If you have been accused and charged with a crime you are in need of a seasoned criminal defense lawyer in Walterboro, 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 Walterboro 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 Walterboro 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 Walterboro, 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 Walterboro, 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 Walterboro and explore every possible angle to have it dismissed.
To begin that process, your criminal defense lawyer in Walterboro, SC, may seek answers to many questions, including:
If you are dealing with drug-related crimes in Walterboro 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 Walterboro 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 Walterboro, SC, today to learn more about the complexities involved with drug cases in Walterboro 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 Walterboro, 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.
WALTERBORO, S.C. (WCSC) - State regulators recently signed off on Santee Cooper’s long-term plan, including the approval of a new gas-fired power plant that would sit on the Edisto River.The rumored plant location would be at the retired coal-fired plant Canadys Station between Walterboro and St. George.The proposed power plant would be jointly financed and owned by both Dominion Energy and Santee Cooper.It would also require a new natural gas pipeline, which is raising some concerns about how it could impact the n...
WALTERBORO, S.C. (WCSC) - State regulators recently signed off on Santee Cooper’s long-term plan, including the approval of a new gas-fired power plant that would sit on the Edisto River.
The rumored plant location would be at the retired coal-fired plant Canadys Station between Walterboro and St. George.
The proposed power plant would be jointly financed and owned by both Dominion Energy and Santee Cooper.
It would also require a new natural gas pipeline, which is raising some concerns about how it could impact the nearby river and homeowners.
Southern Environmental Law Center Senior Attorney Frank Holleman says the plant would have a tremendous impact on communities, waterways and clean water on the ground.
“What really is at stake here is the property, the claim water and the power bills of the people of South Carolina. It’s really our air, our clean water and our land are all at risk,” Holleman says.
South Carolina Public Service Commission approved the project on Feb. 15 as part of Santee Cooper’s integrated resource plan.
The approval of the plant ties into the recently introduced House Bill 5118, also introduced on Feb. 15, which is an economic development and utility monitor modernization bill.
Dozens of state representatives are behind the bill, including Rep. Marvin Pendarvis (D-Charleston).
“It’s a bill that’s going to get South Carolina to a place where we’re going to be able to fulfill the energy needs of our state, especially with all the manufacturers that are coming here,” Pendarvis says.
The Southern Environmental Law Center is one organization opposing the plant and bill.
“One big impact is this large industrial pipeline will come barreling through the Edisto watershed. That will have impacts on the streams, wetlands, swamps, the waterways that flow into the Edisto and secure its health,” Holleman says. “We will not have the normal protections in place to minimize those impacts.”
Holleman says many of the nearby residents do not even know about the need for a pipeline and the impact it could have on them.
“What’s going to happen when these pipelines come through in this big plan, which is going to be five times the size of the prior one. When that gets put right there beside the Edisto River?” Holleman says.
They say the bill would rush the environmental review process and make it easier for utilities to influence the Public Service Commission.
“Normally when you have impact on wetlands, there’s a thorough review by the state and by the environmental agencies to be sure the water impacts are minimized, and that they are avoided, when at all possible,” Holleman says. “Those kinds of protections are weakened.”
Addressing environmental concerns, Pendarvis says he is continuing to have conversations and listen to environmental groups.
“What I will tell you is, it’s certainly a work in progress,” Pendarvis says. “A lot of those concerns have been heard, and those are things that I am taking with me as we go throughout the committee process and certainly debate this bill on the floor to make sure that it is as good a bill as possible.”
Pendarvis adds he signed on to the bill because it is important to look at the long-term impact of the state of South Carolina from an economic development perspective.
“In order for us to fully realize the potential where we can be, it’s going to be important for us to be able to attract the kind of industry, and to support the kind of industry that wants to come here,” Pendarvis says.
“In order for us to do that, we have to make sure that we’re doing everything that we can from an energy standpoint, to provide them with enough energy to actually operate here in the state,” he says.
It’s important to note that the proposed power plant would need permits and approvals before being finalized.
