843-936-6680
Cobb Hammett Law Firm: Giving Hope to
Criminal Defense Clients in
Bluffton, SC
Getting charged with a crime in Bluffton can be a traumatic experience. Even "petty" crimes can cause an individual's life to fall apart professionally and personally. Spending time in jail is bad enough, but the ramifications of a criminal record run deep, resulting in loss of employment, loss of friends, and even family. For many people, having a zealous criminal defense attorney in Bluffton, SC, to defend their rights is the only shot they have of living a normal life.
That's why, if you have been charged with a crime, you need the help of a veteran criminal defense lawyer early in the legal process. That's where Cobb Hammett Law Firm comes in to give you or your loved one hope when you need it the most.
Our criminal defense law firm was founded to help people just like you - hardworking men and women who are looking at diminished employment opportunities and a possible lifetime of embarrassment. But with our team of experts fighting by your side, you have a much better chance of maintaining your freedom and living a normal, productive life. When it comes to criminal law in Bluffton, we've seen it all. With decades of combined experience, there is no case too complicated or severe for us to handle, from common DUI charges to complicated cases involving juvenile crimes. Unlike some of our competition, we prioritize personalized service and cutting-edge criminal defense strategies to effectively represent our clients.
Clients rank Cobb Hammett, LLC as the top choice for Bluffton criminal defense because we provide:
- One-on-One Counsel
- Education on the Bluffton Legal Process and Its Risks
- Ardent, Effective Representation
- Commitment to Our Clients and Defending Their Rights
- Prompt Inquiry Response
- Robust Experience with Criminal Law Cases in Bluffton
- Innovative Defense Strategies
- Effective, Thorough Research and Investigation
Choosing the right criminal defense lawyer in Bluffton can mean the difference between conviction and acquittal. Our firm has represented thousands of clients in the Lowcountry, and we're ready to defend you too. Some of our specialties include:
DUI Cases
in Bluffton, SC
DUI penalties in Bluffton can be very harsh. Many first-time DUI offenders must endure a lifelong criminal record, license suspension, and the possibility of spending time in jail. Officers and judges take DUI very seriously, with 30% of traffic fatalities in South Carolina involving impaired drivers, according to NHTSA. Criminal convictions can have lasting impacts on your life, which is why Cobb Hammett Law Firm works so hard to get these charges dismissed or negotiated down. In some cases, we help clients avoid jail time altogether.
When you hire our DUI defense firm, our team will always work towards your best interests and will go above and beyond to achieve the best outcome in your case. Depending on the circumstances of your DUI charges, we will investigate whether:
- Your DUI stop was legal
- You were administered a field sobriety test correctly
- The breathalyzer used was calibrated correctly and properly maintained
- Urine and blood tests were administered and collected properly
The bottom line? Our criminal law defense attorneys will do everything possible to keep you out of jail with a clean permanent record. It all starts with a free consultation, where we will take time to explain the DUI process. We'll also discuss your defense options and speak at length about the differences between going to trial and accepting a plea bargain.
DUI Penalties in Bluffton, SC
The consequences of a DUI in Bluffton depend on a number of factors, including your blood alcohol level and how many DUIs you have received in the last 10 years. If you're convicted, the DUI charge will remain on your criminal history and can be seen by anyone who runs a background check on you. Sometimes, a judge will require you to enter alcohol treatment or install an interlock device on your automobile.
If you're on the fence about hiring a criminal defense lawyer in Bluffton, SC, consider the following DUI consequences:
First Offense
48 hours to 90 days
in jail
with fines ranging from
$400 to $1,000
Second Offense
Five days to three years
in jail
with fines ranging from
$2,100 to $6,500
Third Offense
60 days to five years
in jail
with fines ranging from
$3,800 to $10,000
Additional consequences can include:
1
Alcohol or Drug Treatment
When convicted of DUI in South Carolina, most offenders must join the Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program. This program mandates that offenders complete a drug and alcohol assessment and follow the recommended treatment options.
