When is the Right Time to Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer?
(843) 577-7046Criminal Defense Lawyer in Myrtle Beach, SC
If you have been accused and charged with a crime you are in need of a seasoned criminal defense lawyer in Myrtle Beach, 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 Myrtle Beach 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.
Service Areas
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 Myrtle Beach 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.
Understanding Criminal Defense Cases in South Carolina
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.
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 Myrtle Beach, 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.
When is the Right Time to Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Myrtle Beach, SC?
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.
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!
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 Myrtle Beach, 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.
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.
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.
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
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 Myrtle Beach and explore every possible angle to have it dismissed.
To begin that process, your criminal defense lawyer in Myrtle Beach, 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.
Criminal Defense for Drug Cases in South Carolina
If you are dealing with drug-related crimes in Myrtle Beach 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 Myrtle Beach 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
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 Myrtle Beach, SC, today to learn more about the complexities involved with drug cases in Myrtle Beach 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
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
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 Myrtle Beach, 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.
Everyone Deserves a Reliable Criminal Defense Attorney in Myrtle Beach, SC
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.
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Latest News in Myrtle Beach, SC
This SC city is the best Thanksgiving destination for fishing, new ranking says. Here’s why
Maria Elena Scotthttps://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/news/state/south-carolina/article295873009.html
While Thanksgiving traditions vary, a fishing trip isn’t the most common way to spend the holiday. But for dedicated anglers and outdoor enthusiasts, Turkey Day can be a great time to enjoy nature on the water.FishingBooker, an online platform for fishing trip bookings and guides, recently released a list of the best U.S. fishing destinations this Thanksgiving. Here’s why Myrtle Beach took the number one spot....
While Thanksgiving traditions vary, a fishing trip isn’t the most common way to spend the holiday. But for dedicated anglers and outdoor enthusiasts, Turkey Day can be a great time to enjoy nature on the water.
FishingBooker, an online platform for fishing trip bookings and guides, recently released a list of the best U.S. fishing destinations this Thanksgiving. Here’s why Myrtle Beach took the number one spot.
While the list cites Myrtle Beach specifically as an, “angling epicenter,” FishingBooker highlights the Grand Strand’s 60 miles of Atlantic coast. With mild fall weather and fewer tourists in the off-season, anglers visiting the Myrtle Beach area for Thanksgiving can enjoy a cool, calm fishing trip.
In addition to migratory fish like bluefish and king mackerel, which pass through the area in November, FishingBooker recommends keeping an eye out for “brag-worthy catches” like amberjack, black drum, flounder, redfish, sheepshead and speckled trout in Grand Strand waters.
Read Next
September 24, 2024 6:00 AM
Whether you’re interested in fishing or simply watching the waves, beach parking for Grand Strand visitors is more relaxed in the tourism off season.
Thanksgiving visitors can take advantage of free parking in the city of North Myrtle Beach and the town of Surfside Beach. Horry County also offers free parking all year in three beach access lots.
Myrtle Beach was the only Carolina city to make the list. Other destinations are a mix of coastal and inland areas around the U.S. The complete list includes:
1. Myrtle Beach, SC
Possible catches: amberjack, black drum, bluefish, flounder, king mackerel, redfish, sheepshead and speckled trout
2. Fort Lauderdale, FL
Possible catches: grouper, kingfish, sailfish, snapper, swordfish and wahoo
3. Naples, FL
Possible catches: cobia, grouper, king mackerel, pompano, redfish, snapper and snook
4. San Francisco, CA
Possible catches: Dungeness crabs, largemouth bass, lingcod, rockfish and trout
5. Tacoma, WA
Possible catches: cabezon, Dungeness crab and trout
6. Plymouth, MA
Possible catches: cod, haddock, tautog and trout
7. Lake Buchanan, TX
Possible catches: largemouth bass, striped bass and white bass
8. Lake Shelbyville, IL
Possible catches: crappie, muskellunge, sauger, walleye and white bass
9. Silverthorne, CO
Possible catch: trout
Here’s how many contaminated but developable sites are in Myrtle Beach. Why it matters
Ben Morsehttps://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/news/local/article295879839.html
While Myrtle Beach grows and more development starts throughout the area, there are some spots where more care is required before building can commence.These locations sometimes have hazardous materials and require cleaning before new development begins.Called brownfields by the Environment Protection Agency, these plots may have pollutants or contaminants that require cleaning before re-devel...
While Myrtle Beach grows and more development starts throughout the area, there are some spots where more care is required before building can commence.
These locations sometimes have hazardous materials and require cleaning before new development begins.
Called brownfields by the Environment Protection Agency, these plots may have pollutants or contaminants that require cleaning before re-development starts. According to the EPA, the United States has more than 450,000 brownfields.
The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services keeps an interactive map of brownfield tracts in the state. A SCDES spokesperson wrote in an email that these sites face contamination typically due to previous heavy industry or manufacturing on the property.
According to the map, there are 765, most clustered near cities like Charleston, Columbia, Greenville and Spartanburg. Meanwhile, the map shows Horry County has 11 brownfields. The map lists these sites near Top Golf, the former Possum Trot Golf Course and other locations.
However, not all properties listed on the locator tool remain undeveloped. For example, the map lists 961 Meyers Ave in Market Common as a brownfield, the current location of field seven at the Grand Park Athletic Complex. The locator tool lists the property’s project master status as “CLOSED.”
