Criminal Defense Attorney inJames Island, SC

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CDH Law Firm: Giving Hope to
Criminal Defense Clients in
James Island, SC

Getting charged with a crime in James 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 James 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 CDH 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 James 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 James Island, SC

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

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

Choosing the right criminal defense lawyer in James 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 James Island, SC
The-Cobb-Dill-Hammett-Difference

DUI Cases
in James Island, SC

DUI penalties in James 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 CDH 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 James 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 James Island, SC

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

Criminal Defense Attorney James 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 James Island, SC

2

Community Service

Some first-time DUI offenders in James 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 James Island, SC

Sanctions to Your Driver's License

Typically, when a person is convicted of driving under the influence in James 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 James Island can be life-changing, and not in a good way. The good news is that with CDH 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 James 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 James 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 James Island
Traffic Violations That CDH Law
Firm Fights

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

Criminal Defense Attorney James 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 CDH Law Firm today for the highest-quality Traffic Violation representation in James Island.

Juvenile Crime Cases in
James 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 James 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 James 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 James Island, SC
 Criminal Defense Lawyer James 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 CDH 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 James 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 James Island include:

Criminal Defense Attorney James 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, CDH 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 James 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 James Island, SC

High Rise Dry Bar elevates mocktails with legal cannabis seltzers

South Carolina’s first-ever cannabis dry bar has landed on James Island. High Rise Dry Bar from Charleston Hemp Collective opened Aug. 11 and is changing the world of hemp-derived products and the non-alcoholic beverage space by offering mocktails made with legal cannabis seltzers.“I think it’s really cool pioneering stuff like this,” said Matt Skinner, owner of Charleston Hemp Collective. “You always kind of worry about whether it’s going to go over and how many people are going to relate to it, bu...

South Carolina’s first-ever cannabis dry bar has landed on James Island. High Rise Dry Bar from Charleston Hemp Collective opened Aug. 11 and is changing the world of hemp-derived products and the non-alcoholic beverage space by offering mocktails made with legal cannabis seltzers.

“I think it’s really cool pioneering stuff like this,” said Matt Skinner, owner of Charleston Hemp Collective. “You always kind of worry about whether it’s going to go over and how many people are going to relate to it, but I feel like the reception we’ve gotten just so far is insane, so I’m super-excited about it.”

In recent years, the popularity of legal hemp-derived products has exploded in the Charleston area as these products are said to offer purported medicinal benefits and increase relaxation. Hemp Collective offers a range of products from vapes and gummies to tinctures and even Bloody Mary mix. But since launching its cannabis seltzer High Rise in May 2022, Skinner has noticed a fast-shifting acceptance.

“Charleston has really embraced this whole [cannabis] movement,” he said. “So much has changed, and so much of it is becoming more and more accepted.”

Currently, High Rise’s seltzers are in about 200 bars and restaurants, including Halls Chophouse and Husk, and 350 shops and grocery stores in the Charleston area. But the product also is distributed throughout the Southeast in Tennessee, Florida, North Carolina and Georgia.

“Some of the most elevated restaurants in Charleston are really trying to create mocktails now and jumping on board with High Rise to help craft that, and I think that’s special,” Skinner said.

He said he believes now is an exciting time — not only for the cannabis space but also the non-alcoholic market. He points to a renewed interest in non-alcoholic options particularly amongst Gen Z, who are noticeably drinking less alcohol than previous generations.

A 2022 consumer trends report from Drizly found 38% of Gen Z respondents said they opted for more alcohol-free drinks than the previous year compared to 25% of Millennials, 15% Gen X and 8% Baby Boomers.

“There’s this interest not only in the ‘canna-curious’ space right now, but also people are looking for NA (non-alcoholic) options. The NA world and the beverage space right now is insane,” Skinner said.

The company’s original plan was to create a second shop with a small bar, but now the bar is really the star, he said. Skinner and his business partner, Chris Long, wanted a space for a high-end mocktail bar, so they used a portion of the space for the shop and a larger portion for a bar, lounge area and multiple tables for guests to sit and mingle.

