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

Criminal Defense Lawyer in West Ashley, SC

cd-head-bottom

If you have been accused and charged with a crime you are in need of a seasoned criminal defense lawyer in West Ashley, 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 West Ashley 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:

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

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

Criminal Defense Lawyer West Ashley, SC

Understanding Criminal Defense Cases in South Carolina

cd-head-bottom

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.

State and Federal Criminal Defense Cases in South Carolina

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.

 Attorney At Law West Ashley, SC
 Car Accident Attorney West Ashley, SC

The Difference Between Misdemeanors and Felonies in South Carolina

Understanding the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony crime can be challenging for someone facing their first charge. Misdemeanors are generally considered minor offenses, 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 West Ashley, SC.

Plea Deals in South Carolina

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.

 Car Accident Lawyer West Ashley, SC

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

cd-head-bottom

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.

 Family Law West Ashley, SC

When You've Been Accused or Charged

Thinking about hiring a criminal defense lawyer when you're charged with a crime is a no-brainer for most, and for good reason. 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!


 Family Law Attorney West Ashley, SC

When Investigators or Police Question You

As you may have observed in movies or television shows, the police might request you to provide a statement, giving the impression that you are not under arrest. Remember, it is within your rights to have a criminal defense attorney in West Ashley, 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.


 Family Lawyer West Ashley, SC

When Authorities Search Your Residence

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


 Personal Injury Lawyer West Ashley, SC

When You Are Wrongly Accused of Committing a Crime

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.


 Truck Accident Attorney West Ashley, SC

When Your Child Is Involved

The legal system for juveniles in South Carolina is different than it is for adults. It comes with its own complications and hurdles to overcome. If you 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.

Criminal Defense for DUIs in South Carolina

cd-head-bottom

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 West Ashley and explore every possible angle to have it dismissed.

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

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

Criminal Defense for Drug Cases in South Carolina

cd-head-bottom

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Marijuana
  • Heroin
  • Ecstasy
  • LSD and Hallucinogens
  • Cocaine
  • Meth
  • Prescription Pain Killers
  • Fentanyl
 Attorney At Law West Ashley, SC

Can I be Arrested for Drug Paraphernalia in South Carolina?

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

Criminal Defense for Assault and Battery Cases in South Carolina

cd-head-bottom

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.

 Car Accident Attorney West Ashley, SC

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

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

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

Understanding the Degrees of Assault and Battery in South Carolina

Third Degree

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

Second Degree

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

First Degree

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

What Client Say About Us

Everyone Deserves a Reliable Criminal Defense Attorney in West Ashley, SC

cd-head-bottom

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

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

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

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

Make an Appointment

Latest News in West Ashley, SC

Demolition of West Ashley shopping center to kick off construction for $348 million redevelopment

CHARLESTON — Fencing and yellow caution tape already surround part of a West Ashley shopping center, where construction on the long-awaited redevelopment project along Sam Rittenberg Boulevard will finally begin after a ceremony planned by city officials and developers on May 7.The ...

CHARLESTON — Fencing and yellow caution tape already surround part of a West Ashley shopping center, where construction on the long-awaited redevelopment project along Sam Rittenberg Boulevard will finally begin after a ceremony planned by city officials and developers on May 7.

The overall proposal covers 35 acres that combines the larger Ashley Landing shopping center and a vacant lot across Sumar Street where a Piggly Wiggly once stood. Plans call for more than 6 acres of green space, a four- to five-story apartment complex with 285 units, 100 townhomes and 240,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space.

"We're addressing what people have been wanting there," said Councilman William Tinkler, who represents the district where the site is located. He called the investment completely unprecedented for West Ashley, home to more than 40 percent of the city's population.

Demolition of part of the existing shopping center will kick off the construction. This will make way for a new Publix. The grocery chain is currently located across the parking lot in the middle of the planned development.

Publix will remain open during construction, as will many retail and commercial spaces along the periphery of the shopping center.

The same can't be said for the Crunch Fitness or Charleston Stage's West Ashley Theatre Center, which are also slated for demolition.

The theater production company preforms at the city-owned Dock Street Theatre downtown, but rehearses and holds classes and programs at the West Ashley location.

The developer behind the shopping center's upgrade is renovating a vacant 10,000-square-foot space for Charleston Stage in the same development, according to Marybeth Clark, the company's artistic director.

"We're not going away," Clark said. But there will be a pause in their fall classes as they wait for the new location to be complete, she said. The new space will feature more studios, office space and theater seating than they have currently.