Other former Myrtle Beach area brownfields received re-development. Sandy Davis is the president and CEO of the Myrtle Beach Regional Economic Development Corporation. MBREDC helps bring industrial firms and growth to the Grand Strand area.
Davis said the Ascott Valley Industrial Park in Conway was previously a brownfield site due to a mill that once operated there. A grass field before Ascott Valley opened, Davis said the industrial park now houses five businesses. She also said the area benefits from converting abandoned brownfield land for industrial use because it can generate tax revenue.
“(As) opposed to land that would probably just be zoned as FA and not receive very much tax revenue,” Davis added.
The state also has programs for dealing with brownfields.
The SCDES spokesperson added that owners not responsible for contaminating a site could enter a voluntary cleanup contract for an environmental assessment of the property and/or clean the tract for future buildings.
The spokesperson wrote that owners who enter a voluntary cleanup contract receive liability protection from lawsuits filed by a third party due to the previously present contamination.
Some land plots not designated as brownfields also face hurdles before being built upon. Sometimes, land can be unsuitable for construction without contamination. A new surf park and resort will open at Broadway at the Beach, the retail destination’s owner, Burroughs & Chapin, announced in November 2024.
However, Broadway at the Beach wasn’t the original location for the surf park resort. It was previously supposed to open on a City of Myrtle Beach-owned property along 21st Avenue North before the deal fell through in November 2024. City of Myrtle Beach Director of Public Information Meredith Denari wrote in an email to The Sun News that the 22-acre parcel is not a brownfield. While not hazardous or contaminated, other factors made building on the tract problematic unless the project moved the spoiled dirt first.
While the city hasn’t given a reason why the 21st Ave North deal wasn’t successful, one item Myrtle Beach and developers previously worked on dealt with “spoiled dirt.” The Sun News reported in 2020 that about 295,000 cubic yards of spoiled dirt lay on the property.
In an email to The Sun News, Denari said that the dirt was not contaminated but too soft to build on, referring to it as “squishy.” Dumped during the construction of Broadway at the Beach, the dirt required moving before building the surf park could’ve gotten underway.
The Sun News
Ben Morse is the Retail and Leisure Reporter for The Sun News. Morse covers local business and Coastal Carolina University football and was awarded third place in the 2023 South Carolina Press Association News Contest for sports beat reporting and second place for sports video in the all-daily division. Morse previously worked for The Island Packet, covering local government. Morse graduated from American University in 2023 with a Bachelor’s Degree in journalism and economics and is originally from Prospect, Kentucky.
Allegiant Air adds 44 new nonstop routes; GSP, Myrtle Beach, Columbia get flights
A.J. Jacksonhttps://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/news/local/greenville/2024/11/21/allegiant-air-announces-44-new-nonstop-routes-including-gsp/76474920007/
Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) has become a link in Allegiant Air's new 44 nonstop routes. On Tuesday, Nov. 19, the Nevada-based airline provider announced three new cities for its hub, which includes Columbia, Myrtle Beach and Greenville, South Carolina.Beginning in February 2025, the airline will add three airports to its network: Gulf Shores International Airport (GUF), Colorado Springs Airport (COS), and Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE). This will bring 51 new cities into Allegiant Air's netwo...
Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) has become a link in Allegiant Air's new 44 nonstop routes. On Tuesday, Nov. 19, the Nevada-based airline provider announced three new cities for its hub, which includes Columbia, Myrtle Beach and Greenville, South Carolina.
Beginning in February 2025, the airline will add three airports to its network: Gulf Shores International Airport (GUF), Colorado Springs Airport (COS), and Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE). This will bring 51 new cities into Allegiant Air's network option in the U.S.
In addition, beginning in May 2025, new routes to Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) include direct flights from Plattsburg, New York (PBG), Grand Rapids, Michigan (GRR), and Niagara Falls/Buffalo, New York (IAG), with one-way fares as low as $59.
On Feb. 13, 2025, GSP Airport will offer one-way fares as low as $49 to a new route at Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) in Florida. This new addition is part of GSP's plan to enhance airport accommodations to prepare for more airlines to join the mix.
To prepare for these changes and more, GSP Airport began construction this past fall on two new boarding bridges along Concourse A and B, allowing two additional docked planes to onboard and offload passengers and to be completed by the end of 2024. This addition will enable 70 to 90-seat airplanes the option to have five-to-seven additional flights per day at GSP Airport and increase the total number of boarding bridges to 15 between the two concourses.
Over the past year, GSP Airport has seen Southwest Airlines add flights to Nashville, Tennessee, Denver, and Houston to their schedule, and in September 2024, United Airlines commenced its three daily flights to Washington, D.C., out of GSP Airport.
Airport officials say nearly 2.9 million passengers will travel through GSP Airport in 2024 as existing air carriers increase their flight frequencies and bring in bigger aircraft.
Allegiant Air was founded in 1997 and specializes in commercial aircraft travel from small and medium-sized cities across the U.S., with authority to charter services to Canada and Mexico. It is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada, and provides air service to 124 cities.
More:GSP Airport to add two new boarding bridges, parking garage, possible hotel? What to know.
– A.J. Jackson covers the food & dining scene, along with arts, entertainment and downtown culture for The Greenville News. Contact him by email at ajackson@gannett.com, and follow him on X (formally Twitter) @ajhappened. This coverage is only possible with support from our readers.Sign up today for a digital subscription.
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