2
Community Service
Some first-time DUI offenders in Bluffton may choose to complete community service in lieu of jail time. Community service hours are usually equal to the length of jail time an offender would be required to serve.
Sanctions to Your Driver's License
Typically, when a person is convicted of driving under the influence in Bluffton, their driver's license is restricted or suspended. The length of restriction or suspension depends on how many prior DUI convictions an individual has.
First DUI Offense
First-time DUI offenders must endure a six-month license suspension. Drivers convicted with a blood-alcohol level of .15% or more do not qualify for a provisional license. However, sometimes they may still drive using an ignition interlock device.
Second DUI Offense
Offenders convicted of a second DUI charge must use an ignition interlock device (IID) for two years.
Third DUI Offense
Offenders convicted of a third DUI charge must use an ignition interlock device (IID) for three years. That term increases to four years if the driver is convicted of three DUIs in five years.
Immobilized Vehicle
For offenders with two or more convictions, the judge will immobilize their vehicle if it is not equipped with an IID. When a judge immobilizes a vehicle, the owner must turn over their registration and license plate. Clearly, the consequences of receiving a DUI in Bluffton can be life-changing, and not in a good way. The good news is that with Cobb Hammett Law Firm, you have a real chance at beating your charges and avoiding serious fines and jail time. Every case is different, which is why it's so important that you call our office as soon as possible if you are charged with a DUI.
Traffic Violation Cases
Most drivers brush off traffic law violations as minor offenses, but the fact of the matter is they are criminal matters to be taken seriously. Despite popular opinion, Traffic Violation cases in Bluffton can carry significant consequences like fines and even incarceration. If you or someone you love has been convicted of several traffic offenses, your license could be suspended, restricting your ability to work and feed your family.
Every driver should take Traffic Violations seriously. If you're charged with a traffic crime, it's time to protect yourself and your family with a trusted criminal defense lawyer in Bluffton, SC. Cobb Dill Hammett, LLC is ready to provide the legal guidance and advice you need to beat your traffic charges. We'll research the merits of your case, explain what charges you're facing, discuss your defense options, and strategize an effective defense on your behalf.
Common Bluffton
Traffic Violations That Cobb Hammett Law
Firm Fights
There are dozens and dozens of traffic laws in Bluffton, all of which affect drivers in some way. Our Bluffton defense attorneys fight a full range of violations, including but not limited to the following:
- Driving Under Suspension: If you drive while your license is suspended, revoked, or canceled, you could be looking at 30 days in jail and fines up to $300.
- Driving Under the Influence: Operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated on drugs or alcohol is illegal and often results in jail time and fines.
- Reckless Driving: You could be ordered to pay up to $200 in fines or jailed for up to 30 days if you drive with wanton disregard for the safety of other people.
- Racing: You can be cited and fined if you aid or participate in street racing.
- Hit and Run: When you leave the scene of an accident that involved injury to another party, you can be arrested. This serious charge can lead to up to one year in jail and fines of up to $5,000 for first-time offenders.
- Disregard Traffic Signals: Drivers must obey all traffic signals and control devices, less they be ticketed and sometimes fined.
As seasoned traffic violation lawyers, we know how frustrating it can be to get charged with a Traffic Violation. While some traffic charges can be minor, others are severe and can affect your life for years to come. Don't leave your fate up to chance call Cobb Hammett Law Firm today for the highest-quality Traffic Violation representation in Bluffton.
Juvenile Crime Cases in
Bluffton, SC
At Cobb Dill Hammett, LLC, we understand that children are still growing and learning about the world around them. As such, they may make mistakes that get them into trouble with the law. Children and teens who are arrested in Bluffton can face much different futures than other children their age. Some face intensive probation, while others are made to spend time in jail.
This happens most often when a child's parents fail to retain legal counsel for their son or daughter. Cases referred to the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice often move quicker than adult cases, so finding a good lawyer is of utmost importance. With that said, a compassionate criminal defense attorney in Bluffton, SC, can educate you and your child about their alleged charges. To help prevent your child from going to a detention center, we will devise a strategy to achieve favorable results in their case.