During the store’s recent soft opening, DJ Jerry Feels Good set the vibe with upbeat tunes. Skinner said the bar plans to bring DJ Jerry Feels Good back as a regular in-house DJ in addition to rotating other DJs on various nights.

Currently, the bar’s open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays through Wednesdays and 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays. But Skinner said they may expand the weekend hours in the future.

The first iteration of the drink menu includes seven unique mocktails with names like Connection, Tranquility, Invigorate and Zen.

Drinks include fruity ingredients like salted watermelon and pomegranate and well as savory elements like ginger, turmeric and matcha. The menu offers suggestions under each drink to add CBD, Delta-8 or Delta-9 seltzer to elevate the experience.

For those who are canna-curious but not familiar with these different derivatives of the hemp plant, CBD is a non-psychoactive compound found in hemp that can induce feelings of relaxation. Delta-8 and Delta-9 are both psychoactive compounds in the plant that can induce feelings of “being high.”

Roughly one-third of a can of High Rise seltzer is used in each drink — equal to two milligrams of CBD, Delta-8 or Delta 9.

“The point is not just one and done,” Skinner said of the mocktails. “We want you to be able to try two or three drinks. And by the time you get to your third drink, you’re gonna be feeling really good. It creates more of a social experience.”

Jules Schneider, beverage director for Herd Provisions, helped develop the current menu.“[This was] easily the most challenging menu I’ve done so far,” Schneider said. “Coaxing out flavor without the use of alcohol is another beast on its own. Alcohol is such a great solvent that making well-flavored ingredients is a cinch. I ended up making my own bitters with vegetable glycerin in a pressure cooker and really relied on great produce and proper technique to make fantastically flavored syrups.”

Skinner added, “I’ve got to give a lot of props to Jules. Not only did he take time to look at so many different [flavor] profiles, [but] he was also very careful when he named them. They all really represent the ingredients of those drinks and what they stand for.”

The menu will change quarterly to introduce new drinks and operate as a space for experimentation. Skinner wants to use the bar to test out new mocktails in addition to featuring rotating specialty High Rise drinks other restaurants and bars have developed for their location including Herd Provisions, The Longboard and others.

“Charleston is a community that supports brands that they feel like are really making a movement, and Charleston has really gotten behind High Rise,” Skinner said. “I don’t think there’s another city in the Southeast that has so much respect for this cannabis drink space.”

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New details surface about alleged James Island hit-and-run

JAMES ISLAND, S.C. (WCBD)- It has been 35 days since Jennifer Drummond was found severely injured along a James Island road.Friends and family are still searching for answers in what is believed to be a hit-and-run.The family, joined by their attorney, held a press conference Wednesday morning with new details they hope will bring them closer to finding the person responsible.The Drumond family, fatigued, after over a month of not knowing exactly what happened to Jenn.“We don’t sleep at night, wonderin...

JAMES ISLAND, S.C. (WCBD)- It has been 35 days since Jennifer Drummond was found severely injured along a James Island road.

Friends and family are still searching for answers in what is believed to be a hit-and-run.

The family, joined by their attorney, held a press conference Wednesday morning with new details they hope will bring them closer to finding the person responsible.

The Drumond family, fatigued, after over a month of not knowing exactly what happened to Jenn.

“We don’t sleep at night, wondering if someone texted with a lead,” Jenn’s uncle, Chris Drummond said.

However, they’re not letting up.

Drummond said, “You just can’t hit somebody in the roadway and drive off, and someone not know something.”

Searching everywhere they know of for answers to what is believed to be a hit-and-run.

In a press conference Wednesday morning, their attorney Scott Bischoff, gave new information on her movements that morning.

“Based on information on Jenn’s phone, her step count that was also connected to her apple watch, we believe that she left her house around 5:17 and her step count stops at 5:18, just before 5:19,” Bischoff said.

According to surveillance video there were three cars that drove down Woodland Shores Road around the time of the incident, but new video shows the car believed to be the one that hit Jenn.

“We believe the primary suspect vehicle is vehicle number 3, that appears to be a relatively modern SUV with a sunroof and 5 lights,” Bischoff said.

As far as Jenn’s condition, family members say she is making progress.

