If you have been accused and charged with a crime you are in need of a seasoned criminal defense lawyer in Simpsonville, 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 Simpsonville 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 Simpsonville 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 Simpsonville, 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 Simpsonville, 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 Simpsonville and explore every possible angle to have it dismissed.
To begin that process, your criminal defense lawyer in Simpsonville, SC, may seek answers to many questions, including:
If you are dealing with drug-related crimes in Simpsonville 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 Simpsonville 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 Simpsonville, SC, today to learn more about the complexities involved with drug cases in Simpsonville 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 Simpsonville, 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.
Looking for “trick or treat neighborhoods near me”? Wondering where you can bring your family to trick-or-treat in Greenville, SC? When going door to door asking for sweets in your own neighborhood isn’t the right choice, where do Upstate families go? Safety concerns, a lack of other children in the neighborhood, or just a lack of anyone at all could cause a family to look to other neighborhoods for their trick-or-treating needs.So if you want the door-to-door trick-or-treating experience this year but aren’t s...
Looking for “trick or treat neighborhoods near me”? Wondering where you can bring your family to trick-or-treat in Greenville, SC? When going door to door asking for sweets in your own neighborhood isn’t the right choice, where do Upstate families go? Safety concerns, a lack of other children in the neighborhood, or just a lack of anyone at all could cause a family to look to other neighborhoods for their trick-or-treating needs.
So if you want the door-to-door trick-or-treating experience this year but aren’t sure what neighborhood to visit, this is the list for you. We asked our readers where the most “Halloween visitor-friendly” spots in the Upstate were, and this is what they told us.
If you need a map of the best places to go, we have one right here!
Want to see all the Halloween and Trick or Treat Events in Greenville?
Go to our Halloween Guide!????
You’ll find fun events, trunk-or-treat and trick-or-treats, and lots more!
Parents, these are recommendations gathered from our readers. Please always use your judgment regarding your child’s safety trick-or-treating and consuming treats in these or any other neighborhoods.
“Earle Street has several officers directing traffic at the red light on North Main. We usually start on one end and travel down and back up the other side. They have so many decorated houses, fire breathers, singers, bands, games, and other fun stuff at each house.
Crystal
Earle Street is off North Main in Greenville.
Half Mile Lake subdivision is located off State Park Road near Altamont Road.
Riverdale Subdivision Greer across the street from Clayton Homes off Wade Hampton Blvd
Veronica
Riverdale is located just west of the Highway 80 and Wade Hampton intersection in Lyman.
We had two readers mention this North Greer neighborhood, located off of 101.
We love O’Neal Village in Greer.
Karyn
Subdivision off hwy 101 right before oneal Baptist church on right
Gwen
While it’s not a neighborhood, it does come reader recommended, so we are including Main Street, Fountain Inn.
I grew up with amazing Halloween memories there and they’re still carrying it on.
Susan
Neely farms hands down!!
Gabrielle
Orchard Farms is located in the heart of the Golden Strip in Simpsonville and is recommended by several readers.
A few readers recommended Morning Mist in Simpsonville, saying that the decorating is amazing. The neighborhood is off of Georgia Road.
At least 3 readers recommend the Silver Leaf community for trick or treating. It’s located in Greer off of Old Spartanburg Road.
Someone recommended Amber Oaks Farm in Greer by Blue Ridge High school. It’s located off Pennington Road and Highway 101.
Tymberbrook in Lyman, it’s a big older neighborhood and soooo many of the houses are involved, lots of kids and costumes lots of people having driveway parties!!!
NJ
Tymberbrook Drive is located in Lyman, north of Wade Hampton near Lake Lyman.
Lyman Mill Village! Park your car and go walking all around. Most of the homes give candy and there are trunk or treats from churches. Police have roads blocked for safety!
Alexandra
The Neighborhood of North Main street just above Wade Hampton got a lot of likes from our readers, too! According to Kidding Around fans, East and West Earle Street sound like a good place to trick or treat.
The Honey Creek subdivision in Anderson came highly recommended. It’s near Arnold’s and South Main Street, and is technically in Belton.
I grew up with amazing Halloween memories there and they’re still carrying it on.
Miranda
Rose Hill for the Powdersville folks! Almost every house is decorated and most set up tables to hand out candy! Get there early to park (not on the grass) there are 500+ easy trick or treaters every year!
Maggie
Rose Hill is a newer subdivision in Powdersville off 3 Bridges Road and Mt Airy Church Road.