Juvenile Detention Hearings
Unlike adults, juveniles don't have a constitutional right to a bond hearing. Instead, once your child is taken into custody a Detention Hearing is conducted within 48 hours. This hearing is similar to a combination of a Bond Hearing and a Preliminary Hearing. Unfortunately, there is little time to prepare for these hearings, which is why you must move quickly and call Cobb Hammett law firm as soon as possible.
Our team gathers police reports, petitions, interviews your child at the DJJ, speaks with you about the case and talks to the prosecutor to discover if they have plans for detention. In most cases, we strive to avoid detention and seek alternatives like divisionary programs or treatment facilities. This strategy better addresses your child's issues and keeps them out of the juvenile legal system in Bluffton. If your child is charged with a crime, and South Carolina decides to prosecute, your child will appear before a family court judge, who will find them delinquent or not delinquent. There are no juries in juvenile cases in South Carolina, which is why it's crucial to have a lawyer present to defend your child if they go in front of a judge.
Common penalties for juveniles charged with crimes in Bluffton include:
- Probation: Children charged with probation are released to their parents or guardians. Depending on their charges, they must abide by certain stipulations while at home and may be subject to random drug screenings. Violation of probation often results in jail time.
- 90 Days in Juvenile Detention Center: When probation is not a viable option, prosecutors may push for 90 days of jail time in a juvenile detention facility.
- Juvenile Detention: Children who commit very serious crimes can be sent to a juvenile detention center for a long time. These sentences can last up to the child's 21st birthday.
- School Expulsion: When a child is convicted of a crime, their school is notified of the offense. Sometimes, the administration may decide to expel the child from school for the misdemeanors or felonies they commit.
We Fight to Protect
Your Rights So You Can
Provide for Your Family
Whether you are facing a DUI charge or a serious traffic violation, Cobb Hammett Law Firm is here to fight for your rights so you can continue living life. The future might seem bleak, but our criminal defense lawyers in Bluffton, SC, have the tools, experience, and strategy to win your case, as we have with so many others. Don't lose hope call our office today and maintain your freedom tomorrow.
Ask us anything
Call Now 843-936-6680 PH
Latest News in Bluffton, SC
15 Best Things To Do In Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Tara Massouleh McCayhttps://www.southernliving.com/souths-best/hilton-head-island-beach
One might argue that it's the quality of the beach that makes a place the best beach town of them all, but Hilton Head Island proves something even mor...
One might argue that it's the quality of the beach that makes a place the best beach town of them all, but Hilton Head Island proves something even more true: It's the richness of the town that wins the day, and in this case, the hearts of its 40,000 locals.
Let's not dismiss Hilton Head's superb beach bona fides, however. Tucked snugly against the water-riven coast of South Carolina, the foot-shaped island exposes 12 miles of broad, tawny sands to the Atlantic Ocean's rolling swells.
Outside of its beach appeal, the sparkling eco-community (with a serious nod to golf)—that real estate developer Charles Fraser carved out amid the island's dense pine stands in 1956—has matured with time.
Today, it stands as a collection of gated neighborhoods surrounded by live oaks, magnolias, and palmettos; neon-free boulevards bordered by bike paths; and boasting clusters of markets, bars, boutiques, and more than 250 restaurants.
Keep reading for the 15 best things to do in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.
What To Do In Arts And Culture
This regional art center does it all. Located in the heart of Hilton Head, the center produces its own theater series, in addition to welcoming musicians, performers, vocalists, and comics from across the country.
You can stop in to see a play, and fans of the visual arts can also check out the center's Walter Greer Gallery, which is operated in partnership with the Art League of Hilton Head and features the work of more than 150 local artists.
artshhi.com; 14 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928; 843-686-3945
Hilton Head is home to one of the great American cultures, Gullah, which evolved from the beliefs and practices of Africans enslaved on (and later liberated from) Hilton Head's indigo and Sea Island cotton plantations.
