Cobb Hammett Law Firm: Giving Hope to
Criminal Defense Clients in
Hilton Head Island, SC
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Criminal Defense Attorney inHilton Head Island, SC
Getting charged with a crime in Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island, 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 Hilton Head Island, 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 Hilton Head Island criminal defense because we provide:
- One-on-One Counsel
- Education on the Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island
- Innovative Defense Strategies
- Effective, Thorough Research and Investigation
Choosing the right criminal defense lawyer in Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island, SC
DUI penalties in Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island, SC
The consequences of a DUI in Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island, 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 Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island, 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 Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island, 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.
Common Hilton Head Island
Traffic Violations That Cobb Hammett Law
Firm Fights
There are dozens and dozens of traffic laws in Hilton Head Island, all of which affect drivers in some way. Our Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island.
Juvenile Crime Cases in
Hilton Head Island, SC
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 Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island, 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 Hilton Head Island. 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 Hilton Head Island 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.
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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 Hilton Head Island, 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.
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Latest News Near Me Hilton Head Island, SC
Armadillos are back digging up SC Lowcountry yards. Here’s how to keep them out
Anna Claire Millerhttps://www.islandpacket.com/news/local/article308331220.html
In recent years, armadillos have quietly dug their way into the sandy soils of the South Carolina Lowcountry.These curious, armored mammals, once found primarily in Texas and parts of the Southwest, have steadily expanded their range, now reaching into Georgia, Florida and well into coastal areas like Bea...
In recent years, armadillos have quietly dug their way into the sandy soils of the South Carolina Lowcountry.
These curious, armored mammals, once found primarily in Texas and parts of the Southwest, have steadily expanded their range, now reaching into Georgia, Florida and well into coastal areas like Beaufort County.
“We get anywhere between 8 to 10 calls a week for armadillos now,” said Cliff Boatwright of Tracks Animal Control in Beaufort.
While some may find their prehistoric looks charming, armadillos can be more than just odd backyard visitors.
From digging up gardens to posing some health risks, or just being a bit of a backyard nuisance, here’s what Lowcountry residents need to know about these hard-shelled creatures.
Armadillos prefer shady, wooded areas with soft soil, especially near creeks or rivers, according to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.
Their range is often limited by temperature; they prefer weather between 40 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. They don’t do well in extreme hot or cold, meaning these critters are spotted most often at dawn or dusk.
Armadillos can typically be found rooting around flower beds, lawns or golf courses in search of insects like ants, termites and even frogs.
Armadillos are not considered threats to crops or livestock, but they are notorious for:
One of the most common reasons people see armadillos or other similar critters in their yards is when residents feed outdoor pets, like cats, Boatwright said.
“When you leave that food out for outdoor pets, it also invites these other critters to visit your yard, too,” Boatwright said.
If you’re feeding outdoor pets, consider bringing food inside at night to avoid attracting armadillos and other critters.
Although armadillos are not aggressive and rarely bite, they can pose health risks.
According to the SCDNR, armadillos can carry the bacteria responsible for leprosy (Hansen’s disease). They may also carry the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, which causes Chagas disease.
Even though the risk of transmission is low, you should avoid touching armadillos or handling their blood and fluids.
If you’re scratched or bitten or come into contact with a dead armadillo, always consult a healthcare provider.
If you’re dealing with armadillo damage or want to prevent it, here are five recommended steps from Critter Control:
So while these hard-shelled backyard creatures are fun to look at, make sure to observe from a distance and seek professional help if you need it.
For more information or help with wildlife concerns in South Carolina, visit the SCDNR webpage or a local licensed wildlife control professional.
10:30 p.m. Sparklight update: Service back in areas of Beaufort and Jasper
Anna Claire Millerhttps://www.islandpacket.com/news/local/article308333775.html
Update 11:36 a.m.: Sparklight states that repairs have been completed, and services should now be resumed. If you are still experiencing issues, Sparklight recommends rebooting your modem or contacting their 24/7 tech support system at 877-692-2253.Update 11:27 p.m.: Services have been restored for some affected customers. Local technicians are on-site working to stabilize connections and ensure proper connectivity for ...
Update 11:36 a.m.: Sparklight states that repairs have been completed, and services should now be resumed. If you are still experiencing issues, Sparklight recommends rebooting your modem or contacting their 24/7 tech support system at 877-692-2253.
Update 11:27 p.m.: Services have been restored for some affected customers. Local technicians are on-site working to stabilize connections and ensure proper connectivity for everyone.
Update 10:32 p.m.: Services were restored in areas of Beaufort and Jasper Counties, but no further update has been posted by Sparklight.