Local mom Dallas, had this great bit of advice for those visiting other neighborhoods on Halloween :
Parents: bring a trash bag to help pick up the discarded wrappers and random trash that inevitably happens when we visit neighboring communities for better loot. We live in a rural area and go to local subdivisions and noticed the residents are SUPER appreciative if you help out a bit and don’t leave their neighborhoods trashed.
Dallas
I once noticed something being done and have now started doing it when we visit other neighborhoods on Halloween. I bring glow necklaces and bracelets to hand out to kids walking past us trick or treating. It helps keep kids safe, we’re helping to contribute to the loot of trick-or-treaters in a non-allergenic way, PLUS everyone loves glo-sticks!
We hope that no matter where you decide to go, we hope everyone has a safe and fun Halloween!
In addition to all the places our readers shared with us, there are many community events that you can find on the Kidding Around Greenville Guide to Halloween Events and Trick-or-Treating in Greenville and Spartanburg.
With less than 20 days until Election Day on Nov. 5, here's what you need to know about voting early in South Carolina, including locations, what to take, how to see a ballot, and referendums on the ballot.Where can I vote early in person? You can vote early, beginning Oct. 21 through Nov. 2 from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. The state’s election commission has a county-by-county list of early voting centers....
With less than 20 days until Election Day on Nov. 5, here's what you need to know about voting early in South Carolina, including locations, what to take, how to see a ballot, and referendums on the ballot.
You can vote early, beginning Oct. 21 through Nov. 2 from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. The state’s election commission has a county-by-county list of early voting centers.
McAlister Square, 225 S. Pleasantburg Drive, Greenville
Mauldin Senior Center, 203 Corn Road. Greenville
Mt. Pleasant Community Center, 710 S. Fairfield Road, Greenville
Calvary Baptist Church – Student Center, 207 Davenport Road, Simpsonville
Travelers Rest Council Chambers – City Hall, 125 Trailblazer Drive, Travelers Rest
Northwest Campus Greenville Technical College – Heritage Hall, 8109 White Horse Road, Greenville
Benson Campus Greenville Technical College – Benson Pavilion, 2522 Locust Hill Road, Taylors
Spartanburg County Board of Voter Registration & Elections, 366 N. Church St. #1630 Spartanburg
Woodruff Library, 270 E. Hayne St. Woodruff
Boiling Springs Library, 871 Double Bridge Road, Boiling Springs
Middle Tyger Library, 170 Groce Road, Lyman
Anderson County Board of Voter Registration & Elections, 301 N. Main St., Anderson
Pendleton Library, 650 S. Mechanic St., Pendleton
Powdersville Library, 4 Civic Ct. Powdersville
Watkins Community Center, 2 Louisiana St., Honea Path
The general election is Tuesday, Nov. 5. Voters will select their choice for president, congressional, state, and local offices. Visit your polling place in your precinct from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. to vote. Check for your polling place on the South Carolina Election Commission’s website before leaving to vote in case a polling place has changed.
You will need to show a photo ID to vote, which can be a driver’s license, an ID card issued by the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles, a voter registration card with a photo, a federal military ID, or a U.S. passport.
Find your sample ballot, at scvotes.gov/voters/absentee-voting/
A referendum is when residents vote for or against a law or initiative on a specific issue. Referendums on the ballot will depend on where you live and can be found on the election commission’s website.
A statewide referendum will be on the ballot regarding an article of the constitution asking if it should be amended to “provide that only a citizen of the United States and of this age of eighteen who is eighteen and upwards who is properly registered is entitled to vote as provided by law?”
Greenville County voters will decide whether to implement a one percent sales tax to raise funds for roads.
Anderson County voters will have two transportation sales taxes on the ballot.
In Spartanburg, voters will have five referendums, all regarding fire districts in the county.
A lovely High Tea experience awaits every month at the Grand Holland Estate in Simpsonville, SC and we are thrilled to be able to share the details with you. Thank you especially to the Grand Holland for inviting us to try it out.While the beautiful tea room at the Grand Holland Estate in Simpsonville, SC isn’t a secret garden, it certainly feels like a hidden oasis. And they have High Tea! We’ve been awaiting a place that has regularly sc...
A lovely High Tea experience awaits every month at the Grand Holland Estate in Simpsonville, SC and we are thrilled to be able to share the details with you. Thank you especially to the Grand Holland for inviting us to try it out.
