If you have been accused and charged with a crime you are in need of a seasoned criminal defense lawyer in Beaufort, 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 Beaufort 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 Beaufort 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 Beaufort, 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 Beaufort, 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 Beaufort and explore every possible angle to have it dismissed.
To begin that process, your criminal defense lawyer in Beaufort, SC, may seek answers to many questions, including:
If you are dealing with drug-related crimes in Beaufort 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 Beaufort 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 Beaufort, SC, today to learn more about the complexities involved with drug cases in Beaufort 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 Beaufort, 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.
Christmas is right around the corner.If you still haven’t figured out dinner plans, here are some locations throughout Beaufort County to visit on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.Community Christmas Day Dinner at Panini’s and Hemingway’s:Panini’s and Hemingway’s Bistro is hosting their annual Orphans & Strays Christmas Dinner all afternoon on Christ...
Christmas is right around the corner.
If you still haven’t figured out dinner plans, here are some locations throughout Beaufort County to visit on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Community Christmas Day Dinner at Panini’s and Hemingway’s:
Panini’s and Hemingway’s Bistro is hosting their annual Orphans & Strays Christmas Dinner all afternoon on Christmas Day. The Community Christmas Dinner is available to everyone starting at 2 p.m. on Christmas Day and the full bar will be available until 1:30 a.m.
The annual Orphans & Strays free Christmas Dinner is a potluck where Panini’s and Hemingway’s Bistro donate their time and money to prepare main courses and sides, including ham, macaroni & cheese, mashed potatoes, salads and veggies. These dishes are added to the food that guests bring to share at the event. Hemingway’s Bistro is located at 920 Bay Street and Panini’s is located at 926 Bay Street, just next door.
For more information, visit their website.
Frankie Bones Restaurant and Lounge - 26 Discovery Drive, Bluffton
You can also place an order to pick up Christmas entrees at Frankie Bones Bluffton locations. These meals include your choice of turkey, prime rib or ham and include sides like potatoes, green beans, asparagus, cornbread and cranberry sauce. These meals also come with a soup or salad option and dessert. Orders must be placed by December 20 and picked up on December 24 between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
For more information, visit their holiday dining page.
Crazy Crab Harbour Town - 149 Lighthouse Road, Hilton Head Island
Fishcamp on Broad Creek - 11 Simmons Road, Hilton Head Island
The Old Oyster Factory - 101 Marshland Road, Hilton Head Island
Poseidon - 38 Shelter Cove Lane Suite 121, Hilton Head Island
Skull Creek Dockside - 2 Hudson Road, Hilton Head Island
WiseGuys - 1513 Main Street, Hilton Head Island
Nick’s Steak & Seafood - 9 Park Lane, Hilton Head Island
Nectar - 207 Bluffton Road, Bluffton
Road House Ribs - 7 Topper Lane, Port Royal
The Hilton Head Diner - 6 Marina Side Drive, Hilton Head Island
OKKO Hilton Head - 95 Matthews Drive, Hilton Head Island
Sea Pines Resort Christmas Prix Fixe Dinner at Links - 11 Lighthouse Lane, Hilton Head Island
Beach House Hilton Head Island - 1 South Forest Beach Drive, Hilton Head Island
Chin Dynasty - 108 Buckwalter Parkway, Bluffton
Kobe Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar - 30 Plantation Business Park Suite 208, Bluffton
Waffle House - various locations
Shoppers looking for a 17-pound wheel of English Blue Cheese, nearly 3 pounds of Nesquick chocolate milk powder or 11 pounds of Wagyu beef will need to be patient for a while longer.The possibility of a Costco coming to Beaufort County has been circulated for years, and with it, a range of opinions for and against from community members and local retailers. According to a list of new Costco sites, the Lowcountry will not be home to the wholesale store, at least within the first three months of the new year.Costco ...
Shoppers looking for a 17-pound wheel of English Blue Cheese, nearly 3 pounds of Nesquick chocolate milk powder or 11 pounds of Wagyu beef will need to be patient for a while longer.
The possibility of a Costco coming to Beaufort County has been circulated for years, and with it, a range of opinions for and against from community members and local retailers. According to a list of new Costco sites, the Lowcountry will not be home to the wholesale store, at least within the first three months of the new year.
Costco recently released a list of six new location sites to open by March 2025, including Brentwood, CA; Genesee County, MI; Highland, CA; Prosper, TX; Sharon, MA and Weatherford, TX.
But the list might not include all locations that will open in 2025. Costcos currently under construction in Stuart, FL and Midland, TX, for example, are not on the list. According to their media request form, they are not able to comment on locations that will be opening more than three months from the present day.