Update 9:30 p.m.: No reports of restored internet have been posted
Update 9:02 p.m.: Crews are replacing the damaged equipment and will then perform a hardware swap. We know waiting is tough, and we truly appreciate your continued patience while progress with service restoration continues.
Update 7:13 p.m.: The utility company successfully restored power at the affected site housing our equipment following the lightning strike.
Update 6:03 p.m.: Local power company electricians were on site and working on the physical restoration.
4:48 p.m. original report: Sparklight customers in areas of South Carolina and Georgia are currently without internet, video and phone services due to a lightning strike causing a commercial outage on Tuesday.
Bluffton, Beaufort and Hilton Head Island are among those areas affected, according to a post from Sparklight, formerly known as Hargray, on X.
As of 3:22 p.m., the website Downdetector, which compiles user reports of internet interruptions, had reported the highest amount of outages with 162 reported issues. At 4:22 p.m., reported outages dropped to 66.
Owned by Cable One, Sparklight serves over 1 million customers in 24 states. It’s the phone and internet provider for the majority of residents and businesses in the Beaufort County area.
The last reported interruption was in early April. Back in mid-September, four separate fiber cuts made by a “third party” in Georgia and South Carolina caused a 10-hour shutdown, plunging the workday into chaos for thousands of residents and local businesses.
Sparklight stated at 11:36 a.m. on Wednesday that service was fully restored. 911 services were still active during this outage.
This story was originally published June 10, 2025 at 4:48 PM.
SC beach bar named one of 10 best in nation by USA Today. Here’s why it’s great
Anna Claire Millerhttps://www.islandpacket.com/news/state/south-carolina/article307887805.html
The votes are in from the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for the best beach bar in the United States, with a South Carolina spot ranking among the top three.Hilton Head’s Tiki Hut Beach Bar at Beach House was voted the ...
The votes are in from the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for the best beach bar in the United States, with a South Carolina spot ranking among the top three.
Hilton Head’s Tiki Hut Beach Bar at Beach House was voted the third best beach bar in the nation in this year’s ranking.
Hilton Head’s Tiki Hut Beach Bar was the only spot from South Carolina on the list and was noted in the nominations as Hilton Head’s only beachfront live music venue that has been serving visitors and locals since 1977.
Located in the heart of the Coligny Beach area, Tiki Hut offers a variety of meals, shareable plates and drinks. With a blend of classic Southern favorites and coastal-inspired dishes, Tiki Hut offers an ideal space for locals and visitors alike.
Tiki Hut is located at 1 South Forest Beach Drive and is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
Here’s a rundown of the other top beach bars from the 2025 competition:
First and second place were granted to two Florida locations:
No. 1: Ocean Deck Restaurant and Beach Bar in Daytona Beach, Florida
No. 2: Flora-Bama in Pensacola, Florida
Other top spots from the 2025 ranking are:
No. 4: Reunion Kitchen + Drink in Santa Barbara, California
No. 5: Copper Bar at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel in Waimea, Hawaii
No. 6: Mai Tai Bar at The Royal Hawaiian in Honolulu, Hawaii
No. 7: Sloppy Joe’s on the Beach at Bilmar Beach Resort in Treasure Island, Florida
No. 8: The Crow’s Nest in Santa Cruz, California
No. 9: House Without A Key at Halekulani Hotel in Honolulu, Hawaii
No. 10: Edge of Waikiki at Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort in Honolulu, Hawaii
To view all the nominees for the 2025 10Best beach bars, click here.
The USA TODAY 10Best Reader’s Choice Awards is an award program that is designed to highlight top locations across various travel and lifestyle categories, including destinations, food, drinks and attractions.
The selection of top locations for readers to cast their vote is curated by a panel of travel experts, with the final set of nominees selected through editorial review by USA TODAY 10Best editors.
The travel experts who selected the nominees for the 2025 10Best beach bars include:
To learn more about this panel and their backgrounds, their information can be found at the bottom of the 10Best beach bars webpage.
Once all the nominees are selected and announced, the public is invited to vote for their favorites over a four-week period.
To vote, participants must:
Any fraudulent votes or votes cast by any form of automated system are disregarded and disqualified, according to the USA TODAY 10Best Rules webpage.
Once all votes have been cast and counted, USA TODAY reviews the list and announces the winning locations the following week.
Heading to the beach? Here are the 10 best beaches in SC, according to reader voting
Nina Tranhttps://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/news/local/greenville/2025/05/29/what-is-the-prettiest-beach-in-sc-10-sc-beaches-for-summer-vacation/83919107007/
What do the Carolinas, California, Michigan, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, and Texas all have in common?These destinations are home to some of the best beaches, according to USA TODAY 10Best readers.With thoughts of summer vacation lingering on the minds of hardworking Americans, finding beaches worth the money and travel is a must.Here's where the Palmetto's State's best beaches...