A spokesperson for Santee Cooper provided the following statement:
Santee Cooper submitted an IRP for review that includes a balanced portfolio shown by our analysis to be the least-cost, least-risk option for meeting customer energy needs. Its combination of proven natural gas technology (1,020 MW) and solar power (2,100 MW) will provide strong reliability and flexibility, allow integration of more solar power, and allow us to reduce emissions by over 50%, all while meeting continued customer growth and supporting economic development across South Carolina. And as an additional benefit to customers, we are planning to jointly build a natural gas unit with Dominion Energy SC, which will provide economies of scale that we would not get if we each built units separately.
Copyright 2024 WCSC. All rights reserved.
Remains of a human skull were reportedly located in rural Colleton County, South Carolina on Wednesday afternoon, prompting an investigation by the Colleton County sheriff’s office and the local coroner’s office.The skull was reportedly found at approximately 1:30 p.m. EST on Wednesday (January 31, 2024) by a woman whose dog dug it up near Round O – an uninc...
Remains of a human skull were reportedly located in rural Colleton County, South Carolina on Wednesday afternoon, prompting an investigation by the Colleton County sheriff’s office and the local coroner’s office.
The skull was reportedly found at approximately 1:30 p.m. EST on Wednesday (January 31, 2024) by a woman whose dog dug it up near Round O – an unincorporated community of 2,000 people located approximately seven-and-a-half miles northeast of Walterboro, S.C.
The woman called 9-1-1 to report the discovery, sources familiar with the situation told our outlet.
It’s not immediately clear whether authorities have located any other remains associated with the skull. As of this writing, no positive identification of the remains has been made.
Sources familiar with the situation say the skull was found near the residence of Gregory Donell Bodison, a man in his early sixties from Round O who disappeared seventeen months ago. Bodison was last seen at his home on September 11, 2022. Early last year, Colleton County deputies enlisted the support of the public in their efforts to find him – deeming his disappearance “suspicious.”
Searches of the area using drones turned up nothing – and efforts to locate Bodison via financial transaction data or cell phone data also came up empty.
Bodison is 5-foot-8, 140 pounds. He is black, with black hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing blue jeans and a black and brown shirt.
Anyone with information related to Bodison’s whereabouts – or information related to the remains discovered in Round O – is encouraged to call the Colleton sheriff’s office at 843-549-2211.
Will Folks is the founding editor of the news outlet you are currently reading. Prior to founding FITSNews, he served as press secretary to the governor of South Carolina and before that he was a bass guitarist and dive bar bouncer. He lives in the Midlands region of the state with his wife and seven (soon to be eight) children.
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COLLETON COUNTY, S.C. (WCSC) - The Colleton County Sheriff’s Office said some cattle may still be unaccounted for after an early morning crash that closed Interstate 95 early Tuesday morning.A tractor-trailer hauling cattle crashed near mile marker 55 on the southbound side of I-95 around 1 a.m. Tuesday morning, deputies said.The crash closed all lanes on the interstate for more than nine hours while crews worked the crash and attempted to wrangle up the animals that got loose.The South Carolina Highway Patrol said...
COLLETON COUNTY, S.C. (WCSC) - The Colleton County Sheriff’s Office said some cattle may still be unaccounted for after an early morning crash that closed Interstate 95 early Tuesday morning.
A tractor-trailer hauling cattle crashed near mile marker 55 on the southbound side of I-95 around 1 a.m. Tuesday morning, deputies said.
The crash closed all lanes on the interstate for more than nine hours while crews worked the crash and attempted to wrangle up the animals that got loose.
The South Carolina Highway Patrol said the crash was cleared around 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, around nine hours after the crash closed all lanes on the interstate.
Earlier in the morning, the South Carolina Highway Patrol posted on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, that all lanes were closed near mile marker 55 for a collision. Trooper Nick Pye said the livestock got free as a result of the collision and lanes were closed as they tried to catch the loose animals.
Colleton County Fire-Rescue officials said the tractor-trailer hit a bridge near mile marker 55 and caught on fire. Its cattle trailer went off the bridge and into the river.
