If you have been accused and charged with a crime you are in need of a seasoned criminal defense lawyer in Summerville, 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 Summerville 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 Summerville 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 Summerville, 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 Summerville, 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 Summerville and explore every possible angle to have it dismissed.
To begin that process, your criminal defense lawyer in Summerville, SC, may seek answers to many questions, including:
If you are dealing with drug-related crimes in Summerville 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 Summerville 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 Summerville, SC, today to learn more about the complexities involved with drug cases in Summerville 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 Summerville, 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.
SUMMERVILLE, S.C. (WCSC) - The Town of Summerville is considering an annexation and zoning request from developers that would allow new apartments to be built.Developers want 4.26 acres to be annexed and zoned multi-family residential despite neighborhood concerns.“I haven’t talked to a single homeowner that’s in favor of a multi-family being built behind us,” Edward Mullis II, of Summerville, said.Luden Drive and King Charles Circle are where developers are requesting to annex the property. They ...
SUMMERVILLE, S.C. (WCSC) - The Town of Summerville is considering an annexation and zoning request from developers that would allow new apartments to be built.
Developers want 4.26 acres to be annexed and zoned multi-family residential despite neighborhood concerns.
“I haven’t talked to a single homeowner that’s in favor of a multi-family being built behind us,” Edward Mullis II, of Summerville, said.
Luden Drive and King Charles Circle are where developers are requesting to annex the property. They have another larger piece of land that’s about 27 acres, which is already in town and zoned for residential, directly adjacent to their request.
The goal is to cluster 180 apartment units mostly on the highland acreage of the property, which includes the property that’s already in town and zoned for multifamily and the additional acres they’re looking to annex. But neighbors think it will cause a multitude of issues.
“I think it will kill all of our property values that we have built up. I think it will cause a lot of traffic problems. We already have overcrowded schools here, and we don’t need any more kids to go to these schools; they’re already full. It’s just there are so many different problems with building a multi-family development right in the middle of Newington,” Mullis said.
“The adjacent property is already zoned multi-family residential, so they can technically build without this property, but they wanted this property to further limit the impact that they had on the wetlands and the flood plain,” Town of Summerville Director of Planning Jessi Shuler said.
Flooding is a major concern for neighbors like Mullis. He has lived on the next street over for almost 20 years. He said recent developments have made flooding worse.
“We have a drainage problem in the cul-de-sac, and I’ve called several times to have it fixed, and they came out to clean it, but still, when it rains hard, water builds up; It never did that before they built that Berlin G Meyers thing,” Mullis said.
Shuler said the town has restrictions that require developers to plan for flooding mitigation.
Much of the neighbors’ concerns have been echoed by the planning commission with a unanimous vote to deny the request for annexation; on the other hand, Summerville town staff have recommended approval. Shuler said that decision is based on the comprehensive plan and planning principles.
“Most of Luden Drive is zoned multi-family residential, so it’s not like it’s spot zoning or anything of that sort,” Shuler said.
One of the largest concerns from a recent public hearing is traffic. Citing cut through traffic from phase three of the Berlin G Myers project already impacting that area.
“You have enough people coming through Summerville, just this neighborhood and the schools, there is plenty of traffic already, so you’re just going to add more to it,” George Edwards Cammerer III, of Summerville, said.
“Our comprehensive plan also speaks to the need for more housing in the area and particularly more different types of housing. To be able to, one, help with affordability and also just provide additional housing for all the people moving to Summerville,” Shuler said.
Mullis said he’d rather have more individual homes there if anything, but ideally not in his neighborhood.
“There are so many other places that you could build something; why do you have to build it right in the middle of Newington?” Mullis said.
On Monday night, the request will go before the planning committee, and on Thursday, the first reading before the full council. Shuler added that a traffic study will also be needed to move forward with the project.
Copyright 2025 WCSC. All rights reserved.
When Richard "Rick" and Phyllis Riccio first visited Summerville in the spring of 2024, they had no concrete plans of opening a restaurant. After decades in the corporate world and running multiple restaurants in New Jersey and New York, Rick had envisioned retirement a little differently.While waiting for their house to be built, the couple started to think about what they were going to do to fill their time once they moved to the Lowcountry. With their extensive backgrounds in business and food service, they quickly notice...
When Richard "Rick" and Phyllis Riccio first visited Summerville in the spring of 2024, they had no concrete plans of opening a restaurant. After decades in the corporate world and running multiple restaurants in New Jersey and New York, Rick had envisioned retirement a little differently.