"Ultimately, we will have a beautiful new space in a beautiful new center," said Clark, who hopes to be in the new location by the start of next year. "Between now and then, it will be inconvenient."

West Ashley project a longtime coming

People visiting the shopping center should expect to be "inconvenienced for the next few years," Tinkler said. But once the dust of construction settles, he believes the "vibrant community" left behind will be worth the wait.

The city and county are both planning improvements to traffic around the site, which Tinkler said is one of the biggest complaints for residents who live nearby. He hopes the investment will encourage additional traffic mitigation from state authorities.

"This is revitalization," Tinkler said. "We're finally realizing plans that were envisioned 20 years ago."

Back then, his father sat on City Council, and every councilman since has pushed for redevelopment of the area, he said.

Past proposals ground to a halt as council failed to come to a consensus last year about what to do with the smaller former Piggly Wiggly site the city bought in 2017. When Mayor William Cogswell took office, he began courting developers with deeper pockets to tackle the larger redevelopment effort.

The overall plan will cost taxpayers an estimated $48 million, with another $300 million investment from Edens, a Columbia-based real estate company that owns properties in Mount Pleasant, Kiawah, Atlanta, Washington, D.C., and California.

Edens purchased the Ashley Landing shopping center in October for more than $38 million, and in December paid the city $1.1 million for the 3-acre Piggly Wiggly parcel, according to county property records. That's nearly $2 million less than the city paid for the property in 2017.

The city also changed how it approves development along the busy commercial corridor in order to fast track the project. The property sits in a tax-increment financing district, or TIF district, which the city is relying on to fund its portion of the site's public infrastructure. That will include $10 million for affordable housing; $9.6 million for public streets and right of ways; $4.7 million for parks and green space; $1 million for a 3,000-square-foot community space; and $13 million for stormwater infrastructure.

A TIF essentially allows municipalities to borrow against future tax revenue generated from improvements to blighted properties and reinvest it back into the district. The West Ashley TIF was created eight years ago, and according to county tax records, still hasn't accrued any revenue. If the city doesn't issue any bonds within the next two years, then the TIF expires.

If all goes to plan, construction is slated to complete in 2028.

Reach Ali Rockett at 843-901-1708. Follow her on Twitter @AliRockettPC.

Charleston Friends of the Library opens store in West Ashley mall with daily discount books

Downtown Charleston is about to temporarily lose its main library for renovations, but it’s gaining a major gap: a used bookstore.The Charleston Friends of the Library is moving its stockpile of thousands of books from its operations on Calhoun Street to Citadel Mall in West Ashley, where the volunteers will organize donations to sell on a daily basis.It means no more having to wait weeks between pop-ups to pick up a bargain book, although Friends ...

Downtown Charleston is about to temporarily lose its main library for renovations, but it’s gaining a major gap: a used bookstore.

The Charleston Friends of the Library is moving its stockpile of thousands of books from its operations on Calhoun Street to Citadel Mall in West Ashley, where the volunteers will organize donations to sell on a daily basis.

It means no more having to wait weeks between pop-ups to pick up a bargain book, although Friends of the Library executive director Leah Donaldson said there’ll still be plenty of events that locals have come to love.

The move comes as the main library at 68 Calhoun St. takes its turn on the docket as the 13th library up for renovations thanks to $108.5 million referendum passed in 2014.

“We thought if we have to move everything out temporarily anyway, let’s try a retail space,” Donaldson said. “We have a lot of great independent bookstores in Charleston and surrounding counties, so obviously there is a market of refer readers here.”

The store fills the particular hole in the market for used bookstores, especially after local shop Mr. K’s closed its doors in North Charleston in 2023 after 11 years.

“That was like a death,” Donaldson said. “So I think we're filling a niche here, sort of county wide, but also in West Ashley where you don't have any other used bookstore.”

The Friends of the Library store was to hold a soft opening April 7 right near the mall's center court and Medical University of South Carolina outpost. Hours for now will run Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Following the nonprofit’s “Big Book Sale” June 5-8 at Omar Shrine Auditorium in Mount Pleasant, the entire sorting room will be then moved to Citadel Mall for a grand opening, Donaldson said. At that point, she’ll announce how to donate or volunteer to support the program.

Charleston Friends of the Library funds more than 7,000 programs annually at the Charleston County Library with its events — most notably its short-term book sales supplied by donations from Lowcountry residents.

