Criminal Defense Attorney inJohns Island, SC

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Cobb Hammett Law Firm: Giving Hope to
Criminal Defense Clients in
Johns Island, SC

Getting charged with a crime in Johns 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 Johns 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 Johns 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.

Criminal Defense Attorney Johns Island, SC

Clients rank Cobb Hammett, LLC as the top choice for Johns Island criminal defense because we provide:

  • One-on-One Counsel
  • Education on the Johns 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 Johns Island
  • Innovative Defense Strategies
  • Effective, Thorough Research and Investigation

Choosing the right criminal defense lawyer in Johns 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:

 Law Firm Johns Island, SC
The-Cobb-Dill-Hammett-Difference

DUI Cases
in Johns Island, SC

DUI penalties in Johns 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.

 Criminal Defense Lawyer Johns Island, SC
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 Johns Island, SC

The consequences of a DUI in Johns 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 Johns Island, SC, consider the following DUI consequences:

Criminal Defense Attorney Johns Island, SC

First Offense

Offense

48 hours to 90 days

in jail

with fines ranging from

$400 to $1,000

Second Offense

Offense

Five days to three years

in jail

with fines ranging from

$2,100 to $6,500

Third Offense

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.

 Law Firm Johns Island, SC

2

Community Service

Some first-time DUI offenders in Johns 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.

 Criminal Defense Lawyer Johns Island, SC

Sanctions to Your Driver's License

Typically, when a person is convicted of driving under the influence in Johns 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 Johns 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 Johns 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 Johns Island, 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 Johns Island
Traffic Violations That Cobb Hammett Law
Firm Fights

There are dozens and dozens of traffic laws in Johns Island, all of which affect drivers in some way. Our Johns Island defense attorneys fight a full range of violations, including but not limited to the following:

Criminal Defense Attorney Johns Island, SC
  • 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 Johns Island.

Juvenile Crime Cases in
Johns Island, 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 Johns 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 Johns 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.

 Law Firm Johns Island, SC
 Criminal Defense Lawyer Johns Island, SC

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 Johns 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 Johns Island include:

Criminal Defense Attorney Johns Island, SC
  • 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 Johns 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.

Ask us anything

Call Now 843-936-6680 PH

Latest News in Johns Island, SC

Johns Island community stirs over plans for second hotel

JOHNS ISLAND, S.C. (WCSC) - Members of the Johns Island community could be looking at the construction of a second hotel and living space.New Leaf Builders is requesting to build JUBILEE on the corner of Maybank Highway and Wildts Battery Boulevard. The development would take up 13.3 acres.The City of Charleston passed the plans through in a 7-0 vote on July 19. It is the latest in a series of conversations involving development on Johns Island.Rich Thomas has lived on Johns Island for 16 years and says it is hard to rec...

JOHNS ISLAND, S.C. (WCSC) - Members of the Johns Island community could be looking at the construction of a second hotel and living space.

New Leaf Builders is requesting to build JUBILEE on the corner of Maybank Highway and Wildts Battery Boulevard. The development would take up 13.3 acres.

The City of Charleston passed the plans through in a 7-0 vote on July 19. It is the latest in a series of conversations involving development on Johns Island.

Rich Thomas has lived on Johns Island for 16 years and says it is hard to recognize the lay of the land.

“The city and county have not paid any attention whatsoever to how Maybank and Johns Island in general can handle these developments,” Thomas says. “When you add up 100 housing units, commercial restaurants and things, it turns into a huge problem.”

Councilman Jim McBride says the development is classified as a Planned Unit Development, or PUD, meaning fewer units will go on the property than originally thought.

Developers say they intend to create a “vibrant, human-scaled, pedestrian-friendly community” and “transform neglected and underutilized natural resources into a beautiful hospitality village destination.”

The area is considered a central location for future public transit and connectivity. McBride says it would help to support the island’s future fire station and Trident hospital.

The plans fit the mold for a mixed-use residential office and low-density residential district. JUBILEE would become a spot for 140 families total, split into 75 hotel rooms and 65 residential cottages.

It is unclear how much each unit will cost or how much it will be to build the complex.

Each building would sit at a height of either three or four stories.

Darcy Whalen lived on Johns Island for six years but now resides across the Stono River in James Island.

Out her window, she still sees the impacts of traffic and growth bleeding into her community.

“Infrastructure is huge. We’re a little backwards, that we should’ve had that first before these things were approved,” Whalen says. “I don’t begrudge getting a hotel. There are a lot of people coming onto Johns Island and Seabrook. I think we have been done a disservice.”

Developers emphasized that Charleston has doubled in population since the 1970s. They claim the Charleston City Plan to develop the area over the next 10 years fits within their plans to build up Johns Island.

Charleston County Council will tentatively vote on the project on August 30.

Copyright 2024 WCSC. All rights reserved.

Editorial: If Hilton Head is fine with 6 lanes off and on, why does Johns Island need 16?

Hilton Head Island is looking to replace the U.S. Highway 278 bridges that provide its only link to the mainland, and current plans call for new bridges that will have not two but three lanes in each direction on and off the island, for a total of six lanes. So why does Johns Island — which has a smaller population and a desire to keep part of its rural ...