While waiting for their house to be built, the couple started to think about what they were going to do to fill their time once they moved to the Lowcountry. With their extensive backgrounds in business and food service, they quickly noticed a gap in Summerville’s growing Italian food scene — particularly in fast, high-quality takeout options. After their move in December 2024, the space they operate out of now — once occupied by another restaurant called Eva’s on Main — was placed on their radar. Rick said he knew it was the right fit as soon as he saw the commercial kitchen.
Because of the confidential nature of the transaction, a non-disclosure agreement, or NDA, was signed they were required to keep until the final sale. No one knew about their plans to open a restaurant until this past March. After closing on the property, they met with Eva’s staff and offered positions to everyone. Some stayed, including longtime local general manager Tina Howard and cook Miss Beanie.
Nonna’s Olde World Italian Deli and Specialties, named in honor of Rick’s mother, Angela, 83, opened just two days after Easter. Open at 10 a.m. Monday-Saturday, the Riccios intentionally close the shop at 6 p.m., allowing customers to support other local eateries offering dinner service.
“There are great sit-down spots like La Rustica and Laura’s,” Rick said. But Nonna’s fills a different need — restaurant-quality Italian food made fresh, but designed for takeout.
Food has always been central to Rick’s life. His great-grandfather immigrated from Italy in 1922 and opened an Italian bakery in Jersey City, New Jersey. The family expanded into bakeries, butcher shops and delis across the decades. Rick started cooking at 8 years old, but he initially pursued a different path, working his way up to vice president of facilities at a university in New York City. He left that position during the COVID-19 pandemic, turning his attention fully to the food business.
It was around that time he met Phyllis, who spent 30 years working as a medical assistant. Together, they ran a café, deli and pizzeria before retiring and exploring new places to live. After first visiting Summerville in 2024, they returned that December with Rick’s mother, who now lives with them.
Everything at Nonna’s is made fresh. Rick acknowledges some concerns about long wait times but says quality takes time.
“When you order a chicken Parmesan sandwich, that chicken is being [prepared] right then,” he said.
Even deli meats are sliced to order, and Rick makes the mozzarella fresh every morning. Marinara and other sauces are prepared in-house in large batches. Produce is sourced locally and delivered twice a week. Bread and some desserts are brought in from a bakery in New York, a nod to their Northeastern roots. One standout item — the meatball Parmesan sandwich — is made with meatballs hand-rolled by Nonna, who comes in three times a week.
The shop also honors Phyllis’ Polish heritage with handmade pierogi, a popular custom request. Her grandmother once owned a bakery in Massachusetts, and the tradition lives on through Phyllis.
Phyllis manages the bakery side of the business, preparing pies and pastries, while Rick runs the kitchen. Tina oversees operations and front-of-house.
“We’re a quintessential New York/New Jersey-style deli and specialty shop,” Rick said. “We’re not a restaurant, even though we serve restaurant-quality food. We’re not here to compete — we just want to share what we do.”
They had originally planned to sell Italian ice cream, but decided against it to support the neighboring business.
“Everybody has their niche,” he said.
Some menu items are named after their grown children, including The Alexis and The Nicole sandwiches. The couple also offers catering, which has taken off quickly. With a strong reception from the community, Rick said they’ve already been approached about opening a second location.
“We’re not saying yes to that right now,” he said.
The original vision was to have something small to keep busy and to help pay the bills. The Riccios are open to having that conversation in the future.
The Riccios said they’ve been embraced by the Summerville community, including fellow business owners at La Rustica, Laura’s and Cuppa Manna. During a recent power outage, customers and neighbors reached out to offer help.
Even with the challenges of launching a new business, Rick and Phyllis say the rewards far outweigh the difficulties.
“We’re very humbled and pleased,” Rick said. “We’ve already got regulars who come in two or three times a week.”
Nonna’s is located in downtown Summerville at 129 S. Main St.
SUMMERVILLE — A Lowcountry state lawmaker and lawyer sparked a social media debate this week after coming to the defense of Born United, a local company being sued by the Buc-ee's travel center chain over claims ...
SUMMERVILLE — A Lowcountry state lawmaker and lawyer sparked a social media debate this week after coming to the defense of Born United, a local company being sued by the Buc-ee's travel center chain over claims of copyright infringement for using its trademarked beaver mascot on merchandise.
S.C. Sen. Tom Fernandez, a Summerville resident and personal injury lawyer, said he is a part owner of the Myrtle Beach branch of the Goose Creek-based business, which also has retail locations in North Charleston and Summerville, as well as in several other states.
