Getting charged with a crime in Charleston 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 Charleston, 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 Charleston, 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 Charleston criminal defense because we provide:
Choosing the right criminal defense lawyer in Charleston 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 penalties in Charleston 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.
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.
The consequences of a DUI in Charleston 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 Charleston, SC, consider the following DUI consequences:

48 hours to 90 days
with fines ranging from
Five days to three years
with fines ranging from
60 days to five years
with fines ranging from
Additional consequences can include:
1
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
Some first-time DUI offenders in Charleston 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.
Typically, when a person is convicted of driving under the influence in Charleston, 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-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.
Offenders convicted of a second DUI charge must use an ignition interlock device (IID) for two years.
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.
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 Charleston 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.
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 Charleston 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 Charleston, SC. Cobb & 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.
There are dozens and dozens of traffic laws in Charleston, all of which affect drivers in some way. Our Charleston defense attorneys fight a full range of violations, including but not limited to the following:
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 Charleston.
At Cobb & 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 Charleston 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 Charleston, 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.
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 Charleston. 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 Charleston include:
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 Charleston, 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.
The UNC Wilmington Seahawks (25-4, 14-2 CAA) bring a six-game winning streak into a home contest versus the Charleston (SC) Cougars (20-10, 13-4 CAA), who have won four straight. It starts at 7 p.m. ET (on CBS Sports Network) on Sunday, March 1, 2026.In its previous game, UNC Wilmington were winners at home over N.C. A&T, 88-65. Its top performers were Patrick Wessler (19 PTS, 57.14 FG%) and Jahnathan Lamothe (15 PTS, 55.56 FG%, 5-8 from 3PT). In its previous game, Charleston (SC) won on the road over Hampton 85-71, with Martin Ka...
The UNC Wilmington Seahawks (25-4, 14-2 CAA) bring a six-game winning streak into a home contest versus the Charleston (SC) Cougars (20-10, 13-4 CAA), who have won four straight. It starts at 7 p.m. ET (on CBS Sports Network) on Sunday, March 1, 2026.
In its previous game, UNC Wilmington were winners at home over N.C. A&T, 88-65. Its top performers were Patrick Wessler (19 PTS, 57.14 FG%) and Jahnathan Lamothe (15 PTS, 55.56 FG%, 5-8 from 3PT). In its previous game, Charleston (SC) won on the road over Hampton 85-71, with Martin Kalu (21 PTS, 58.33 FG%) and Connor Hickman (16 PTS, 60.00 FG%, 2-3 from 3PT) the standout performers.
To prepare for this college hoops showdown, here is everything you need to get ready for Sunday's action.
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Charleston (SC) aims to continue its three-game road win streak with a victory over N.C. A&T. Thursday's matchup is the first of the season between the two...Charleston (SC) Cougars (17-10, 10-4 CAA) at North Carolina A&T Aggies (10-14, 3-10 CAA)Greensboro, North Carolina; Thursday, 7 p.m. ESTBOTTOM LINE: Charleston (SC) will try to keep its three-game road win streak alive when the Cougars play N.C. A&T.The Aggies have gone 6-4 in home games. N.C. A&T averages 11.9 turnovers per game and is 3-4 wh...
Charleston (SC) aims to continue its three-game road win streak with a victory over N.C. A&T. Thursday's matchup is the first of the season between the two...
Charleston (SC) Cougars (17-10, 10-4 CAA) at North Carolina A&T Aggies (10-14, 3-10 CAA)
Greensboro, North Carolina; Thursday, 7 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: Charleston (SC) will try to keep its three-game road win streak alive when the Cougars play N.C. A&T.
The Aggies have gone 6-4 in home games. N.C. A&T averages 11.9 turnovers per game and is 3-4 when it has fewer turnovers than its opponents.
The Cougars have gone 10-4 against CAA opponents. Charleston (SC) is the CAA leader with 25.5 defensive rebounds per game led by Christian Reeves averaging 5.1.
N.C. A&T averages 74.7 points per game, 0.8 more points than the 73.9 Charleston (SC) gives up. Charleston (SC) averages 6.5 made 3-pointers per game this season, 1.3 fewer made shots on average than the 7.8 per game N.C. A&T allows.
The matchup Thursday is the first meeting of the season for the two teams in conference play.
TOP PERFORMERS: Lewis Walker is averaging 19.1 points and 5.3 rebounds for the Aggies. Trent Middleton is averaging 13.1 points over the last 10 games.
Jlynn Counter is scoring 16.0 points per game and averaging 5.3 rebounds for the Cougars. Reeves is averaging 14.7 points and 9.8 rebounds over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Aggies: 3-7, averaging 71.8 points, 32.1 rebounds, 10.6 assists, 5.4 steals and 4.0 blocks per game while shooting 44.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 77.0 points per game.
Cougars: 6-4, averaging 74.6 points, 33.7 rebounds, 13.3 assists, 5.2 steals and 4.8 blocks per game while shooting 44.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 73.5 points.
The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Jump into another weekend with some spectacular S.C. events.Pamper your palates and support a good cause at AMOR Fest or find your next read at Captain's Comic Expo.Then, enjoy some good eats for a good cause at Home Team's Rock the Block, head to Folly Beach for their Sea and Sand Festival and throw some beads at the upcoming Mardi Crawl in Park Circle.SATURDAY (FEB. 21)21st Annual Mardi CrawlThrow on a quick fit of beaded necklaces and feather boas, and march across Park Circle like it'...
Jump into another weekend with some spectacular S.C. events.
Pamper your palates and support a good cause at AMOR Fest or find your next read at Captain's Comic Expo.
Then, enjoy some good eats for a good cause at Home Team's Rock the Block, head to Folly Beach for their Sea and Sand Festival and throw some beads at the upcoming Mardi Crawl in Park Circle.
SATURDAY (FEB. 21)
Throw on a quick fit of beaded necklaces and feather boas, and march across Park Circle like it's the "Big Easy" at the annual Mardi Crawl this Saturday, Feb. 21. Take part in a silent auction starting at noon at Commonhouse Aleworks, 4831 O'Hear Ave., North Charleston, peruse a sprawling vendors market and try your hand at the Mardi Crawl, which will take you to many local hot spots. Participating locations include Commonhouse Aleworks, Dig in the Park, Wyrd Sisters, Tattooed Moose and more. Each location will be raising funds for their own designated charities and nonprofits, including Carolina Children's Charity, Pet Helpers, the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Charleston and more. The event culminates in a special headlining set from Dave Landeo and the Sol Beats. Tickets are $35 per person. For more info on the bar crawl and vendor details, head to tinyurl.com/bs88tpxk.
SATURDAY (FEB. 21)
Hope you've got an appetite this weekend, because Home Team is hosting their annual Rock the Block fundraiser this Saturday, Feb. 21. The pitmasters will be firing up their smokers from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. with all forms of barbecue and Lowcountry delights. Enjoy dishes from award-winning guest chefs and tasty Southern favorites from Swig and Swine, Home Team BBQ and more. There will also be live music from Sam Morrow, the Brandon Boone Band and Eddie 9V on stage. This fundraiser generates proceeds for local nonprofits Hogs for the Cause and the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Charleston. General admission is $30 ahead of the event, $35 at the gate and $225 for VIP tickets that provide exclusive access to a VIP Lounge with an open bar. Hungering for some more details? Then take your taste buds over to tinyurl.com/3s374ucv.