In fact, the island is home to Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park, site of the first self-governing village of liberated enslaved people—then called "freedmen"—in the nation. Set beneath arching oaks on Port Royal Sound, Mitchelville is now a center for touring and education and is emblematic of a welcome surge in Gullah-focused tours, festivals, and cuisine, as well as an increased awareness for the 2.67 million visitors who cross the bridge onto Hilton Head Island every year.
exploremitchelville.org; 40 Harriet Tubman Way, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926; 843-255-7301
For a town of only 40,000 to boast its own symphony is no small feat. With about four decades of performances under its belt, the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra concerts are a must for music lovers.
Series performances are held on Sundays and Mondays throughout the year at First Presbyterian Church, but you can catch more casual performances by going to a free Symphony Under the Stars show at Colony Park when the weather is fair.
hhso.org; 7 Lagoon Road, Suite 100, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928; 843-842-2055
Hilton Head is home to one of the coolest jazz clubs on the East Coast. For an elegant evening out and a one-of-a-kind experience, make reservations for The Jazz Corner. This jazz club has been swaying to the rhythm since 1999 and still hosts two shows a night, seven days a week—all without missing a beat.
thejazzcorner.com; 1000 William Hilton Parkway C-1, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928; 843-842-8620
What To Do Outdoors
All 12 miles of Hilton Head Island are public beaches that feel both expansive and inclusive (several access points include mats for wheelchairs). And with an average air and water temperature of around 70 degrees, that's about as pitch perfect as beach life gets.
In town and along the beach, there are enough outdoor activities on offer to keep you staying and playing all day long and into the night. They'll certainly tempt you to put off turning in until way past sunset.
Stroll the sidewalks to catch glimpses of blue skies and bluer waters, but the better way to see it all is by biking along the sands to see the sights. There are several outfitters where you can snag a set of wheels in town, but few have the longevity and service of Hilton Head Bicycle Company, which has been in business for more than 30 years.
hiltonheadbicycle.com; 112 Arrow Road, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928; 843-686-6888
The fishing enthusiasts in your party can cast a line from the beach or book a chartered boat to take the fun to the deep blue. Popular shoreside spots include Jarvis Creek Park, the Charles C. Haigh Jr. Fishing Pier, and lagoons at Palmetto Dunes or The Sea Pines Resort.
When you're ready to delve into deeper waters, book a fishing charter to from companies like Drifter Excursions or Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina, which will ferry you to the best spots to catch everything from king mackerel to giant tarpon.
hiltonheadboattours.com; 86 Helmsman Way, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928; 843-363-2900
sheltercovehiltonhead.com; 1 Shelter Cove Ln, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928; 843-548-0532
With more than 26 championship courses sprinkled throughout the island, Hilton Head is a golfer's paradise. You can play a course designed by some of the greats, including Robert Trent Jones, Jack Nicklaus, and Pete Dye. What's truly special about golfing on Hilton Head Island are the gorgeous landscapes to be admired everywhere you turn. Just a ride on a golf cart is a real treat for the senses.
For the most adventurous vacationers in the bunch, there are endless opportunities for outdoor adventure on the water. Take your pick from kayaking, paddle boarding, surfing, sailing, jet skiing, and parasailing. Lowcountry Watersports offers dolphin and kayak tours as well as boat rentals. At H20 Sports, rent jet skis or book a parasailing trip for amazing island views. The world—or should we say the island—is your oyster.
lowcountrywatersports.com, 86 Helmsman Way, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
h2osports.com, 149 Lighthouse Road, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Where To Eat And Drink
First-time visitors are sure to fall in love with Hudson's Seafood House on the Docks, founded by Andrew Carmines. The waterfront spot overlooking the Port Royal Sound serves fresh catch daily, and they've been doing things the same way for more than 50 years. You can't go wrong if you order the day's special—it was likely plucked from the ocean that very morning.
hudsonsonthedocks.com; 1 Hudson Road, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926; 843-681-2772
Enjoy tasty French bistro staples like escargots (served with garlic herb butter sauce and crispy leeks), perfectly cooked cassoulet, and two kinds of moules-frites at Chez Georges. The wine list is impeccable, as well.