Beaufort County residents have long heard rumors that Costco was going to open in Okatie Crossing off S.C. 170 and U.S. 278. Developer Doug Horne, president of Horne Properties, told the Island Packet in early 2019 that an impasse over costs stunted the deal with the mega retailer.
The closest Costco is located west of Savannah in Pooler, GA. There are also locations in Mt. Pleasant and Charleston, SC.
The membership warehouse club has 625 locations across the United States and is known for its bulk products and inexpensive food court menu (although the churro was replaced on the menu with a $2.49 chocolate chip cookie in January).
During a Sept. 26 earnings call, Gary Millerchip, Costco CFO, announced that the company plans to open 26 new warehouses during the 2025 fiscal year. Twelve of these warehouses will be located outside of the United States in Costco’s global markets.
This story was originally published December 16, 2024, 3:19 PM.
Welcome to Two Days Away, our series featuring weekend-long itineraries within a five-hour drive of your city—because sometimes we all just need a little adventure fix.Like a great book that you ju...
Welcome to Two Days Away, our series featuring weekend-long itineraries within a five-hour drive of your city—because sometimes we all just need a little adventure fix.
Like a great book that you just can’t put down, some small towns are filled with so much personality that their stories jump off the page. And there’s perhaps no town where local lore and larger-than-life characters are begging to be told than Beaufort, South Carolina.
Once upon a time, Beaufort was the home of a former slave turned American war hero and politician Robert Smalls, who became the first Black captain of a Union war vessel during the Civil War. Harriet Tubman also lived in Beaufort and led the Combahee River Raid, a military operation that saw hundreds of enslaved people rescued. Add in that it’s the birthplace of legendary boxer Joe Frazier and home to Pat Conroy, the beloved author of literary masterpieces The Prince of Tides and The Great Santini. And to top it all off, Beaufort has also made its silver screen debut in films from Forrest Gump to The Big Chill.
Sandwiched between Savannah and Charleston in the South, Beaufort is the second oldest city in South Carolina and its rich history makes that abundantly clear. Officially founded in 1711, it has retained so much of its original character and charm that it’s since earned the nickname “Queen of the Carolina Sea Islands.” It’s a small town with a lot of stories to tell, and from the moment you set foot here, you know you’ve landed someplace special. Soak it all in with these fun things to do in Beaufort, South Carolina.
45 minutes from Savannah, Georgia1 hour and 20 minutes from Charleston, South Carolina4 hours and 30 minutes from Atlanta, Georgia
Head downtown and waste an afternoon wandering past the stately manor homes lining Bay Street. Be sure to stop into some of the local art galleries, restaurants, and shops and get your soda and ice cream fix at Southern Sweets Ice Cream and Sandwich Shop before you mosey on over to one of the swing benches in Waterfront Park. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and enjoy the view of the Woods Memorial Bridge, which you might recognize from the penultimate running scene in Forrest Gump. If you want to dig into the local history, there are a few tour operators to choose from, including an excellent Historic Golf Cart Tour and Pat Conroy’s Beaufort By Gold Cart Tour. Conheads should head to the Pat Conroy Literary Center downtown, which hosts writers and events and serves as a touching tribute to Beaufort’s very own literary legend.
One of the best ways to experience Beaufort is by the water, and from a pet-friendly river excursion (for well-behaved dogs) to renting a kayak and exploring the local creeks and lowlying marshes, there’s no shortage of ways to experience the Lowcountry.
Meanwhile on land, the Spanish Moss Trail is a 10-mile pedestrian greenway set along the old train tracks that’s easily one of the best pet-friendly walking trails in town. South Carolina’s most popular state park, Hunting Island State Beach offers five miles of white sand, a historic lighthouse, and plenty of opportunity to hunt for shark teeth that have a tendency to wash ashore here. Best of all, the beach and campgrounds here are pet-friendly. Make your way to South Beach, otherwise known as “the boneyard” where you’ll find fewer people and plenty of pine trees and tide pools for you and your pet to frolic in. On your way to or from this beguiling beach, Beedos Burgers serves the best fried chicken sandos and soft serve, along with an outdoor patio to park you and your pups as you eat.
Beaufort may not have a traditional movie theater, but Highway 21 Drive In is not only pet-friendly but a trip down memory lane that is well worth a visit when you’re in town. Over in Port Royal, Shellring is Beaufort’s go-to pet-friendly brewery. In addition to the rotating menu of delicious food via their on-site food truck and always changing array of craft beer, it has some killer views and a lineup of live music and entertainment that ranges from trivia nights and goat yoga.
For your caffeine fix: Herban Market offers freshly baked pastries, excellent vegan options, and an out-of-this-world avocado brownie, all of which you can enjoy on this spot’s pet-friendly patio. Lowcountry Cider Co. & Superior Coffee, which recently added a location downtown, is a great spot to grab a coffee and pick up some cute Southern souvenirs.