“We’re doing it this way because while we have extensive experience in selling books at book sales, we’ve never done retail, which is a little bit of a different animal,” Donaldson said, adding the store is entirely volunteer-run. “We want to make sure we give our teams enough time to get up to speed and fix whatever snags we hit.”

The new store will be dual purposed with retail space for a variety of genres, be it fiction, non-fiction and children's books in the front. The back of the site will serve as storage and a sorting room for donations.

“The space is going to be packed to the gills,” Donaldson said with a laugh. “Anyone who says people don't read books anymore, I'm like, ‘Well, come out to a brewery on a Saturday and check out how many people are buying these books.’”

As every discount book sells, backroom stock will be moved up in replacement, making the collection ever-changing.

“I’m a huge used bookstore person and for me browsing is part of the fun,” Donaldson said. “There will be organization but there’ll be opportunity to browse and explore and find your next cool read.”

Kristi Tolley, marketing and specialty leasing manager for Citadel Mall, said the shopping center is looking forward to the new tenant.

“This addition brings a valuable community resource to our visitors and complements our current mix of local tenants,” Tolley said. “The Charleston Friends of the Library offers a unique service for the Charleston community, and we are excited to see how shoppers will engage with this new offering.”

The main library’s renovations will conclude plans more than a decade in the works after the $108.5 million referendum passed by a three-to-one margin.

With the funding, 13 existing Charleston County libraries were earmarked for renovations and five new ones have since been built.

The Wando Mount Pleasant Library was the first new branch to open in 2019. The four others now in full operation are on James Island, West Ashley, Hollywood Library and North Charleston.

Also, five regional branches and smaller branches were renovated.

Whatever referendum funding is left over will go to the overhaul of the 27-year-old main library, said Angela Craig, the library system's executive director. She envisions updating floorplans for better programming in the space and meeting technology needs, but her big wish is to invest in the youth area.

“Right now the children’s area and the teen area get a lot of love, and the teen area was put in years after the building opened," she said. “ So it’s definitely served its purpose.”

The county is working with locally based Liollio Architecture for the renovations. A timeline had not been determined as of April 7, library spokesperson Doug Reynolds said.

Proposed rezoning of Storybook Farm to allow condo development in West Ashley

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - The Charleston County Planning Commission will be taking another look at a potential rezoning for a farmland property to allow for a multi-family residential community.The 10-acre Storybook Farm property sits at the intersection of Bees Ferry Road and Bear Swamp Road and is currently zoned R-4, which allows for 4 homes per acre. If the rezone were to happen, it would be changed to the Storybook Farm Planned Development and would allow up to 144 housing units total.The plans say that this will be a cond...

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - The Charleston County Planning Commission will be taking another look at a potential rezoning for a farmland property to allow for a multi-family residential community.

The 10-acre Storybook Farm property sits at the intersection of Bees Ferry Road and Bear Swamp Road and is currently zoned R-4, which allows for 4 homes per acre. If the rezone were to happen, it would be changed to the Storybook Farm Planned Development and would allow up to 144 housing units total.

The plans say that this will be a condominium community and include six four-story buildings with 24 units in each.

At the initial presentation to the planning commission in February, the proposal said that Storybook Farm is designed to meet the demand for both workforce and market-rate housing, with a focus on the “missing middle” price point.

The developer said that the units would be for sale only, not for rent with a goal of keeping prices attainable. He said the starting price point could be $300,000.

Proposed plans also say that 5% of the units would be deed-restricted as workforce housing, which means that those units would remain attainable even if market prices increase over time.

The proposal also includes amenities that tie in the farm property’s features. Those include a farmstand gathering space where residents will be able to purchase produce as well as community gardens where residents can grow their own plants and vegetables.

Other amenities proposed include a dog park, walking trails and enhanced parking and access for Light of Christ Ministries Church, which sits next to the property.

West Ashley resident LaDon Paige says she has lived off of Bees Ferry Road for almost 20 years and is not against development, but would like to see it done responsibly.

“I just don’t know that increasing density is going to do us any favors. We have a lot of traffic already, there are concerns with that. There is concern about losing greenspace,” Paige says. “There is already zoning in place in R-4. I am opposed to rezoning that. I think there could be better uses for that property. I don’t know what the county could do. I mean, maybe even a fire station would be great. We have that small little fire station for St Andrews, but that would be something that would not allow as much density, would not allow as much traffic, but could also be an asset to the entire community.”

Angie Murto, another long-time West Ashley resident and local realtor, says she believes that the area could support homes with the current R-4 zoning, but that the number of units proposed in the planned development is too much.