Catch the aperitif hour from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., when adult beverages are two dollars off and there’s a small plates menu offered. The restaurant also uses this time to host ticketed wine tastings complete with paired cheese plates.
chezgeorgeshhi.com; 37 New Orleans Road, Suite J, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928; 843-785-3200
Find the best croissants this side of the Atlantic at transplanted Philippe Feret's Hilton Head Social Bakery. In addition to classic French pastries like Kouign-Amann, mango peach turnovers, and almond brioche, the cozy cafe also offers about 20 varieties of tarts, plus more specialty desserts.
You'll also find a savory menu featuring dishes like quiche and jambon-beurre, a traditional French ham and cheese sandwich on a baguette. With a new second location on the island, it's easier than ever to get your fix.
hiltonheadsocialbakery.com; 17 Harborside Lane, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928; 843-715-3349
This lively cafe near Coligny Beach will put you on island time in a matter of minutes. All you need is one of their signature daiquiris, a basket of fried shrimp, and a shady spot under a tiki umbrella listening to live music.
frostyfrog.com; 1 North Forest Beach Drive, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928; 843-686-3764
What To Do In Town
The red-and-white striped landmark has become the calling card for this very special island since it was erected more than five decades ago. Located on the Yacht Basin in Harbour Town, $7 will earn you admission to climb to the top of the lighthouse and to see the attached museum, where you can find out more about the lighthouse and Hilton Head's history.
harbourtownlighthouse.com; 149 Lighthouse Road, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928; 866-305-9814
After you've climbed to the top of the lighthouse, spend some time strolling through the town below to peruse the 20 locally owned shops, boutiques, and specialty stores located in Harbour Town. From Hilton Head souvenirs to handmade gifts and sweet treats, there's something for everyone in this charming corner of the island.
Beloved family restaurant in Bluffton to close its doors for good soon. Here’s when and why
Anna Claire Millerhttps://www.islandpacket.com/news/local/article298991970.html
Beloved family restaurant, Pour Richard’s, will be closing its doors on Jan. 31.Located off of Bluffton Parkway, Pour Richard’s has been serving deliciously comforting Southern cuisine and wine since 2010.Seemingly quaint and small, this restaurant has made a big impact on both locals and visitors to the Lowcountry for 15 years.Known for their dishes like Southern French onion soup (which is the only item that never left the m...
Beloved family restaurant, Pour Richard’s, will be closing its doors on Jan. 31.
Located off of Bluffton Parkway, Pour Richard’s has been serving deliciously comforting Southern cuisine and wine since 2010.
Seemingly quaint and small, this restaurant has made a big impact on both locals and visitors to the Lowcountry for 15 years.
Known for their dishes like Southern French onion soup (which is the only item that never left the menu), chocolate bourbon pies and chicken dishes, Pour Richard’s has been a go-to spot for Bluffton families and friends to gather, unwind and enjoy a meal together for years.
Pour Richard’s is closing because another restaurant buyer bought the establishment, said Allyson Rogers, one of the owners of Pour Richard’s..
This new spot will bring a whole new array of dishes and drinks. There are also plans to entirely renovate the space and to open at the beginning of March, though details of the new concept are still under wraps. More information about the incoming location will be released soon.
The restaurant announced its closing on Jan. 20 through a post on Facebook, with frequent guests and community locals flooding the comments with heartfelt messages to say goodbye.
But above the food, the service is what made Pour Richard’s feel like home for so many. Over 200 guests reminisced in the comments that from birthdays, anniversaries, family dinners and even first dates, Pour Richard’s greeted every customer with a smile, served food that warmed you up from the inside out and made every customer feel like family.
Owners Richard Canestrari and Rogers have spent every day for the past 15 years waking up early and opening up the restaurant. Now their worlds are about to flip upside down.