Hilton Head Island is looking to replace the U.S. Highway 278 bridges that provide its only link to the mainland, and current plans call for new bridges that will have not two but three lanes in each direction on and off the island, for a total of six lanes. So why does Johns Island — which has a smaller population and a desire to keep part of its rural character intact — need 16 bridge lanes on and off it?

The answer should be obvious: It doesn't. And that's yet another reason Charleston County voters should reject the proposed half-cent transportation sales tax that is expected to be on the ballot this fall.

County Council is expected to finalize the referendum wording Tuesday and is regrettably expected to proceed with making the extension of Interstate 526 from West Ashley to James Island the only priority project; its price tag, including financing costs, would be more than $2.4 billion, almost half the total raised by the new tax. The project also was among the least popular in an informal survey earlier this year.

Council should reject this plan for many reasons: that enormous price tag; its threat to the conservation of what remains of Johns Island's rural character; the project's failure to ease congestion (it will only move it to different choke points); the county's recent duplicitous history in reviving the project it deliberately left off the 2016 sales tax vote; and the county's poor track record on making progress on projects on its 2016 list.

One of those projects is a new flyover at Main Road and U.S. Highway 17, an enormously frustrating route for many trying to get on and off Johns Island. We suspect that lack of progress has been deliberate because the project holds the promise of addressing the congestion that 526 extension proponents claim that project is needed for. And that's where the comparison to Hilton Head is apt.

Six lanes is fine for Hilton Head even though its population is almost 30% more than that of Johns, Wadmalaw, Kiawah and Seabrook islands combined and Hilton Head has 66% more housing units. Current traffic volumes on the Limehouse and Stono bridges combined are about 14% higher than on the Highway 278 bridges, which suggests we could use a couple more lanes. Fortunately, that's cheap and easy to accomplish.

Both the Paul J. Gelegotis and John F. Limehouse bridges were built large enough to accommodate four lanes of traffic: The Gelegotis Bridge, commonly called the Stono bridge, is striped for all four lanes, but the one lane leading to the bridge from Johns Island effectively makes it a three-lane bridge from the perspective of traffic flow. The Limehouse Bridge is striped for only two lanes, but relatively little money would open the full capacity of these bridges to eight lanes, a 60% increase from what they are now.

Of course, why spend relatively little money to solve the problem when you can spend more than $2 billion and erase any pretention that we're interested in keeping Johns Island's rural character? Voters will ultimately answer that question in November.

There's one other commonality voters might want to think about. The Hilton Head debate has revolved in part around whether there should be one new six-lane bridge or two three-lane bridges, but some have noted the larger six-lane bridge won't address the primary cause of congestion on the island: clogged intersections along U.S. Highway 278. If I-526 is extended on to Johns Island, we're sure the same thing will be said there; just substitute "River Road" for Highway 278.

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Accident-prone Johns Island intersection to receive $5M in state funding

JOHNS ISLAND, S.C. (WCSC) - One accident-prone Johns Island intersection is set to receive $5 million in safety upgrades from the state.With nearly 8,000 vehicles traveling where Brownswood Road meets River Road daily, according to the South Carolina Department of Transportation, government officials say they knew this needed to be a focal point for change.In a team effort, the Charleston County government, the Charleston County School District, SCDOT and state Rep. Spencer Wetmore (D-Charleston County) and Rep. Leon Stavrinaki...

JOHNS ISLAND, S.C. (WCSC) - One accident-prone Johns Island intersection is set to receive $5 million in safety upgrades from the state.

With nearly 8,000 vehicles traveling where Brownswood Road meets River Road daily, according to the South Carolina Department of Transportation, government officials say they knew this needed to be a focal point for change.

In a team effort, the Charleston County government, the Charleston County School District, SCDOT and state Rep. Spencer Wetmore (D-Charleston County) and Rep. Leon Stavrinakis (D-Charleston County) are working to get this project going.

“River Road has been a dangerous spot for people for a long time,” Johns Island resident Brent Mattox said.

Stavrinakis and Wetmore are the two statehouse reps who asked for this funding.

“Traffic and safety concerns out there are certainly nothing new,” Stavrinakis said.

Where River Road meets Brownswood is home to 24 accidents and one death over the last five years, according to SCDOT.

Both Mattox and Stavrinakis say they’re not surprised.

“We’ve seen some damage from time to time and there was at least one time where a bridge, its guardrail, was seemingly damaged by a wreck and took months to fix,” Mattox said.

“Sometimes citizens email me pictures of overturned vehicles,” Stavrinakis said.

And with a new Charleston County elementary school already under construction right down the road, Stavrinakis says he knew the funding was needed now.

“We’re so far behind in managing traffic in that corridor given the incredible growth,” Stavrinakis said.

Now, $5 million from the state will go towards a roundabout at this intersection to fix the current issues and alleviate future school traffic, which could start as early as next August.

But the current road plan doesn’t have the roundabout finishing for at least another six years.

“My goal for this is to happen like asap,” Stavrinakis said. “...We need to push as hard as we can to make sure that this happens, if at all possible, simultaneously with the school construction and opening.”

Mattox says he doesn’t think the construction itself will make the situation much better in the meantime.

“I guess that’s the price of progress,” Mattox said.

The roundabout document plans state the preliminary engineering could cover the next three-and-a-half years with right-of-way acquisitions and utility relocations taking another year-and-a-half after that. Charleston County officials are expecting construction to take one year, finishing by the end of FY2031.

Copyright 2024 WCSC. All rights reserved.

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