For lowcountry fare: For a small town, Beaufort has a number of seriously great eats you can only find here. You can’t miss the green fried tomatoes at Lowcountry Produce. For some tried and true southern fare, Panini's on the Waterfront offers river deck tables and a dedicated doggie menu, plus great po boys and shrimp and grits for the humans. Over on Lady’s Island, Locals Raw Bar is an excellent spot serving up the freshest seafood in town. If you’re around on the first Sunday of the month, don’t want to miss this spot’s lowcountry boil.
For imbibing: Come dinnertime, Old Bull Tavern is beloved by Beaufortonians (this local writer included). But beyond the solid menu and stellar vibes, it’s also known for serving up the best painkiller in all the land. Grab a spot on the patio on cooler nights and don’t leave without ordering the butterscotch pudding for dessert. If you’re looking for some live music and a solid dive, you’ll find it at The Fillin’ Station. Post up with a bucket of beer on the back porch overlooking the marsh and enjoy the views.
For a charming room: A historic mansion in downtown Beaufort, Cuthbert House is a swoon-worthy 18th-century mansion dripping in Lowcountry charm at every turn. Inside this bayside beauty, you’ll find spacious pet-friendly suites and guest rooms, along with one of Beaufort’s most convivial spots to sip sweet tea and enjoy complimentary wine and hors d'oeuvres. On breezy nights, do as the locals do, enjoy a glass of wine or whiskey on the porch, and watch the swaying moss and boats in the bay pass you by.
To find luxury for pets and people: Set along the May River as the crow flies from Beaufort, Montage Palmetto Bluff is spread across 20,000 acres and offers a mix of pet-friendly inn rooms, cottages, guest houses, and suites. The hotel is also home to a Canine Ambassador program, most recently including Finch the Golden Retriever and Bodie the Miniature Sheepadoodle, both of whom can be found roaming this expansive property. Best of all, furry members of the family are treated to custom-baked treats and a pet cuisine menu that includes homemade biscuits and fresh beef, rice, and vegetables when they come to stay.
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Michelle Gross is a travel writer and Beaufort, South Carolina resident by way of New York City. You can read all about her southern escapades in her monthly newsletter The Beau Yorker.
‘Tis the season for turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and all the fixins’. There’s no denying that the Thanksgiving feast is the best meal of the year. If you’re away from home or simply want to step away from the kitchen for the day, these Beaufort area restaurants have decided to keep their doors open just for you on Thanksgiving.Hemingway’s Bistro, 920 Bay Street, Rear. Hemingway’s is hosting its 31st annual ...
‘Tis the season for turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and all the fixins’. There’s no denying that the Thanksgiving feast is the best meal of the year. If you’re away from home or simply want to step away from the kitchen for the day, these Beaufort area restaurants have decided to keep their doors open just for you on Thanksgiving.
Hemingway’s Bistro, 920 Bay Street, Rear. Hemingway’s is hosting its 31st annual Orphans & Strays Free Thanksgiving pot luck dinner all afternoon starting at 2pm. Panini’s and Hemingway’s are preparing all the best traditional main entrées and Campfire Tyler has donated his time away from family to provide entertainment. All are welcome.
Brody’s Bar & Grill, 47 Ferry Drive, Lady’s Island, 843-524-2500
Roadhouse Ribs, 7 Toppers Lane in Port Royal, 843-379-8899
The Rhett House Inn, 1009 Craven Street, downtown Beaufort, 843-524-9030
IHOP, 266 Robert Smalls Parkway, open 24 hours, 843-379-1300
Madison’s, 925 10th Street in Port Royal, 843-524-3663
Morgan River Grill, Dataw Island Marina, 843-838-3474
The following local spots are offering a Thanksgiving take-away dinner. Some pre-orders will apply and menu options are usually fixed, so it would be a good idea to check ahead.
Roadhouse Ribs – 843-379-8899 The Kitchen – 843-379-3303 Ole Timey Meats – 843-770-0214 Piggly Wiggly – 843-524-2750 Publix – 843-770-0026
Don’t forget the Annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner on Thanksgiving Day at the Parish Church of St. Helena, 507 Newcastle Street from 11am to noon, free to-go dinners for anyone For info call 843-522-1712.
Also, Marshview Community Organic Farm is hosting a Day of Gratitude free Thanksgiving Dinner at 10 DeGullah Way on St. Helena Island on Wednesday, November 27th, from 1130am 130pm with turkey and all the fixins.
You can also find a meal on Thanksgiving at Beaufort area Cracker Barrel, Waffle House, Huddle House, most Denny’s locations, area Applebee’s and Buffalo Wild Wings restaurants.
Wherever you end up, we hope you have an amazing Thanksgiving holiday.