They say she got up and walked yesterday, but she’s still very slow to answer questions and there’s still a long way to go.

At this point they’re just doing whatever they can to bring justice to Jenn.

“On top of a really awful injury that she suffered, our mind is also thinking who did this, when will answers surface, will answers surface. It’s something that weighs on our mind constantly,” Jenn’s best friend, Audrey Marhoefer said.

There is a $10,000 reward for information about the incident of you have any information about this incident, call the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office.

Developer holds 3rd community meeting on potential development on James Island

A developer looking to build on just over six acres of land on James Island held a community meeting with neighbors as the potential project moves forward.JAMES ISLAND, S.C. (WCSC) - A developer looking to build on just over six acres of land on James Island held a community meeting with neighbors as the potential project moves forward.The 6.5-acre parcel off Dills Bluff Road, near the intersection of Camp Road, is currently owned by the town’s public service district. KT Properties President Kyle Taylor said they plan to...

A developer looking to build on just over six acres of land on James Island held a community meeting with neighbors as the potential project moves forward.

JAMES ISLAND, S.C. (WCSC) - A developer looking to build on just over six acres of land on James Island held a community meeting with neighbors as the potential project moves forward.

The 6.5-acre parcel off Dills Bluff Road, near the intersection of Camp Road, is currently owned by the town’s public service district. KT Properties President Kyle Taylor said they plan to build a 20,000 to 25,000 square foot commercial center to hold about 10 to 15 businesses.

“Lowcountry-style architecture is where we’re heading,” Taylor said. “We see mixed-use retail, some restaurant, small to medium scale, some coffee, some office, medical office, just a variety of uses to support the local community.”

The district attempted to develop a new operations center on the property for several years. The projects were put on hold amid pushback from neighbors against the plan.

The property then went up for sale in 2021, and developer KT Properties is under contract with the public service district to purchase the land.

Toward the rear of the parcel, Taylor said they plan on proceeding with building 25 attached townhome units to make living on the island more affordable and save as many grand trees as possible. Taylor said those changes were made based on feedback from neighbors.

“First and foremost, we want to make sure the community knew that we weren’t doing a cross-connection road,” Taylor said. “That was the most important concerns for neighbors that we weren’t going to send traffic to the neighborhood, which we are not. Especially, making sure we are taking care of stormwater management by adding a third pond was maybe some new information for some folks inside.”

Some neighbors said the project is too dense compared to the surrounding area and the land could instead be used for a park.

“The open space that they’re proposing is not enough,” neighbor John Peters said. “That little open space in the center is like hanging out in the parking lot. It’s what I’ve been telling people because that’s what it is.”

Others, however, said it’s exactly what James Island needs to grow.

“I think it’s the beautification, and the fact that they are really addressing the stormwater issue,” neighbor Joanne Root said. “It’s very well executed, and it’s going to be very attractive, and I think it’s really going to uplift this area.”

Peters believes the project does not fit into the area where it’s slotted to be.

“There’s hawks and owls that live in there. There’s concern with the wilderness there,” he said. “They come over and take out those squirrels, so there’s a lot of little things that are being overlooked in lieu of developing to just add more citizens to the neighborhood that we already have enough citizens in.”

Root, however, believes there’s enough of a market to build the development.

“I think the townhouses would be perfect, and I think there’s a big need for that,” she said. “There’s a lot of people that can’t maintain a yard that are definitely looking for that. It’s more progressive, I think, and more forward-thinking.”

As the project has been in the works for several years, Peters said he believes it should be up to the public to decide what happens with the land.

“Put it on the ballot and say, ‘Citizens, what do you want to do with this land?’ And come up with the best ideas possible,” he said. “If the citizens say they want a development, they put a development in there. If they want a park, we’ll put a park in there. If they want a fitness trail, let’s put a fitness trail.”

Taylor said he hopes the project will be finished with design and permitting around spring next year. He said construction would follow shortly after.

Copyright 2023 WCSC. All rights reserved.