What do the Carolinas, California, Michigan, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, and Texas all have in common?
These destinations are home to some of the best beaches, according to USA TODAY 10Best readers.
With thoughts of summer vacation lingering on the minds of hardworking Americans, finding beaches worth the money and travel is a must.
Here's where the Palmetto's State's best beaches and beach bars are located.
What is SC's best beach bar?
Tiki Hut at Beach House is Hilton Head Island's only beachfront live music venue, overlooking the serene shores of Coligny Beach. Laid-back and full of good vibes, the beach bar is also the island's only "toes in the sand, drinks in hand experience," per Hilton Head Island.
Last year's renovations to the bar have only made it better, featuring more seating, a bigger stage, The Dunes beachfront event pavilion, and a reimagined pool deck that now has private cabanas with TVs, a temperature-controlled pool, hot tub, and food and drink service from The Porch. USA TODAY recommends guests try the bourbon, lemonade, and raspberry puree known as the Local Secret, or the bar's 32-ounce bucket of tropical rums and juice.
What is SC's best beach?
Pawley's Island in Georgetown County, named S.C.'s No. 1 beach by USA TODAY, is the birthplace of the famous rope hammock. It is also the country's oldest seaside resort and continues to fulfill its reputation as a place where visitors can find peace, quiet, and beauty. Over the short causeway, there are boutique shops to browse and first-class restaurants that are sure to satisfy a hungry appetite.
"While the community is home to just over 100 residents, the population swells in the warm months, when beachgoers arrive to enjoy sunbathing, swimming, and surfing." said USA TODAY.
USA TODAY's 10 best beach bars
∎ No. 1: Ocean Deck Restaurant and Beach Bar (Daytona Beach, Florida)
∎ No. 2: Flora-Bama (Pensacola, Florida)
∎ No. 3: Tiki Hut at Beach House
∎ No. 4: Reunion Kitchen + Drink (Santa Barbara, California)
∎ No. 5: Copper Bar at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel (Waimea, Hawaii)
∎ No. 6: Mai Tai Bar at The Royal Hawaiian (Honolulu, Hawaii)
∎ No. 7: Sloppy Joe's on the Beach at Bilmar Beach Resort (Treasure Island, Florida)
∎ No. 8: The Crow's Nest (Santa Cruz, California)
∎ No. 9: House Without a Key at Halekulani Hotel (Honolulu, Hawaii)
∎ No. 10: Edge of Waikiki at Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort (Honolulu, Hawaii)
USA Today's 10 best beaches in SC
∎ No. 1: Pawleys Island
∎ No. 2: North Myrtle Beach (North Myrtle Beach)
∎ No. 3: Litchfield Beach (Litchfield Beach)
∎ No. 4: Huntington Beach State Park (Murrells Inlet)
∎ No. 5: Cherry Grove Beach (North Myrtle Beach)
∎ No. 6: Huntington Island State Park (Hunting Island)
∎ No. 7: Edisto Beach State Park (Edisto Island)
∎ No. 8: Myrtle Beach State Park (Myrtle Beach)
∎ No. 9: Coligny Beach Park (Hilton Head Island)
∎ No. 10: Bloody Point Beach (Daufuskie Island)
Here are all the new restaurants in Hilton Head, Bluffton, Beaufort in 2025 — & those that closed
Anna Claire Millerhttps://www.islandpacket.com/news/local/article307273731.html
Planning your summer vacation to Hilton Head and wondering where the new dining hot spots are?The Lowcountry dining scene is always offering something new to residents and visitors alike. With so many options to choose from, it can often be a hassle to decide where to dine.No matter if you enjoy trying new dishes or sticking with Lowcountry favorites, there’s something for everyone.With summertime starting to kick off, here’s a look at all the new, moved and closed restaurant locations in 2025 for the Hilton ...
Planning your summer vacation to Hilton Head and wondering where the new dining hot spots are?
The Lowcountry dining scene is always offering something new to residents and visitors alike. With so many options to choose from, it can often be a hassle to decide where to dine.
No matter if you enjoy trying new dishes or sticking with Lowcountry favorites, there’s something for everyone.
With summertime starting to kick off, here’s a look at all the new, moved and closed restaurant locations in 2025 for the Hilton Head area.
Uncle Billy’s Burger Bar & Papi Tequila
Relocated to the former location of Lucky Rooster in January at South Island Square, 841 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head.
Relocated to the former location of Nectar in February at 35 Office Park Road.
Lucky Beach Bar + Kitchen
To view all the new and closed locations from 2024, click here.
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