“It all feels a little surreal and it’s all starting to sink in this week,” said Allyson Rogers, pastry chef.
But as all good things must come to an end, so many visitors of Pour Richard’s are anxious to know what’s next. Right now, Rogers and Canestrari aren’t entirely sure, but they are leaving the door open to reflect and recharge.
“For now, I think we are going to take a break and figure things out. Richard has always been involved with the food businesses, so I think sometime soon we may look into opening a new spot … maybe something with more drinks on the menu,” Rogers said.
As a final hurrah, you can still visit Pour Richard’s until the end of the month and even join them at 6 p.m. on Jan. 30 for a toast where they plan to celebrate until there’s nothing left to pour.
“I’m ready to get back to the things I often missed out on or forgot to do, like sleeping in, getting out on the boat or fixing my lawn, but it’s exciting to see what we’ll do next … something totally different,” Rogers said.
Pour Richard’s is located at 4376 Bluffton Parkway in Bluffton. They are open 5:30-9:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.
This story was originally published January 25, 2025 at 1:00 AM.
The Island Packet
Anna Claire Miller is the Service Journalism Reporter for The Island Packet. Originally from Georgia, she has experience in magazine writing, non-profit communications and city government. Anna Claire has a bachelor’s degree in journalism, legal studies and English from High Point University.
Update: What Lowcountry areas got the most snow? Here are numbers for Hilton Head & SC
Anna Claire Millerhttps://www.islandpacket.com/news/local/article298958625.html
The rumors are true. The Lowcountry has been covered in a blanket of snow for the first time since 2018.Much of the snowfall happened overnight, with ice and sleet starting around 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 21.It appears on latest snowfall totals from the National Weather Service that Bluffton received the most snow at 4 inches, followed by Hilton Head Island at 3.5 inches.The area remains under a cold weather advisory until Thursday but the winter storm warning was lifted Wednesday, Jan. 22, at noon. However, cold temperat...
The rumors are true. The Lowcountry has been covered in a blanket of snow for the first time since 2018.
Much of the snowfall happened overnight, with ice and sleet starting around 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 21.
It appears on latest snowfall totals from the National Weather Service that Bluffton received the most snow at 4 inches, followed by Hilton Head Island at 3.5 inches.
The area remains under a cold weather advisory until Thursday but the winter storm warning was lifted Wednesday, Jan. 22, at noon. However, cold temperatures will continue through the next few days, making roadways potentially dangerous.
Follow our weather coverage here.
These temperatures, which will hover around freezing, will create driving risks and more dangerous roads on Wednesday and Thursday evenings. Beaufort and Jasper county officials are advising residents to avoid driving unless absolutely necessary.
This story will be updated throughout the week as final data is recorded by the National Weather Service.
Here is how much snow accumulated in these areas in 2025 and how it stacks up to previous snowfall, according to the NWS:
Okatie: 3.5 inches
Hardeeville: 3 inches
Ridgeland: 2.5 inches
Bluffton: 4 inches
Beaufort: 3 inches
Port Royal: 2.5 inches
Hilton Head Island: 3.5 inches
Charleston: 2 inches
Savannah: 3 inches
Tybee Island: 2.6 inches
With the current reported snowfall from the NWS, Bluffton saw the heaviest snowfall in Beaufort County, with 4 inches total.
In 2018, Charleston saw the most amount of snowfall with 5.3 inches covering the area.
Here are recorded levels of snowfall from the NWS during the 2018 storm:
Okatie: 4 inches
Hardeeville: 3 inches
Ridgeland: 6 inches
Bluffton: 4 inches
Beaufort: 3.5 inches
Port Royal: 3 inches
Hilton Head Island: 4.5 inches
Savannah: 2.8
Tybee Island: 1 inch
The Callawassie Island area saw the most amount of snowfall for Beaufort County, with 4.8 inches of snow covering the area.
This story was originally published January 22, 2025 at 9:58 AM.
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