“They have the R-4 zoning there for single-family homes, four per acre, which I think we can handle that. When we’re trying to do the multi-family, I just think it’s too much density for that area,” Murto says. “As a realtor I am looking at the market all the time and you know we want development cause we need it and Charleston is a very hot place to move to but we need to do it responsibly and pay attention to the infrastructure and make sure we have enough resources for those who are coming here and those who already live here.”

Justin James grew up in West Ashley and says he has long-term concerns if more development is brought to the area.

“What is traffic going to look like right? What is all of this going to look like 10, 15 years from now? I’m going to tell you, if you think today is terrible with the amount of kids to one teacher in a classroom. If you think it’s terrible trying to get I-526 to I-26 and get to your job on time by 7:30 or 8 a.m. without leaving three hours early, it’s just going to get worse,” James says.

The public is able to fill out a survey about the potential rezoning up until April 10. You can find the link to it here.

This rezoning will be brought before the planning commission again on April 14.

Copyright 2025 WCSC. All rights reserved.

Charleston County School District staff weigh options for West Ashley growth

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - Charleston County School District staff could shift certain operations in West Ashley as families begin to feel the impacts of current and projected city growth.The City of Charleston reported a total population of 162,499 in 2024, with 71,648 people located in West Ashley. This nearly doubles the peninsula, sitting at 36,867.City leaders project West Ashley to reach 1 million inhabitants within the next few decades with changes in commercial and residential development on the way.“Most of...

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - Charleston County School District staff could shift certain operations in West Ashley as families begin to feel the impacts of current and projected city growth.

The City of Charleston reported a total population of 162,499 in 2024, with 71,648 people located in West Ashley. This nearly doubles the peninsula, sitting at 36,867.

City leaders project West Ashley to reach 1 million inhabitants within the next few decades with changes in commercial and residential development on the way.

“Most of the complaints I’ve heard have been related to the mobility issue, the inability to move. When you go places, it is very crowded,” Board of Trustees member Leah Whatley said.

West Ashley sits within Constituent District 10 and is the foundation for 10 schools.

Families within public education say the increase in traffic holds a trickle-down effect. One parent, with children in third and fourth grade, said the traffic can impact their students’ route to school by doubling the drive times. This can lead to issues with tiredness and interfere with extracurricular activities.

“It goes well beyond West Ashley; the growth throughout Charleston County has affected a number of our schools. With traffic to and from school, it’s affected bus routes and the duration of time people are on buses. We’ve seen it across the district, West Ashley has been rising as of late,” Chief Operating Officer Jeff Borowy said.

The district believes increasing bus ridership could be a mediator. The district is among the few with a large number of bus drivers, but Borowy said the students on board only fit half the capacity.

Borowy said any student on a late bus would not be penalized, and the district records which buses are consistently tardy to monitor “hot spots.”

“The ultimate goal is to want parents to be comfortable and safe and say, ‘I’m going to put my kid on the bus, I’m good to go’ to reduce the number of cars on the road,” Borowy said.

Parents suggested in the summer of 2024 and again in March 2025 that the district consider building a new school or redrawing district lines to allow zoning that eases transportation concerns.

The district is not considering either option because none of the schools are at a point of overcapacity.

“When I moved here 11 years ago, I was told right away, ‘You’ve got to build a new school on Savannah Long, because the kids are coming.’ The homes are not there. We would have had an empty school if we built one back in the day,” Borowy said.

Borowy said there is property, formerly the C.E. Williams Middle School, to use as a backup if space is needed to build a new school. The district would also consider the Savannah Long property near Drayton Hall as a short-term expansion option.

The district is offering community input for projects in a special buildings funding program through 2029.

If needed, Borowy said any project within the new program could be started two years before. The master plan will be released in Spring 2026.

“The school district isn’t directly responsible for the roads’ situation. We don’t have the authority to widen roads or add additional roads,” Whatley said. “These days, everyone is frustrated by the traffic. If something goes wrong in the area, it creates a nightmare for everybody.”

Whatley expects to bring the topic up through a board discussion and public comment period in April.

Copyright 2025 WCSC. All rights reserved.

Hicks: Look inward, West Ashley — or get ready for even longer commutes and more traffic

When Charleston annexed Long Savannah in 2007, the massive planned subdivision came with promises of developer-funded roads.That was meant to alleviate concerns about the congestion that would come with the city’s biggest expansion since Daniel Island.Nearly two decades later, the 4,500-home development is finally on the way — but without the “h” in “Savanna,” as The Post and Courier’s Teri Errico Griffis notes.And without any new roads.As Griffis recently reported, there ...