Arriving crews found the cab of the truck fully involved in flames but the driver had managed to escape with non-life-threatening injuries. The driver was taken to the hospital for treatment.
The driver told firefighters that more than 35 cows were onboard the trailer at the time of the crash. Some of the cattle were found in and along the river while others had made their way to the northbound side of the interstate leading to those lanes being closed.
Area veterinarians and ranchers volunteered to assist emergency crews as they tried to collect the loose cattle. Riders on horseback used lassos to catch some of the cattle and put them on trailers.
Some of the cattle had made its way into neighborhoods near the interstate and firefighters and deputies used drones with thermal imaging to locate them.
The sheriff’s office warned motorists to be on the lookout for cattle while traveling on Beach Road, Ulmer Lake Road, Cypress Pond Road, Doctor’s Creek Road, Sniders Highway, Bells Highway, Ivanhoe Road, Hiers Corner Road and Hilton Hall Lane.
Residents are asked to report sightings to the Colleton County non-emergency line at 843-549-2211.
Once the truck was cleared from the roadway, Department of Transportation officials sanded the bridge as diesel fuel had spilled from the truck as a result of the crash. Officials also inspected the bridge because of the damage.
Deputies ask that anyone who comes in contact with loose cattle not to approach as the animal may be scared or injured.
Copyright 2024 WCSC. All rights reserved.
Previous Next Genesis Healthcare is excited to break ground on the new Walterboro Family Care Center today. This new facility will serve as a pillar of healthcare and provide much-needed commun...
Genesis Healthcare is excited to break ground on the new Walterboro Family Care Center today. This new facility will serve as a pillar of healthcare and provide much-needed community health improvements for Colleton, Allendale, and Hampton County citizens.
This facility will not only allow Genesis the opportunity to better serve current patients but will also provide the space to continue expanding our services to more friends and neighbors.
While they are relatively new to the Walterboro area (having been here since 2016) Genesis is not new to healthcare. Long before they became Genesis, they were Pee Dee Health Care which was originally founded in Darlington, SC in 1974 by Dr. Josiah Matthews. They became Genesis Health Care, Inc., a nonprofit community health center, in 2010 when Dr. Matthews and Dr. Alexander Cohen donated the practices to the community. Since that time, Genesis, under the guidance of its board of directors, has maintained its commitment to provide superior care to all members of its communities regardless of their ability to pay and now have seven locations (two full pharmacies) and are located in four counties. Dr. Cohen states, “This groundbreaking is not only an investment for Genesis Healthcare but also for community members as they expand upon the services offered to the region. Residents seeking access to vital services including medical, dental, optometry and pharmacy will soon have another option close to home. This groundbreaking is a significant step toward exceptional health services for generations to come. Genesis is beyond proud of its staff, board of directors, and community partners and their hard work in paving the way for opportunities like these. Genesis would also like to give a huge thank you to the Colleton County Chamber of Commerce for their continued support. They are excited to work together with leaders in each town and county for the betterment of the entire region”.
Former United States Representative for South Carolina, Joe Cunningham who attended the groundbreaking commented “in the beginning we shape our buildings, and, in the end, they shape us”, and Genesis will provide exceptional healthcare for generations to come.
Welcome, Genesis Healthcare, to Colleton County. Thank you for providing our community with opportunities to better our health, mind, body, and soul.
For more information visit about Genesis Healthcare visit genesisfqhc.org.
Today's Forecast for Walterboro, SCNext 48 HoursWeather Today in Walterboro, SCFeels Like63°6:32 am8:06 pmHigh / Low86°/64°Wind0 mphHumidity100%Dew Point63°Pressure30.01 inUV Index0 of 11Visibility0.25 miMoon PhaseWaning Crescen...
Feels Like63°
6:32 am
8:06 pm
High / Low
86°/64°
Wind
0 mph
Humidity
100%
Dew Point
63°
Pressure
30.01 in
UV Index
0 of 11
Visibility
0.25 mi
Moon Phase
Waning Crescent
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