“For the record, I’m a proud 49% owner of the Born United Myrtle Beach store. And yes, one of the shirts Born United makes features a parody of a beaver …" Fernandez posted to Facebook on June 3. "It’s not the Buc-ee’s logo. It’s creative. It’s different. And it’s protected.”
He said the image in question — a beaver in a yellow circle wearing night-vision goggles and tactical gear — is parody and therefore protected by the First Amendment. The Buc-ee's logo features a similar buck-toothed rodent looking in the same direction with the same expression, though wearing a red baseball cap.
Fernandez did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Post and Courier.
His post had generated nearly 500 reactions and 350 comments in little more than a day.
Many people disagreed that the image on Born United merchandise isn't the Buc-ee's logo.
"That's definitely Buc-ee. Why deny it?" one posted. Others noted that it was clearly a "rip off," "not creative or different" and is "the same exact beaver in tactical gear lol."
"The eyes, the cheeks, all the way down to the shine on its nose, I'm sorry but that is the same beaver," read another post.
Several people, however, defended Born United, noting that "they aren't even close" and "the artwork is not the same."
One supporter wrote that "...it’s not violating a trademark, it’s not copying their brand in an effort to lure buyers away. Similar is not illegal."
Fernandez responded to a number of posts to again defend his position, though at times flinging insults at other posters.
"I absolutely believe in protecting intellectual property too when there’s true infringement. But parody and satire have long been protected under both copyright and trademark law. The Born United design is clearly a tactical, military-themed twist meant to poke fun, not to confuse customers or pass as Buc-ee’s," he wrote at one point. "It’s not the same beaver and it wasn’t meant to be. That’s exactly why parody exists as a legal defense, and it’ll ultimately be up to the courts to decide."
Fernandez, who is not named in the lawsuit, further added he thinks Buc-ee's knows "that they'll lose this case. They're just trying to bully born united.”
To someone accusing him of trying to drum up sympathy and admit the mistake, Fernandez responded: "not asking for sympathy from someone who doesn't know wtf they're talking about. And it's not my mistake. I'm not getting sued. So gfy."
In a lawsuit filed in federal court in Charleston on May 27, Buc-ee's officials alleged that Born United, a retail store founded by Cameron Bechtold, used their cartoon beaver logo and sold it on merchandise without permission.
Attorneys for the company said Born United has continued to merchandise with the beaver image after a cease-and-desist letter was previously sent to Bechtold. On June 3, Born United's North Charleston store had a number of products still for sale with the beaver logo and the words “An American Tradition” and “Born United."
Born United’s website also sells a variety of products with images similar to other trademarked characters, such as Winnie the Pooh with a semi-automatic rifle and Tigger with captions in Disney’s Waltograph font. There’s a T-shirt with Darth Vader saying “Force Around and Find Out,” one with Smokey the Bear, a "Tequila is my Gatorade" shirt with sports drink's signature orange lightning bolt and font, and another tee with the Looney Tunes squad, which are trademarks of Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.
Born United operates under the slogan “bringing brands together that stand for freedom,” and offers its own private label products as well as items from third-party brands, such as Grunt Style, Palmetto State Armory, Nine Line Apparel and others.
Under the Lanham Act, a registered trademark holder has a right to prevent another's use of a trademark that is likely to cause confusion, or to cause mistake, or to deceive. Buc-ee's primary argument is that the Born United merchandise will do just that, possibly causing customers to think the shirts, sweatshirts and patches were approved by the Texas-based gas station and convenience store.
Fernandez defended against those claims in his Facebook posts.
“Born United didn’t take anything... they flipped it, mocked it, and made it their own with a completely different message and vibe,” he wrote in one post.
In another, he said that the owners of Born United "feel confident, very confident, in their legal position. They’re not backing down. And I fully support them in fighting this in court."
Companies often file lawsuits to protect their trademarks, and Buc-ee's is known to be aggressive in its court actions to protect its logo.
“Trademark cases always comes down to whether the public will be confused by the source of the services," said Bill Killough, a Charleston patent attorney who is not involved in the case.
Killough cited a 1992 case in which Anheuser-Busch sued South Carolina-based L & L Wings Inc., among other plaintiffs, for infringement of its Budweiser trademark — a familiar design on beer cans since 1876. The product in question was a T-shirt depicting a beer can featuring a red, white and blue label with words referencing Myrtle Beach, not beer.