While the beautiful tea room at the Grand Holland Estate in Simpsonville, SC isn’t a secret garden, it certainly feels like a hidden oasis. And they have High Tea! We’ve been awaiting a place that has regularly scheduled High Tea and were thrilled to find Grand Holland.
We experienced their High Tea, which happens every month, and it was a lovely and peaceful afternoon, one that we really cannot recommend highly enough to our readers.
If you’ve heard of the Grand Holland Estate, it’s likely because you have been to a wedding there or know that it’s primarily a wedding venue. And a gorgeous one it is. There is a stunning grand staircase, a beautiful main room with chandeliers, and outdoor gardens perfect for that fairytale wedding.
They also host bridal parties before weddings there. They have several rooms set up as bed & breakfast overnight rooms that literally look like they belong in a castle. I’d stay here in a heartbeat but I don’t have any friends getting married.
The Estate opened in 2000 and is set on six acres. The house itself is more than 10,000 square feet. They have hosted thousands of weddings and private events in the last 24 years and have helped many people to walk away with lovely memories together.
While the venue is primarily for weddings, they have options to rent the space for corporate parties, groups for High Tea, events, or any number of other occasions where such a beautiful venue would fit.
I had never been to a High Tea before and was thrilled to have the opportunity to attend one. I thought I needed one of those fancy hats that you see in movies where the characters have High Tea or Afternoon Tea, which I do not possess. Thankfully, I didn’t need one of those and was still able to enjoy a lovely afternoon with my daughters here.
Walking into the Grand Holland Estate is like strolling into a hidden oasis, complete with large oaks that thankfully still stand after the hurricane to line the parking area. The estate itself has elegant white columns, a balcony with black iron rails, and doors with lions on their handles.
There are tables set up in the tea room, which gives you a view of the grand staircase and sparkling chandelier. Megan Wilburn, one of the owners, greets you and escorts you to your table. She is so welcoming and is such an excellent hostess. You will have place settings with a menu of what is offered – think grape salad, finger sandwiches, cookies, and scones – and a tea etiquette quiz, which thankfully no one tested us on because my daughters and I hardly got any answers right (but we did learn a lot!).
Besides bagged tea at the table, you are welcome to enjoy their loose-leaf tea options, which I absolutely loved. A couple years ago I started to get into loose-leaf tea and just fell in love with so many different varieties so I was thrilled to see what they had. My two daughters, ages 10 and 13, are definitely not tea drinkers but to my surprise, found teas they really enjoyed in the loose-leaf tea room and had two cups at our table. But if you’re not a hot tea drinker or have kids who aren’t, the Grand Holland also has iced tea and water if you like.
The food was really good and different from what we usually eat. I can’t say that I often make cucumber and dill finger sandwiches for my kids or that vegetable flatbread with teeny pieces of veggies over cheese is on our menu at home. But maybe they should be. We immensely enjoyed everything set before us. Even though High Tea is not a lunch, there was plenty of food and we felt full, but not like the kind of rolling-out-the-door-I’m-so-full kind of feeling. It was perfect.
I went to High Tea at the Grand Holland Estate on a day when my stress level was high. I had a lot of work to do and deadlines to meet. My daughters had schoolwork they needed to get done. Other things were weighing heavily on my mind. But as soon as we walked in and sat down, I felt it easy to let a lot of that go and just focus on the present for the time we were there. This is normally an impossible task for me. High stress is normal and letting things go isn’t my personality but there was something really special about this environment that made it happen. The atmosphere was something out of a storybook, one that values tranquility and peace.
I enjoyed the tea, the food, the music, and the time with my daughters. Everything else could wait for an hour. Where can you go and feel like that? Megan does a wonderful job with the entire experience and if you’re looking for something special and unique to do with your children or girlfriends or family, this is it.
High Tea at Grand Holland Estate happens once a month and you can book your spot online on their website. Tickets are $45/person and include everything mentioned in this story. High Tea is from 11:30 am – 1:30 pm. Seatings are at 11:30 am and 1 pm. Nothing was rushed and we were able to look around the house and see all the beautiful rooms and the bridal suite. It was wonderful.
You can also book a High Tea experience at the Estate as a private group, which I think would be pretty amazing. Just contact Megan and she will help you arrange everything.
The Grand Holland Estate815 Holland Road, Simpsonville, SC864.286.6000The Grand Holland Website | The Grand Holland Facebook | The Grand Holland Instagram
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