If you have been accused and charged with a crime you are in need of a seasoned criminal defense lawyer in Sullivan's Island, 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 Sullivan's Island 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 Sullivan's Island 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 Sullivan's Island, 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 Sullivan's Island, 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 Sullivan's Island and explore every possible angle to have it dismissed.
To begin that process, your criminal defense lawyer in Sullivan's Island, SC, may seek answers to many questions, including:
If you are dealing with drug-related crimes in Sullivan's Island 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 Sullivan's Island 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 Sullivan's Island, SC, today to learn more about the complexities involved with drug cases in Sullivan's Island 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 Sullivan's Island, 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.
Firecrackers will flash across Charleston's stunning skyline once again this year, offering yet another spectacular Fourth of July for the Lowcountry.If you're looking for a special setting to embrace the patriotic holiday, consider watching the dazzling light shows aboard the flight desk of the USS Yorktown. This year's event will feature two separate stages with local bands, the opportunity to explore parts of the Yorktown museum and more fun family activities to honor the national holiday."Every adult hits that point wh...
Firecrackers will flash across Charleston's stunning skyline once again this year, offering yet another spectacular Fourth of July for the Lowcountry.
If you're looking for a special setting to embrace the patriotic holiday, consider watching the dazzling light shows aboard the flight desk of the USS Yorktown. This year's event will feature two separate stages with local bands, the opportunity to explore parts of the Yorktown museum and more fun family activities to honor the national holiday.
"Every adult hits that point where you think you've been to every kind of fireworks show," said Sam Elkin, Patriots Point's director of marketing and communication. "If you've seen one, you've seen them all, right? That is until they've seen this one — which is the most unique fireworks show in Charleston — with unmatched views and sightlines of multiple fireworks shows across Charleston harbor. It's truly something special."
If you're in Summerville, head to the Fireworks and Freedom Festival, where there will be glow sticks for the little ones and the shuttle buses running from behind town hall to Gahagan Park.
"It's really a great event for Summerville, as well as for those from Moncks Corner or North Charleston looking for something a little different from what they're used to," said Rigel Kocur, Summerville Parks and Recreation Department's marketing and events manager.
With so many captivating celebrations to choose from, we've got 14 hotspots for your Fourth of July festivities and fireworks.
What: Enjoy a curated fireworks display, tasty food trucks, inflatable obstacle courses and community fun hosted by the Summerville Parks and Recreation Department.
When: 5:30-9:30 p.m.
Where: Gahagan Park, 515 W. Boundary St., Summerville
Price: Free
What: Get together at this pre-fireworks gathering and enjoy a live DJ, light bites, chilled cocktails and a stunning view of the fireworks over Charleston's skyline. Patriotic attire is encouraged.
When: 6-9 p.m.
Where: Little Palm, 237 Meeting St., Charleston
Price: Free
What: Goose Creek hosts their annual Fourth of July celebration and fireworks show, featuring live music, tasty food vendors and plenty of family-friendly activities to explore.
When: 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Where: Goose Creek Municipal Center, 519 N. Goose Creek Blvd.
Price: Free
What: Watch Charleston harbor light up with fireworks aboard the historic USS Yorktown with live music, tasty food vendors and unmatched views.
When: 7-10 p.m.
Where: USS Yorktown, Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum, 40 Patriots Point, Mount Pleasant
Price: $109
What: This annual parade which will march down Dunvegan Drive, turn left on Shadowmoss Parkway and travel around Muirfield before wrapping up at the starting line. Expect patriotic floats, some vintage cars and more.
When: 10 a.m.
Where: Shadowmoss Golf & Country Club, 21 Dunvegan Drive, Charleston
Price: Free
What: Board The Carolina Girl yacht for an exclusive night on Charleston harbor to view the annual fireworks shows, featuring a live DJ, light bites, an open bar and incredible views.
When: 8-11 p.m.
Where: St. Johns Yacht Harbor, 2408 Maybank Highway, Johns Island
Price: $170
What: Bring out your family and friends for an outdoor picnic with fun games, live music and fireworks.
When: 6-9 p.m.