High School Football Preview: James Island a favorite in Region 7-AAAA

Coming off an 11-win season with many of their key players returning, the James Island Trojans are the clear-cut favorite to repeat as the Region 7-AAAA champion.The Trojans enter the season as a top 10 team in the Class AAAA statewide media poll, and have their sights set on bigger things this season.The Bengals of Lucy Beckham won seven games in their first full varsity season and should be a strong contender for a top three finish in the standings this season.May River, Hilton Head and Bluffton will be playoff-capable...

Coming off an 11-win season with many of their key players returning, the James Island Trojans are the clear-cut favorite to repeat as the Region 7-AAAA champion.

The Trojans enter the season as a top 10 team in the Class AAAA statewide media poll, and have their sights set on bigger things this season.

The Bengals of Lucy Beckham won seven games in their first full varsity season and should be a strong contender for a top three finish in the standings this season.

May River, Hilton Head and Bluffton will be playoff-capable teams. Colleton County, under new coach Adam Kinloch, should be improved but may be a year away from earning a playoff spot.

James Island

HEAD COACH: Jamar McKoy

2022 RECORD: 11-2

WHAT TO KNOW: With talent, size and experience, these Trojans are potentially the best team in school history.

Senior Braxton Scott returns at quarterback after missing most of last season with an injury. Scott is a true dual threat with multiple weapons at his disposal. Senior Wushi Ravenel is among the top wide receivers in the state and Amontre Scott, Amor Scott and James Maxwell are athletic skill players coming off big seasons. Magnum Chestnut is a returning senior leader along the offensive line.

The defense is loaded up front with juniors Dalton Woodall, Malachi Jefferson and Hendrix Beran all showing college prospect potential. Senior Chris Glover returns at linebacker and senior Jayden Whaley anchors a talented defensive backfield. Burke transfer Jaden Brown-Singleton will be an added weapon on both sides of the ball.

The Trojans also boast one of the top special teams unit in senior punter Coleman Franzone and junior placekicker Gray Dangerfield.

Lucy Beckham

HEAD COACH: Jamel Smith

2022 RECORD: 7-4

WHAT TO KNOW: Despite a relative lack of varsity game experience, the Bengals played with great effort and determination to earn a playoff berth last season.

With Smith at the helm, effort is a priority and the Bengals should again be in the chase. Among the top returning performers are athlete Charles Byrd, who can play running back or receiver and is a key playmaker offensively.

Senior Bryce Rothwell returns as one of the state’s top tight ends, Sawyer Hearne is back as a starter along the offensive line,

Linebacker play should be a strength with several returners. Among those returning backers are Hank Aeppli, Jackson Allison and Daniel Fletcher. The defensive line play is led by senior Jaiden Moore. Mason Ombres and Joseph Tolley are returning as defensive backs and may see time at receiver.

May River

HEAD COACH: Richard Bonneville

2022 RECORD: 5-6

WHAT TO KNOW: Bonneville moves from his role as an assistant coach into the head coaching position this season so the transition should go smoothly. The Sharks are 34-9 since 2018 and the winning should continue in 2023.

Junior quarterback Tanner Macy is a key returner offensively, along with junior receiver Gage Duncan. Leading along the front are senior Will Mauro and senior tight end Cayson Simmons.

Two seniors, Adrian Gaston and Karon Green, will anchor the defense along the front. Senior Kammron Mitchell is a key returner in the secondary.

Bluffton

HEAD COACH: Hayden Gregory

2022 RECORD: 5-7

WHAT TO KNOW: Gregory has brought a resurgence to Bluffton and the Bobcats could make a run at a top two finish this season.

The offense will be directed by senior Owen Bayes, who transferred from region rival Hilton Head. Bayes accounted for more than 800 total yards as a part-time starter at Hilton Head.

Junior Sebastian Tollefson returns as one of the top athletes and will see time at running back and defensive back. Sophomore Carnell Warren is the top receiver.

Leading the defense will be senior linebacker Jeremiah Curry and senior end Shane Whitaker. Curry racked up more than 100 tackles last season while Whitaker tallied 12 tackles for loss coming off the edge.

Hilton Head

HEAD COACH: BJ Payne

2022 RECORD: 3-7

WHAT TO KNOW: The Seahawks look to move into the top three in the region with a handful of key returning players on each side of the ball.

