Championship Sunday.
He arrived at his backup water first thing in the morning, protected from the wind, dropped his Power-Poles, and got to work—quickly filling his limit and culling to his final weight before 10 a.m. His area, which features scattered vegetation and hard cover, is attracting bass moving in to spawn. Positioned slightly deeper than other anglers, his fish have remained unaffected by the cooler temperatures.
“There was nobody in there this morning, and I got after them, hardly having to move,” Casey said. “I caught most of them on reaction baits and a few on a worm. It’s very specific where they’re sitting—I had one cast that caught everything the same way.”
With another weather shift expected for Sunday, Casey remains confident, believing his area will be protected from the wind and still produce.
“I’m having an absolute blast out there. There isn’t anything better—unless they start biting a topwater,” he laughed. “I don’t know how tomorrow will go, but I’m excited. A lead is better than no lead, but this place changes fast, and these guys can catch them.”
Mallory Moves to Second
Unlike most of the field, Buck Mallory saw his water get cleaner and warmer on Day Two—a change that didn’t work in his favor. Struggling with missed fish and short strikes early, he quickly adjusted, switching colors on his Z-Man EVO ChatterBait, and saw an immediate difference. He “salvaged” his day, adding 22 pounds, 14 ounces and sits in second-place with a total weight of 53 pounds, 15 ounces.
“Today, the wind blew out my cooler, stained water, and it got really clean—it jumped from 51 to 57 degrees on me,” Mallory said. “On top of that, the water level dropped as the wind pushed it out. Yesterday, I got hung up a few times, but today I got hung up 18 times—it didn’t help. The cooler water temperature was key.”
With the wind expected to shift 180 degrees and cooler, cloudy conditions moving back in for Championship Sunday, the Michigan angler is optimistic that his fish will reset.
“I had, what, 23 pounds today? But in reality, I saw 27-plus pounds worth of fish bite and not get the bait,” he added. “They’re in there, and they want to eat—I know where the key spots are. Using Humminbird MEGA 360, I can see hard spots in the grass and stumps around me, so I know exactly where to cast. The weather should help me out tomorrow, and I’ve got a long day to make it happen.”
Crosby Jumps to Third
Managing fish over a three-day tournament is no easy task, but Skeeter Crosby has executed his game plan flawlessly. After two days, he sits in third place with a total weight of 53 pounds, 10 ounces, just 5 ounces behind Mallory. Originally planning to push hard on Day Two and fish his spot out, Crosby didn’t need to—he secured a hefty 29-pound limit early and was able to back off, saving fish for Championship Sunday.
He kicked off the event with 24-10 on Friday, then followed it up with a dominant 29-pound bag today. Fishing one main area with five or six key spots, Crosby has yet to touch all of his water after two days.
“Yesterday, I caught everything on one spot, and today I pulled up and fished that spot again,” he said. “I had my weight early, so I made a couple of extra casts just to see what would happen and caught two decent fish that didn’t help. After that, I decided to bail and go practice.”
Crosby hasn’t had much company aside from a few locals but remains tight-lipped about the details. He noted that he’s targeting offshore hard cover, locking down his Power-Poles, and making the same cast repeatedly without moving.
“I’m fishing one single bait, and every fish has come on that,” he added. “When it’s cold and windy, this area gets even better. The wind helped me today, and tomorrow looks like more of the same. The fish are still coming, and typically, there are fish on this spot all year long. I’m looking forward to tomorrow.”
Top Ten:Corey Casey 57-7Buck Mallory 53-15Skeeter Crosby 53-10Patrick Walters 51-15Buddy Gross 51-4Jason Christie 50-7Bill Lowen 50-4Jordan Osborne 49-1Chad Marler 48-0Hank Cherry 47-9