Where: Bay Creek Park, 3706 Dock Site Road, Edisto Island
Price: Free
What: Break out the lawn chairs for North Charleston's annual festival featuring a stunning fireworks show after dark and live music from Motown Throwdown alongside DJ Natty Heavy and DJ D-Nyce.
When: 5-9:30 p.m.
Where: Riverfront Park, 1061 Everglades Ave., North Charleston
Price: Free
What: Celebrate Independence Day with some Gullah Geechee food and culture alongside some groovin' funk by DJ Kwame Sha as well as Beth Inabinett & For the Funk of It Band. All proceeds support the Penn Center's heritage program.
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Penn Center, 16 Penn Center Circle E., St. Helena Island
Price: $28
What: Isle of Palms will host their annual fireworks show on the beach with incredible displays across the entirety of Charleston harbor.
When: 9 p.m.
Where: Front Beach, 1118 Ocean Blvd., Isle of Palms
Price: Free
What: Celebrate Independence Day with a fun bike parade, cookout, live music, watermelon-eating contest, breakdancing and fireworks.
When: 5-9 p.m.
Where: Night Heron Park, 1 Kiawah Island Parkway, Kiawah Island
Price: Free
What: Sign up for Daniel Island's golf cart parade, which begins at Bishop England High School and continues to Daniel Island School parking lot. A celebration will follow at Smythe Park with live DJs, dance performances, music from Wildflower Station and the East Coast Party Band.
When: 4-9 p.m. July 3
Price: Free
What: Join in on the annual golf cart and bike parade, starting at the Sunrise Presbyterian Church and heading to Sullivan's Island Elementary School. Registered participants will be judged for most-festive golf cart at the finish line.
When: 8:30 a.m.
Price: Free
What: Following the annual parade, break out a lawn chair or picnic blanket and watch the fireworks fly over Sullivan's Island while listening to jams from the Shem Creek Boogie Band.
When: 6 p.m.
Where: J. Marshall Stith Park, 2058 Middle St., Sullivan's Island
Price: Free
SULLIVAN’S ISLAND – Palmetto logs chopped down by Dominion Energy could find new life in a tribute to a pivotal battle in the American Revolution.Thirty palmetto trees deemed unsafe by the electric utility last year were cut down, part of routine power line maintenance. Today the log...
SULLIVAN’S ISLAND – Palmetto logs chopped down by Dominion Energy could find new life in a tribute to a pivotal battle in the American Revolution.
Thirty palmetto trees deemed unsafe by the electric utility last year were cut down, part of routine power line maintenance. Today the logs are piled beside Battery Logan on Sullivan’s Island, awaiting their second act in a re-creation of the log fort that absorbed blows from British cannonballs and helped guide Patriot troops to a decisive victory over the Royal Navy.
The island is preparing for Carolina Day celebrations on June 28, the annual commemoration of the famed battle. While plans to rebuild a portion of the iconic fort is underway, they are still are largely conceptual.
Mike Walsh, president of the Battery Gadsden Cultural Center, discussed the slow-going efforts to bring the fort to life once more in the Edgar Allen Poe Library on Ion Avenue.
Inside the converted Spanish-American War-era battery, Walsh said the idea to rebuild the fort is a "dream worth pursuing," although many details, like its location and construction, are still undecided.
"In the general sense of trying to up the awareness of the Battle of Sullivan's Island, you have to include the Palmetto log fort, because therein lies the story," Walsh said.
Palmetto logs were used by soldiers and enslaved laborers from nearby plantations in the early days of the American Revolution. Col. William Moultrie, the man for whom Fort Moultrie is named, oversaw the construction of the structure as the British Royal Navy closed in on Patriot soldiers.
The fort consisted of two parallel rows of palmetto logs about 16 feet apart. Inside, brick pillars supported a cannon platform. Thousands of cubic yards of sand were shoveled in and packed between the logs.
The fort was not complete by the time the battle began on June 28, 1776, and there was wavering faith in the fortitude among high-ranking military officials.
Maj. Gen. Charles Lee arrived in Charleston on June 8, 1776, to command the Continental Army's Southern Department. He dubbed the fort a "slaughter pen," and warned Moultrie the defense would quickly succumb to the Royal Navy's expansive weaponry.