When Charleston annexed Long Savannah in 2007, the massive planned subdivision came with promises of developer-funded roads.

That was meant to alleviate concerns about the congestion that would come with the city’s biggest expansion since Daniel Island.

Nearly two decades later, the 4,500-home development is finally on the way — but without the “h” in “Savanna,” as The Post and Courier’s Teri Errico Griffis notes.

And without any new roads.

As Griffis recently reported, there are nearly 6,000 new housing units planned for the outer rim of Charleston’s largest suburb. Which is scary.

That's because there are no accompanying plans for new highways or parkways to handle all the new traffic that will follow. Studies suggest that many houses will add thousands of car trips to existing roads every day.

Locals are rightly concerned.

In the past few years, West Ashley has grown three times as fast as the national average, as anyone who drives around the area knows. Look at the numbers.

The S.C. Department of Transportation’s average daily traffic count for Savannah Highway between Interstate 526 and Savage Road rose by 5,000 cars — to nearly 57,000 — between 2021 and 2023.

At the same time, Glenn McConnell Parkway and S.C. Highway 61 are up 4,000 cars each.

More than 20% of West Ashley roads are over-capacity already, and all this new building isn't going to help. In fact, it’s about to bring the bustling suburb to a standstill.

There’s little DOT can do here — Savannah Highway and 61 can’t be widened, and Glenn McConnell recently got a decent upgrade. Plans call for intersection improvements throughout the area, and barriers to prohibit left-hand turns to keep traffic flowing.

Some local officials have encouraged more mass transit, and suggested more people walk or ride bikes. But Savannah Highway is dangerous enough for people in cars — a disturbing number of people often don't even brake for its numerous red lights.

All this uncertainty and overcrowding adds to the consternation of residents. They are griping pretty loudly, which is understandable.

But they also rejected plans to extend 526 onto Johns Island, which would have gotten an estimated 15,000 cars off West Ashley roads every day. Don’t expect to see those plans resurface again anytime soon.

So what’s a growing Charleston suburb to do?

Lacking any better alternatives, many folks simply blame local officials for allowing all this development without the accompanying infrastructure. Sometimes that’s even appropriate.

South Carolina is a state that foolishly doesn’t require necessary infrastructure to be in place before development like, say, Georgia.

But many of these plans — including Long Savanna, which accounts for 75% of the new homes planned for West Ashley — were approved years ago, back when the region was hungry for an expanded tax base … and long before serious gridlock was an issue.

There's one solution, which Charleston County Councilman and West Ashley native Brantley Moody explains quite well.

“Eighty-four percent of our residents leave West Ashley at 7:30 every morning and come back at 5 p.m. The longer they have to commute, it keeps exacerbating our traffic problems,” he says. “I’m an infill guy. I believe we need to build where there’s already infrastructure, where people have grocery stores, shops and restaurants nearby, even within walking distance.”

The site of the former Ryan’s restaurant and Food Lion on St. Andrew’s Boulevard (Highway 61) is the sort of redevelopment Moody is talking about.

Developers want to convert that property, just a couple of miles from downtown on a well-established thoroughfare, into a mixed-use development.

You know, like the Sumar Street plan, which the city of Charleston is shepherding along off Sam Rittenberg Boulevard. Which is an infinitely better idea than continuing to throw up new houses toward Jacksonboro.

“Somebody redevelop the Chuck E. Cheese, somebody build at Citadel Mall,” Moody says. “This is where our new development belongs.”

Not, he says, along Church Creek — where more homes only increase flooding … which in turn requires expensive fixes that take money away from other infrastructure.

The county is helping the St. Andrews Fire Department build a new station near the creek, which redevelops a property that otherwise might've been filled with dozens of new single-family homes.

That’s smart. The city and county need to do more to discourage development in such areas, mostly by encouraging it in places in serious need of suburban renewal.

All it takes is a private developer with a lot of capital and a little vision … and it really doesn’t even take much of that. West Ashley has already proved it's a popular choice for new residents.

But if its traffic woes continue, that won’t always be the case.

Disclaimer:

This website publishes news articles that contain copyrighted material whose use has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. The non-commercial use of these news articles for the purposes of local news reporting constitutes "Fair Use" of the copyrighted materials as provided for in Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.
 Car Accident Lawyer West Ashley, SC

Service Areas