With one quarterback transferring to Bluffton, the offense is now in the hands of 6-5 senior Jackson Bibee, who saw extensive action a year ago in a two-quarterback system.

The offense will have balance with the return of junior running back Troy Timko, who rushed for 1,100 yards and 11 touchdowns a year ago.

The defense may be in the overall strength of the 2023 team. Senior end Shaikh Thompson is one of the top prospects in the state, racking up 15 tackles for loss last season.

Senior linebacker Connor Wiendl returns after 61 tackles and 10 tackles for loss last season. Sophomores Chris Holmes (tackle) and Allen Green (end) will step into key roles along the front.

Colleton County

HEAD COACH: Adam Kinloch

2022 RECORD: 1-9

WHAT TO KNOW: Kinloch, a Colleton County graduate and former player, returns home as head coach for his first stint as the leader of a program. The new coach has assembled a staff with several fellow graduates and has worked hard to rebuild a strong culture and relationship with the community.

On the field, wins may be hard to come by in year one, but Kinloch is building a deeper program with increased participation.

While unsettled on a firm starter at quarterback, Kinloch expects sophomore Cameron Grayson to be a major factor at running back this fall. Another key performer is senior Nick Williams, a 6-2, 225-pound tight end.

Senior tackle Jayshawn Brown is the leader along the front with sophomore Xavion Green showing solid potential as well.

Williams also will be a factor defensively, at linebacker. Juniors Amari Williams and Kendall Farmer are showing promise at outside linebacker and senior Kamarion Bryant will anchor the defensive front. Senior Antoine McWilliams is the leader in the secondary at safety.

James Island church destroyed in fire to celebrate new steeple installation

JAMES ISLAND, S.C. (WCSC) - Nearly two years after a church on James Island was destroyed in a devastating fire, church leaders are holding a community event Wednesday to celebrate getting a new steeple installed.“This is just a moment to celebrate what God has done over the past 2 years. The steeple is almost like a beacon to the community like, ‘Hey we’re still here, we’re still here to help, we’re still here to help bring hope,” Pastor Marty Middleton says.The steeple celebration at Fort J...

JAMES ISLAND, S.C. (WCSC) - Nearly two years after a church on James Island was destroyed in a devastating fire, church leaders are holding a community event Wednesday to celebrate getting a new steeple installed.

“This is just a moment to celebrate what God has done over the past 2 years. The steeple is almost like a beacon to the community like, ‘Hey we’re still here, we’re still here to help, we’re still here to help bring hope,” Pastor Marty Middleton says.

The steeple celebration at Fort Johnson Baptist Church on Camp Road begins at 6:30 p.m. There will be music, snow cones, bounce castles, a slide show of the reconstruction process and more.

Lightning struck the steeple in September of 2021, which smoldered overnight until huge flames engulfed the structure, Middleton says. What the fire didn’t destroy, he tells us, smoke and water from the firehoses did.

The steeple collapsed into the sanctuary, with insulation, beams, roofing and other debris tumbling onto the pews and littering the aisles. The classroom space behind the sanctuary was also destroyed, Middleton says.

The sanctuary itself is still under construction and is set to be finished this fall, and the new classrooms behind the sanctuary are finished, allowing preschoolers to enjoy the new facilities when school starts there next week.

With the new steeple set to be installed Wednesday, the whole story will be brought full circle since it was what first caught fire.

“The steeple’s being raised throughout the day today, and tonight hopefully everything will be on the roof and we’ll be able to see and celebrate what God’s done over the past 2 years,” Middleton says. “A lot of times you go through a hard time and it can be difficult, but we want to focus on the positive things that have happened.”

Despite insurance and previous donations to the church, they are about $1.5 million short on funds for the renovation and reconstruction because of required code upgrades and limits on insurance, Middleton says.

“To go through a process like this and end up with $1.5 million of debt is going to be disheartening for our people,” he says. “If there’s a way people want to give or pray or coming out to support what we’re doing right here, that would be greatly appreciated.”

If you would like to learn more information about the renovation or to donate, visit fjbc.net/give

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