But the palmetto logs embedded in sand were sturdy, yet pliable. Cannon fire bounced off the fort, the logs absorbing the blows like a sponge.
It held up through the night. By morning, over 200 British causalities were recorded, and the Loyalists surrendered.
The fort did not stand the physical test of time. It disappeared in the months after the battle, eaten away by the tides and salty air.
Yet the symbol of the fort and the palmetto persists, added to the South Carolina flag in 1861. It's unknown who came up with the idea to use the logs for the fort, Walsh said, but it proved to be indispensable in the battle.
Had Moultrie listened to Lee and abandoned the idea, "I might be speaking with a British accent and sipping tea," Walsh said.
"That's how important the Battle of Sullivan's Island was, and to us who care about that, that means that the Palmetto log fort was important."
Walsh and the cultural center, a nonprofit preservation society dedicated to Sullivan's Island, are working with SC250 Charleston, the local branch of SC250 that's planning events to recognize the 250-year anniversary of the American Revolution. The organizations are teaming up to, hopefully, rebuild a section of the fort.
There are still several hurdles to jump through before the dream is realized, SC250 Charleston President Brett Bennett said June 26. Funding for the project has to be finalized, and Sullivan's Island's town council has yet to sign off on where the fort will stand for the duration of the exhibit.
A 3D-model of the fort was printed by the Clemson Design Center. By having a tangible, scaled vision of the fort, Bennett said he hopes buy-in from Sullivan’s Island residents and leaders will follow.
"We, meaning SC 250, nor the Battery Gadsden Cultural Center, or any of the other nonprofit entities like SC 250 Charleston, would want to impose on the residents of the area," Bennett said. "But we also are eager to see the project forward so that people can better visualize what that original fortification looked like."
Longtime Charleston residents may recall the 1976 reconstruction of the fort, which was housed on National Park Service property at Fort Moultrie. Built to commemorate the 200th anniversary, photos of the re-creation show it was a towering structure, where visitors could explore the fort by climbing inside.
If the latest version is successful, Walsh said the newest version would be much smaller and akin to an educational exhibit or art display.
Walsh said they hope to have the fort complete in time for the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Sullivan’s Island in June 2026.
SULLIVANS ISLAND, S.C. (WCSC) - As Saturday marks Carolina Day, it also marks one step closer for America to gain its independence.A commemorative event, The Fighting for Independence, was held on Sullivan’s Island at Fort Moultrie for a day of history and celebration.“It helped make America and if it wasn’t for all these people, we wouldn’t be here today,” attendee Nate Fine said.A Georgia man took a trip to the Lowcountry to see where the historic battle took place at Fort Moultrie....
SULLIVANS ISLAND, S.C. (WCSC) - As Saturday marks Carolina Day, it also marks one step closer for America to gain its independence.
A commemorative event, The Fighting for Independence, was held on Sullivan’s Island at Fort Moultrie for a day of history and celebration.
“It helped make America and if it wasn’t for all these people, we wouldn’t be here today,” attendee Nate Fine said.
A Georgia man took a trip to the Lowcountry to see where the historic battle took place at Fort Moultrie.
Given the kind of power behind the British navy, it wasn’t expected for the fort to stand strong 249 years ago.
“The guy that was in charge, Commodore Sir Peter Parker, has literally had his pants blown off. The reports say that his backside was laid bare,” Park Ranger, Christopher Reid said. “So, they have to turn around and leave. And we’ve been celebrating that victory ever since.”
The battle on Sullivan’s Island at Fort Moultrie is a historic moment, not just for locals in the Lowcountry but for the nation as a whole.
“There are things that everyone can relate to. An underdog story is one of them. Victory, loss, war is still a thing that we talk about and people can find a connection to it,” Reid said.
He also added that the interactive history lessons and the reenactments help find that connection.
“Having something for everyone helps step back in time and helps you kind of see what was happening rather than just having someone tell you in 1776 and then immediately falling asleep,” he said.
As people from the Palmetto state and out of towners joined Carolina Day, Fine said it was a step towards freedom, something a history junkie will never forget.
“It helps you learn what happened in the past and what all our forefathers did and all those brave men and women that did for our country and freedom’s awesome,” Fine said.
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